August 2014

Those I Love: Good Leaders

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This post is part of a Portrait blog circle.  Please click through to see the other talented photographers’ portraits that were taken in August.  The next photographer in the circle is
Linsey Stuckey

We need good leaders and teachers. This fact was made clear to me only after my survival of adolescence. Sure, having someone interesting teach a class is much better than the teacher who only talks to the overhead projector and doesn’t make eye contact (geometry… that guy next to me became a huge crush because of bad teaching). But I didn’t, and couldn’t, see the impact my teachers and youth leaders made on my life until years later.
A couple years ago I was asked to give a talk about mothers, on mother’s day. It was a disaster. I blubbered through the whole thing. Terrible. I shared about all the women in my life up to that point. When I took the time to reflect, Alana, who was one of my youth leaders at church, stood out. There were others. I remember eating a whole bowl of watermelon with one of my “mom” friends. We talked about life and it’s teenage frustrations. My own personal therapist. I wonder where she is today. I digress.
For Alana, it was the trust she placed in me when I didn’t feel anyone at church thought I could be good or spiritual… which was probably true, but still. Her faith in me helped me to see who I could become. I could see my worth, and at 17 self worth is somewhere between “I am so much cooler than that dumb girl” and “all the dumb girls are with the cute guys” (yes, I was pretty boy crazy). I felt like one on the fringe, disenfranchised, I didn’t fit into the Mormon mold… still don’t, really. Everyone needs love, even the weirdos. She gave it freely to the little girl in black baggy clothes and for that I thank her.
While in California for my 20 year reunion Alana gave me a couple hours of her day and allowed me to photographer her. Thanks, lady! It was so nice to catch up.
www.stacieannsmith.com #ThoseILove

Maternity Portrait: A Leap

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Every time I think of this momma and her newest addition I think of the leap of faith it took to get this little bug into the world.  Fear is huge when contemplating creating a life.  I remember the leap it took for Zach and I to decide to have our first.  Sometimes the leap is even bigger to have another.  There is always pain and sometimes loss with a pregnancy.

I heard a mom speak the other day, I think at church, about the sacrifice that is made of mind, body and even life while carrying and delivering a child.  That sacrifice is so profound and all too often forgotten or never understood by a child.  I know I need to be reminded of the sacrifice made for me and am grateful for those I know who live this selfless life.

After all the what-ifs have been laid to rest, the risks listed, the fears looked at head on, this child has arrived.  She is here.  Momma and baby are well and life goes on.

www.stacieannsmith.com #maternity

www.stacieannsmith.com #maternity

Senior Portrait: With Chuck Taylor

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Last year of High School. Ya, I remember that. I’m headed to my 20 year reunion in a couple days so I’ve been thinking about High School more than normal these days.
One of Zed’s favorite teachers at preschool has a senior in high school. It was pretty great to finally get to meet her.  She got pretty comfortable in front of my camera. I know it’s hard, especially in a public place like this, but she did it. I’m sure it has something to do with the lucky Chucks she wore.
www.stacieannsmith.com #seniorportrait

www.stacieannsmith.com #seniorportrait

www.stacieannsmith.com #seniorportrait

www.stacieannsmith.com #seniorportrait

Those I Love

A year and a half ago I listed several projects I wanted to photograph in my creative journal, thanks to Deb Schwedhelm’s workshop.  One that has stuck in my mind I had entitled “Those I Love”.  Since leaving the Boston area (where we had made so many of our good friends) I have dreamed of traveling across the country and the world to visit those that I have loved.  So I made a list.  This list includes friends here in Denver, friends from High School, friends from College and Baltimore.  All those who have touched me at any time in my life.  The list is long and would take nearly forever to photograph. My first would have been this lady, second this guy and his family.

Friday I was able to hang with another of those on my list.  This crew:

www.stacieannsmith.com #ThoseILove #DenverPhotographer

We got to hang with the boys a couple weeks ago at BMX camp, but Friday we spent some time with them all. It was only a little while with everyone at their house and on our way home, I heard Zed complain “We were only there for like 10 minutes.” I reminded him that we were with them for about 4 hours.

I hope that while I’m in California I can connect with my friends now living in Mexico and old friends from HS at my reunion. Yes, I’m an old lady. It’s official.