Nakia Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 As some of you know, I am just starting out in the photography business. I have always had a passion for photography, and I am loving this! About two months ago, my best friend asked me if I would consider taking free portraits for a family whose daughter had cancer. I knew of this family through another mutual acquaintance, and I, of course, said yes. So we got together one Sunday afternoon and I did photos for them. They were so much fun!!! They laughed and joked with each other and me, and we just had a great time! The very next week, their daughter, Karla, was unable to walk due to swelling from her tumors. Karla turned 14 on 12/4 and this past Sunday, she went home to be with Jesus. I went to the funeral home last night for the viewing, and my photos were displayed all over the place. Her family kept telling me how much the photos meant to them and how they cherished them. I kept telling them it wasn't me; it was them. They are just the most amazing family, so full of love and devotion. And that shines through in the photos. As I was leaving the funeral home last night, I just knew that taking those photos was perhaps one of the most important things I have ever done in my life. I feel so honored to have been able to do it for them. I was blessed by them as much, or more, as they were blessed by the photos. I just wanted to share with you all. I know they would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as they lay their baby girl to rest today. If you want to see the photos they are here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crissy Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 (edited) What a wonderful thing you did for Karla's family! ETA: Nakia, the pictures you took are gorgeous. What a treasure! Edited December 31, 2009 by Crissy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Oh, Nakia--how beautiful. I have tears in my eyes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabeline Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Beautiful work, Nakia. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susancollins Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 You did such a wonderful things. I know her family will treasure those photos for years and years to come. I have heard of a local group who actually goes in and volunteers and does photo shoots for terminally ill children in the hospital so their families can have photos and memories. You photos are a gorgeous the Lord has blessed you with a wonderful talent. When I hear of stories of young children that are sick it reminds me to be thankful for my health, my husband, my children and extended families health. Susan :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PineFarmMom Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Wow. The pics were beautiful, and the timing was beautiful also. How wonderful for them to have those pictures!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
specialmama Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 WOW. I have shivers! I agree, Nakia, that was likely one of the most important things you've done as an act of obedience and love... how wonderful! Praying for that family.... :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CAMom Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 :crying: What a beautiful thing, Friend... Praying for Karla's family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milovany Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Beautiful, Nakia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Beautiful work, Nakia! What a lovely way for these parents to remember their daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sadiegirl Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 What a gift you have given that family....great job!!! I gave several photographs that I have taken to family this year and honestly, I think they were some of the favorite gifts. I sometimes think that pictures are under-rated...but they are such a treasure after you lose someone you love dearly. God bless you and allow you to use this gift to perhaps help others in similar situations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 :grouphug: What a blessing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 I teared up also. Such beautiful work! And a treasure for that family! Maybe this can be a side-shoot of your business. Being able to bless people like that in their time of need is truly a gift. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
at the beach Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Thank you for sharing. What beautiful pictures you took. Bless you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emmy Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 That is so wonderful - what a blessing those photos will be to their family, and I'm sure it was a blessing to you to do that for them. The photos are beautiful btw! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Nakia, What a blessing you are to this family. My prayers are with this family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChristusG Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 What a wonderful thing you did for this family!! They will cherish these photos forever. One of the things I love most about being a photographer is being able to freeze a moment in time for someone. You have really captured her in these photographs. Not only was it a wonderful thing that you did, but the photos are also really really good! The colors are beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hedgehogs4 Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 i never know what to say exactly in these situations. i need a "like" button, like on facebook, but it goes way deeper that that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amydavis Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 This made me tear up as well. This was such a beautiful gift that you gave them. The pictures and the timing were perfect. What a wonderful thing to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Precious. One of the things I loved most about photography was moments like you've described. Someday I should tell you about the family that had me create a portrait of their great grandpa. We set it up with him reading his Bible by lamplight....and with family all around, he read aloud while I did my photo thing. It was a lovely moment for all of us. Less than two weeks later, he was speaking directly to the Father he loved... To say the family loved the portraits we did was an understatement. A situation like that is a lot of pressure as I'm sure you felt. During my two decades as a pro, I learned from some of the best. One of the best when it comes to marketing is Charles J. Lewis. Here is his blog addy http://www.cjlewis.com/blog/ If you are going to be in the business, you might as well learn how to market your business so you make a good living at it. CJL helped me make several bucket loads of moola during my days as a portrait photographer. You can always PM me, too. Best wishes...photography is one of the best professions in the world to be in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 thank you for sharing. What a beautiful, beautiful family. She was such a beautiful girl. It was very sad seeing those. I'm glad she's not suffering. I pray for her family. You've shared photos before and I love your work. You're gifted! How about posting a picture of Oscar? :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Heartwarming. Thank you so much for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Beautiful pictures. It was a wonderful gift you were able to give them. So sad what happened. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Such beautiful pictures, Nakia! You captured their love so well. I especially love the picture of the daughter and mom together. I'm sure that will be a treasure to her for many, many years. What a wonderful gift to their family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest janainaz Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 That made me choke up. Those are beautiful photos you took. What a reminder about life...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandtinagilbert Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 Thank you for your walking, talking example of Christ. Using your gifts for God makes for delicious fruit. Thank you for sharing this with us. It is a lovely story to head into the new year. Our prayers are with the family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensway Posted December 31, 2009 Share Posted December 31, 2009 You have a wonderful gift to share. The pictures are beautiful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBC Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 :crying: That was beautiful. I have tears rolling down my cheeks. What a beautiful gift you've given that family. Lori, who will now go have dinner with her family, and need to explain why she's been crying... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 So touching. Thank-you for sharing this and for sharing your talent in such a selfless way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caitlinsmom Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 Beautiful. What an awesome experiance for you to be part of and what a wonderful way for the family to remember their daughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 :angelsad2::angelsad2::angelsad2: That is such a beautiful story. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 Beautiful Pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted January 2, 2010 Author Share Posted January 2, 2010 Thank you for all of your kind words and your prayers for the family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacia Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Wishing peace for the family. You did a lovely thing, Nakia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beth in md Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 Wow. What a beautiful girl and such beautiful photos. It is hard to believe such a bright light could be gone so soon after these were taken. Thank you for sharing these. You have given me much to think about tonight. Beth in MD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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