Tara Flannery is The Woodlands family photographer. As a Certified Professional Photographer, you can trust the proven ability and quality of images from your session. See more family photos here. Contact me to schedule your family session!
Mary
Mary called me asking for information about a family session. After talking to her for a few minutes, I felt like we were old friends. Mary explained that she has stage 4 lung cancer. She has been through several rounds of chemo and about 70 radiation treatments. My heart broke. I knew instantly why she was asking about family portraits. She continued…the session would include her husband, the puppy, and her. They had been meaning to have portraits made but had put it off. And could we schedule it soon because she was starting another round of aggressive chemo next week. Her hair would probably fall out.
The Session
So the scheduled session day arrived. Like any other session, I was greeted with a warmness and appreciation for my efforts. Mary got out of the car. She didn’t move quickly or easily. Every step a burden on her body. Her back was stiff and nearly immobile – a tumor making movement almost unbearable. But she smiled. We chatted and talked to the puppy so he would sit for the photo. The session included a number of different shots, mostly with Mary standing because getting up and down was difficult. We had a good time and hopefully, for a few minutes, they were able to not think about cancer.
About 4 years ago, husband, Ron, proposed to Mary just after she was diagnosed. A selfless and loving gesture, he committed to walking this journey with her. Now, he doesn’t want to talk about what the future holds.
We finished the session and parted ways. As they took a right and I took a left, tears started streaming down my face. These two people – the kindest, most gentle human beings are walking a difficult road with truth and bravery. My heart was broken for them. I sobbed as I drove home, thankful that I could keep it together during the session.
I’m so thankful that we were able to finish the family portraits. Mary and Ron will have these memories to hang on to.
Printed Family Portraits
Printed family portraits are so important. Digital media cannot replace framed wall art or heirloom photographic albums. We want our photographs to be tangible and real for generations to come. Technology is changing so fast now that photographs taken only 5-6 years ago are stored on medium that are no longer supported. I recently purchased a new computer that does not have a DVD drive. Many Mac computers have not had DVD drives for some time. What happens to all of those images stored on DVDs? Do you take the time to convert them? Are they lost forever?
I personally want my family’s photos to live on in wall art and in photographic albums. I want my kids to show their kids the photos of them eating snow, losing a first tooth, and graduating from college.
As The Woodlands Family photographer, I will ensure that your family’s memories are preserved in wall art and heirloom photographic albums for generations.
Tara Flannery is The Woodlands family photographer. As a Certified Professional Photographer, you can trust the proven ability and quality of images from your session. See more family photos here. Contact me to schedule your family session!
