My Amazing Friend Norma

Norma is a lady I had the opportunity to work with in my former life before owning a photography studio. In 2004 she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She came in to my studio to have me take a few shots of her the day before she started treatment so she could have photos before her hair would fall out. Here is my favorite from the session.

Norma underwent treatment and the breast cancer went into remission. A few months ago she started to have severe headaches and it was determined that she had 3 lesions on her brain. She has continued to undergo more treatments and has just recently moved back to her home state of Virginia with her husband Matt and their 3 children. Before they left I took some family photos of them at the facility Norma was staying at recently. These are a few of them.
If anyone can beat something like this, I know it can be Norma. She is a brave, optimistic, determined lady and someone I am very glad I have had the privilege of crossing life's paths with. Norma and Matt, I will miss seeing you guys up here but I know your families will be glad to have you home. My best to all of you.

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Just an update to the blog...one that is long overdue but it has taken me a while to able to write it....
Norma lost her battle with cancer on July 20,2007-not really all that long after my post...or our photo session. She is sadly missed by everyone who's life she touched including myself. My deepest and sincerest sympathies to her family especially her husband, her children and her parents.

Oops we did it AGAIN...

I meet with brides and grooms all the time....most will decide that they want me to shoot thier wedding. A few decide they will have a friend that is pretty decent with a camera take their photos instead of hiring a professional. And since I went through this process of budgeting a wedding myself not so long ago I completely understand trying to cut corners where you can...

that being said...your photos really are the most important part of your budget in that they are the only things you have after its all over. The dress hangs in the closet, the flowers wilt, the cake is eaten, the tuxes returned...you get the idea.

Often I have heard stories of regret. This couple recently hired me to take some professional shots of them a week AFTER the wedding because the friend's photos didn't come out at all...

We couldn't get photos of family and friends, we couldn't get the ceremony again but we did capture some really nice shots of them as a couple. He had to rent another tux and they had to buy more flowers but I know she is glad she has something to show. In the long run, it would have been less expensive if I had been there the first time.

So the lesson learned is if you want great photos of your day make sure you budget a professional photographer from the start and you can enjoy the cake, the dress, the flowers for years to come.

Here are some of my favorites from this shoot.

Eternal Flame

Ashley & Scott came in today, they are getting married on June 30th. They wanted some nice engagement photos so we did some of those....then...we had a little fun. They both are on the fire department in Boothbay Harbor and they brought their gear with them...they were so cute...these are some of my favorites from the shoot but certainly not all of my favorites. As a side note I shot Ashley's senior pictures a few years ago and it was great to see her moving on to this next stage in her life. Ashley and Scott you guys were so much fun and look so happy together I can't wait to work with you again! Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

Isaac is back with...

a new baby sister!! Congratulations Steve and Doreen on your newest family member. It was great too see all of you again. Here are some of my favorites from today's session.

Mother's Day-almost

Denise came in today due any day now. Mother's Day is in just a few days and what a special time to be pregnant with your first child. Denise, you were absolutely glowing!! I look forward to meeting your little one soon. Congratulations!