Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Out of the Darkness Community Walk {South Bend, IN}

I had a really special honor last Saturday, to photograph an event that brings to the surface a really tough subject: suicide. 

This was the first time an event like this took place in the South Bend area, and I was really humbled to be able to be a part of it.

Out of the Darkness Community Walks happen all over the country. They're directly associated with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which is the leading national not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide.

Walks like this are organized to help survivors of suicide - to connect them with others who are in the exact same place - who need the shoulder of another to help them along the way. 

It was a privilege to be present at the event - to meet people affected by suicide - and to learn more about the cause and prevention. I must say too, the camaraderie and support amongst those present, was overwhelming - it's amazing what a little help and understanding can do for those hurting. It was special to see.

While the day was dreary and rain fell, there was still a presence of hope - and thankfulness - after all, the memories and moments shared among those who were lost along the way, will always remain. 

"If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to Heaven, and bring you home again." ~Author Unknown

















Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Rockin' it in Downtown South Bend {Carrie}

Carrie and I met through Model Mayhem. And I'm oh so glad we met! :)

She is such a sweetheart and gorgeous! She is a PURE natural in front of the camera too!

Really enjoyed getting to know her and roam the streets of South Bend to take her picture! Thanks Carrie for such a great time!




















Friday, September 23, 2011

Havin' Some Fun, Family Style! {The Hipskind Family}

This is the beautiful Hipskind family, Amber and Dave, and their sweet boys, Elijah, Owen and Reuben. I've known Dave and Amber for quite some time, but only recently had the privilege of meeting their sweet boys. And OH SO SWEET they are. And such naturals in front of the camera!

We met up a few weeks ago, in downtown South Bend for a fun little family session - and what a blast we had! The boys had some cute ideas - and simply, had a blast together. The youngest, Reuben just couldn't get enough of his older brothers - and was so sweet in trying to do everything they did.

Dave and Amber definitely adore them - and each other! Such genuine interactions - it was beautiful to see.

It was such a blast to hang with them! :) Thanks guys for letting me have some fun with your precious family!
















Thursday, September 22, 2011

Beautiful and Radiant {The Tomczak Family}

This is the beautiful Tomczak's family, Meg, Lanie and Todd.

I met them almost a year ago, at Meg's sister Alison's wedding. Lanie wasn't walking just yet - but was so sweet - and still is a cutie! And walking now!

What a sweet family they are. Beautiful and radiant too. :)

They're expecting another little one in just a few short weeks, a boy this time! What a pleasure it was to capture them during such a special time!