kayla

Finally! The trees are budding, azaleas are blooming – and it’s time to do some outdoor portraits! Since I’m primarily a location photographer, I rarely shoot portraits in January, February or March. Even though we had a mild winter this year, you just never know what each day will bring. Yesterday the temperature crept up to nearly 80. Tomorrow, we can expect a high in the lower 50’s. I’m so glad I shot Kayla’s senior portraits Thursday when it was nice and warm. We weren’t sure we would be able to shoot since it was terribly windy on Thursday. But Kayla was ready and I was anxious to get outside and take some pictures, so we went for it. I had to pay careful attention to where we shot, but I’m so glad we tried. Kayla was an absolute joy to work with. All I had to do was offer suggestions, and she picked up on exactly what I wanted her to do. Kayla seemed to have a lot of fun having her portrait made. She was cheerful, outgoing, and ready to try anything – my favorite kind of client. And her mom, Stephanie, was my kind of mom, too. I really prefer a parent to be with me when I’m photographing a child – even a mostly grown-up child . But, I really don’t need a hands-on mom who looks over my shoulder, tries to direct the shoot, and is forever fixing hair, picking lint and adjusting clothing. Stephanie was there to help when needed, but left Kayla and I alone to do what needed to be done. I’m very pleased with quite a few of the shots I’ve looked it. I’ve barely started editing, but here are a few of my favorites so far.

I had a hard time limiting my sneak preview to just six seven images. I just found another one I want Kayla to see. This is why I like senior sessions so much – they are FUN!

racheal humphrey cancer fund reverse raffle

Here are a couple of pictures I took of the Humphrey girls a couple of years ago. The pictures were a surprise for their mother’s Christmas present. On the day I delivered the pictures to Lynda, I’m not sure who was more excited – me or the girls. I’ve always loved photographing this family because not only are the girls beautiful; they are sweet, kind, respectful, and appreciative. And you can just see the love these sisters share for each other. In our darkest nightmares, we would never have dreamed what this family would be facing today.

Racheal is now proving what a brave and amazing woman she is. And, her sisters are at her side helping her cope.

A reverse raffle will be held on Saturday, April 12th from 6:00-9:00 pm at Alexander’s – located at 165 Blue Creek School Road next to Tarheel Opry House. All proceeds will benefit the Racheal Humphrey Cancer Fund. The Grand Prize is $5,000 – and there will also be several door prizes. One of the door prizes will be a portrait session courtesy of Elise Beall Photography.  So buy your ticket and maybe you’ll win ME – at least an hour of me!  Tickets are $50 each. You must be present to win – or give your ticket to someone who is present. You may purchase your tickets at Fanci Friends located on Henderson Drive across from Jacksonville High School. But you must act quickly! All tickets must be sold by April 4th.

You can learn about other fund raising activities at http://rachealsbelievers.blogspot.com.

racheal

On February 7th, Racheal Humphrey heard the words that everyone dreads. She was told that she has cancer – liver cancer. Her mother, Lynda, remarked, “You don’t realize how fast you live each day until you hear words like this spoken.” I think we can all agree that a diagnosis like this gets your attention and helps you put your priorities in order. Most people know someone who has had cancer, but it’s not a diagnosis you expect for a beautiful, vivacious twenty-one year old.

When we hear that someone has cancer, the phrases “I’ll pray for you” or “You are in my prayers” are common. The Humphreys have heard these words often over the last couple of months. They are blessed to be surrounded and supported with love, concern and prayers from their family, church, and the community where they have lived their entire lives. Their faith in the Lord and the support of the wonderful people in their lives has provided them with encouragement during this difficult time. Their faith is strong and they sincerely believe that Racheal will be cured.

A friend of Racheal’s, Kasey Allen, decided to form a Relay for Life team to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Racheal named the team Racheal’s Believers – in honor of everyone who believes in God and prays for a miracle for her. Through e-mail and word-of-mouth, 64 members have been recruited with more being added every day. Racheal’s Believers hope to raise at least $5000 for cancer research to battle this horrific disease. Bracelets and tee shirts emblazoned with Racheal’s Believers can be purchased at Fanci Friends across from Jacksonville High School.

A fund has been started to help defray the cost of Racheal’s treatment. Donations to Racheal’s Raiders can be mailed to Celeste Hobgood-Prusaitis at 231 River Reach Drive, Swansboro, NC 28584. The Humphreys would like to thank the community for the love, support and prayers that have been sent their way. As Lynda said, “We are on a journey, and we will get through this with the help of our Lord and the support of our friends and family.”

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.

Now you can check out Racheal’s blog at  http://rachealsbelievers.blogspot.com