Katelyn

I'm forgoing my normal my blog style because there is just too much to say.

First of all, in the short time I've been doing photography, I have been amazed by the power of relationships, the various stages of life, and the beauty on the other side of the lens. The simple exchange of love between a newly married couple, or the pucker of a brand new baby, or the playful resistance between a brother and sister, it goes without saying how wonderful being a part of those moments truly is. With that said, yesterday I was afforded an opportunity to capture life in it's most crucial, resilient phase. I may never have a session that centers around the importance of the moment as much as Katelyn's did.

Let me formally introduce you to my new hero. Katelyn is 13, and will be in the eighth grade. She likes boys, and xbox. She's a normal teenager, with normal hopes, normal dreams. It's hard to look at a child and think of them as strong, and brave but that is exactly what I see - a fighter.

Katelyn's life changed a few months ago when she was diagnosed with a form of bone cancer called Osteosarcoma. It was only by incident that the cancer, known as the silent killer, was detected ( a miracle actually.) As a mother, I can only imagine how heartbreaking that news must be. The past few months have been the hardest of both Erica and Katelyn's life but neither of them seem to have a broken spirit. The doctor's appointments, chemo, and constant medical treatment have been overwhelming for them to say the least but each day brings about a new blessing for them, and I truly feel that is why they keep going on. They are embarking on this journey and taking each day as both a blessing and an opportunity. Erica told me that prayers were answered daily, and she could see God's work unveiling little by little. Mercy in motion. That's incredibly powerful.

Katelyn's mom wanted this session to be about the adversity they are facing and that they are sure to overcome. In a few year's when they've beat this, they can reflect on this road with gratitude, and peace, and always remember how precious, and beautiful life truly is. Most people don't really forget things such as fighting cancer, but just like weddings, and all the other milestones of life, sometimes we need a visual reminder to allow us the opportunity to relive that one moment. These images represent so much: life, love, mercy, strength, grace, courage, and beauty.

Katelyn is an incredibly beautiful young lady, even on her worst days, she is vibrant like a new rose with gorgeous, captivating eyes, and a beautiful lively smile. I fell in love with her, and I hope she knows how much she has changed my life. I ask each of my readers to keep her, and her family in your prayers as she continues on this journey. She has more chemo, and a 10 hour surgery to face in the next little bit and you support and prayers would make a huge difference.

Also, Medic will he conducting a blood drive for Katelyn at Lowe's in Lafollette on July 29th and 30th. Your donations will be very much appreciated.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

# 3

In a word: Unexpected

The experience: Hmmmm....Well this was my very first maternity session, and it actually went better than I ever expected. I had been planning this for months just waiting for Shawna's belly to grow. Shawna is my BFF of sorts and she understands my specific brand of crazy and I was thrilled to have her be my first belly. So she got to freeze in the river, and I got goose poop on my hand. I'd call that pretty even. I left the flash at home because who needs flash outdoors? Well people who try to take pictures in the thick of woods with tree cover blocking all signs of sunlight, that's who.

Thanks for being such a great sport, and congrats on baby Evan.

Favorites from the session:

Memphis and Liam

In a word: Go!

The experience: Memphis and Liam are no strangers to CYP. In fact, besides Lily, these guys were my practice subjects, even before this became what it is. They’ve endured endless torture on the other side of my lens. They’re my cousins babies, and they are absolutely precious. It seems that though any ability, natural talent, or hope that I have as a photographer goes out the window when these two are around. They’re always on the go and I have about 200 pictures of the back of their head, or a blur coming by me. Amy assures me that it’s not just me and that they treat all photographers equally. Haha!!!!! Nonetheless, we always have fun and I’m always a little more appreciative of mom’s with little boys. There is never a dull moment in the Marlow house and I’m witness to that. I told Amy that maybe when they were in their 20s we could actually get them to sit by each other, and be still for just a second.

Favorites from this session:

Rock a bye baby!

In a word: Unexpected

The experience: Statistically, like most things in life, not every session will go flawlessly. Most of the time a normal session will have a few small hiccups, but you can depend on that and as a photographer, we’ve learned to circumvent the normal problems that we face. However, this session falls into a different category altogether. Haha! But it’s okay. Little Marcus is new to the world, and unfortunately he’s not adjusting to baby life as well as we wish he would. Marcus is colicky, so he has a few bad days every now and then. Unfortunately, this was one of those days. He preferred the safety of his momma’s arms over my baskets, boxes, and crates. I can sympathize with that, there are days I'd rather relax in the comfort of my bed and favorite quilt than actually work. Plus it was scorching hot and miserable, even the happiest baby would have been irritated by the heat. He did give me the benefit of about ten shots, and those ten were pretty awesome. His big brother and sister were so cute trying to calm him and hold him. They constantly checked in on him to make sure he was okay. He is a complete doll and I fell in love with his wavy black hair. Since the day didn’t go as planned, I hope to see this little feller again soon.

Favorites from this session:

Family Time

In a word: Together

The experience: This family is pretty special to me. We've gone to church together for a couple of years now, and I’ve taught their kids in Sunday school. Let me just say that our church is really awesome. We’re a small group and as country as cornbread, but we worship God and couldn’t be a closer group. I count each and every one there as close friends and these guys aren’t any different. If you are looking for a church to go to, or are interested in coming to be a part of us, we’d love to have you. The church is New Freedom Baptist and we are located on Duff Road, about 7 miles North of Lafollette.

Marie and Brandon are some of the greatest people I know, and Molly and Sam, well you can see how special they are. Molly is a real animal lover, and always equipped with some wonderful accessories that she loves to show off. Sam is newly one year old, and just beginning to walk. He is one of the most loving babies, and he always “sugars” on me at church. I find it enjoyable to watch these kids grow. They become a part of you when you see them regularly and I know that my life has been touched by just knowing them. I enjoyed spending the morning with you guys and hope you enjoy your beautiful images.

Favorites from this session:

Connor

In a word: Friend

The experience: This was a quick session! Probably less than fifteen minutes, but each second was action packed with fun. Connor is such a cool guy, and he certainly entertained me, and schooled me quite a bit on all things trains. Connor's mom is hosting a walkathon for Open Doors of East Tennessee in honor of her son. You can find out more information here . It's a great cause, and is especially dear to my heart. Take a few minutes to visit her page.

I'm glad I got to spend the time with you Connor, and I'm glad to call you my friend!!!

Favorites from the session:

The Babies

In a word: ohhhhh.........

The experience: Okay, these babies are really special to me. First of all they're cousins and they were born on the same day. If that isn't cool enough, they both have rockstar hair. I'm in love with both of them, and I spent more time snuggling with them than actually photographing them. They have very special mommies, that I call friends. These babies are complete miracles, and bring so much hope to their family. But that's how God works, isn't it. Sends hope to us in the smallest packages?

Favorites from the session: