If you ever want to know what enjoying life looks like, look no further. These five sister: Sandra, Johanna, Denise, Kim, and Gina live life to the fullest. Three of the five sisters flew in from Texas for a seven day visit to California (where the other two sisters reside). Kim asked if I would take them out for a photo shoot to capture them enjoying one another. I was honored. The anticipation of the shoot was growing. When I met these wonderful ladies one of the first things they said to me was, “we want a picture that looks just as good as that one (pointing to a gallery wrapped canvas on the wall).” Luckily, the canvas they were pointing to was one I happened to take. We laughed and I replied, “no problem!”
From the moment we arrived at our location on the day of the shoot we could not stop laughing. They laughed with (and at) each other, lovingly poking fun of one anther and genuinely expressing heartfelt sentiments toward each other. I loved being their photographer. Joy was written all over their faces. These sisters have been through a lot together. Earlier this year they mourned the passing of their mother. While they were “posing” for one of the shots on the bridge, one of the Ladies asks, “Hey! Aren’t we missing somebody?” For a split second everyone kind of stopped and someone replied, “yes, Karen”.
Karen is the sixth sister. A few years ago Karen lost her battle with cancer, forever leaving a hole in each one of her sister’s hearts. It touched my heart to know that even now, years later, as they are laughing and having fun, they still remember and include Karen in their get-togethers. But even more importantly they include her in the love that they share for one another.
Denise brought her husband, Fred along with her for the shoot. Now Fred is not just an ordinary guy. Ask any one of the sisters and they will tell you, Fred is not their Brother-in-Law, but rather, their brother. Everyone adores Fred. I suppose you would too if you had an opportunity to spend five minutes with him. He is someone you build a relationship with very quickly. Fred will leave an imprint on your soul. He is the kind of guy you look up to and want to be like. I’m sure many people admire Fred from afar; I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to admire him up close.
Thank you ladies (and Fred) for the amazing time together.
From left to right: Gina, Johanna, Kim, Sandra, and Denise
Sandra, I loved you in your sunglasses. Work it, work it!
Denise, you rocked it! Gina, you missed your calling, you are definitely a comedian!
Rawr!!!
I love this picture, one of my favorite of the day.
Johanna, go-ahead with your bad self!
The sweetest, kindest person you will ever meet.
When I showed the ladies their proofs, the room erupted with laughter and about five minutes of banter regarding this photo, they loved it.
Watch out Fred… Denise is a “Brick House” LOL!
You two love birds…so cute!
7 comments
November 13, 2011 - 8:10 am
I LOVE these photos, and these lovely people!! I wish they lived closer to us!
November 14, 2011 - 7:37 pm
Rich thank you so much for making our day a wonderful experience we love the pic we also thank you for the nice things you wrote about us thank you thank you thank you. Wonderful
November 16, 2011 - 10:31 am
Awesome! Great work!…My eyes are filled with tears but my heart is filled with joy as I read your blog. Thank you so much. You did an outstanding job. I thank God for two of the many gifts that He has granted you: preaching the goods news of our Lord and Savior and the gift of touching many lives of people through photo shoots. This is life changing for many of us. Thanks a bunch and keep of the great work: naturally and spiritually. Love ya big brother or should I say lil brother. Lol
Denise
November 20, 2011 - 8:16 pm
Richie!
All I can say is … WOW!!!! You seriously have some skills! I knew from previous pictures and Olivia’s video project how talented you were, but…the beauty and simplicity of these pictures are incredible. I had a blast watching all this happen “live”… what a fun day! I still can’t believe we got these city girls to walk through [hidden] tarantulas in the grass, semi-hike through rough trails and scale huge rocks for some awesome, unforgettable shots. What I enjoyed most was how you put everyone at ease with your laid back California style, patience and professionalism. I appreciate how you seem to be operating in your gifts and you seem very content in your own skin (would that more Christians be likewise) because look at the results! We couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. May God continue to bless you and your family! Love your Texas Brother – Fred.
November 24, 2011 - 4:51 pm
Love these pictures, you did a beautiful job with my mom and my aunties (uncle)….Thank you
December 6, 2011 - 1:51 pm
Gods angels,photographed by an angel,with angels watching.
These pictures are worth a thousand words. May God Bless You!
With lots of smiles-Johanna.
January 3, 2012 - 1:33 pm
I love this pictures. I personally know Johanna and always knew she was beautiful both inside and out! I love family pictures and this one rocks! Thanks for sharing!
Losing sight when we are in the forest is a condition we all suffer from; getting clarity is the cure. It’s amazing how clear things become when you get some height and begin to see the big picture.
1 comment
November 17, 2011 - 7:14 pm
WOW, AWESOME CLAIRTY!!! LAKE TAHOE…….EMERALD BAY……NICE
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