As portrait/wedding/ high school senior photographers we are often asked to photograph the most joyous celebratory aspects of people’s lives. It is no wonder we often work many hours more than most of your friends who have other jobs. It can be addicting being a part of all the awesome moments in other people’s lives, living vicariously through them. It’s fun. And shooting seniors is the most fun I have ever had. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t get to enjoy my high school years, but that’s a different story. I just love adding to their experience of their senior year and creating memories for them they will always look back on and laugh and cry.
But sometimes you will encounter a situation with a senior that will stop you in your tracks, give you a new perspective of life and push your limits. This happened to me when Elsie came into my studio. I didn’t know the particulars of this appointment, other than the fact it was a senior session and I did recognize the name, I have photographed Elsie several times when I was doing elementary school photography and she stood out to me because she was so beautiful. Captivating eyes and the most gorgeous long locks of hair. In fact it was her picture that I used as a sample to prospective schools each year, I could always count on that beautiful curly hair.
So when I came into the waiting room I was taken back by what I saw, Elsie was nearly bald, and I instinctively knew it was not by choice, she had cancer. This was the result of chemotherapy. But having her senior portraits done at this time was her choice. It was Elsie’s brave way of tackling this disease, it was not going to stand in her way of living her life to the fullest. It was in her eyes, a quiet confidence that told me that she was a warrior and was ready for battle. I knew there was a story there, and in conversation it was revealed to me that her friends and family had shaved their heads and cut their ponytails in support and that her mom saved the hair in two garbage bags. So I suggested we bring all these kids in and photograph them with all the hair on the floor, and the barbers came along too. I gave all the participants an 8x10 of this. But I felt the story only started. I asked if I could accompany her on her chemo treatments, and after clearing it with the hospital it was set. I didn’t know why were doing this, neither did Elsie, but we both thought it was important. It turned out to be a great story, a story of bravery, a story of triumph and a story of a community of young friends who banded together to support their friend.
I continued to photograph Elsie as the year progressed, after she finished her chemo treatments, and as she crossed the stage at her graduation, wowed the class with her stunning prom dress, and moved away to college, and at Christmas time that year she was one year cancer free.
Since then, the local cancer center has used these images to teach other young people about what to expect from the disease, the treatment, and how to foster healthy attitudes about it. The images will always be there for her to look back on. To remember, to inspire others. For me I was humbled to be part of this journey. The images were assembled into an album and were entered and won Best Feature Album at PPOC Atlantic and PPOC National. It was also went Loan in the United States and PPA.
Because of this attention I have been involved in many projects since which are used to help others and have given me lots of positive press for my business. It is a win/win situation. I am currently involved with projects with the Cancer Center, the neonatal center at the hospital, the Cystic Fibrosis Society and the Autism Society. My studio is considered a very generous leader in our community and its great to be involved in such worthy projects.
So..the tip here is to ask yourself, how can you use your gift to give back to the community and build your business at the same time?
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Join John Ratchford and other Instructors at their 5 Day, Hands-On
Workshops in August at The Niagara School Of Imaging Sunday, August
16th, 2009 through Thursday, August 20th, 2009, At Brock University
in Niagara Falls, Canada |
