Starks Photography Blog

105

03.09.10

I need to be honest - I'm feeling a bit nervous about writing this post.

Not because I'm nervous to write about Becky, the breast cancer survivor. Cancer, I can write about. I'm nervous to write about Becky, the courageous, spunky, full-of-life, extraordinary woman. Cancer is something that Becky has experienced, but cancer is not what defines her.

So I'm going to make my best attempt to describe what I think does define her.

I didn't get to spend a ton of time with Becky, but I didn't need to in order to understand who she is. She's a straight shooter; transparent, genuine, and a take-me-as-I-am type of person. She has a contagious smile that is constantly planted on her face. She adores her family. She radiates confidence. She carries herself with a certain grace and poise that I long for; I envy her self-assurance. She's not afraid to be goofy or affectionate or energetic - she allows her true personality to shine through no matter where she is or who she is around.

She's a survivor, but more importantly, she's a live-r. Not the organ :); the verb. She knows how to live.

On the day I met Becky, I had been experiencing a day. You know what I mean. A DAY. Nothing was going right, and the world seemed to be wreaking havoc on me every second that I spent awake. It's the kind of day that can put you in a slump; wreck your mindset. And it did - for a moment.

Becky changed my perspective. While we were running through the rain (yes. RAIN. On her shoot. Like I said - it was a day.), I was apologizing. And complaining. And apologizing some more. She stopped me, and with a smile said, 'you didn't know this was going to happen.'

It's simplistic, but so true. We can't control life. It's going to throw us curveballs - days, stormy weather, heartbreak, cancer...but it's up to us how we choose to handle it. We can sulk in our slump, apologize a million times, or take a cue from this lovely lady and keep pushing forward.

I'd like to believe that I'm a better person after hanging out with Becky for an hour. And for that, I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet her. :)

Becky, you seriously rock. You have inspired me, and I'm so honored that you asked me to be a part of your journey. This was one of the most enjoyable shoots I've ever done - even with the 'day' I was having. :) I hope you love these photos - you're beautiful!

Becky's hair has started to grow back (yay!) but she wanted to grab some shots of her before it was fully grown to document such a monumental time in her life. Really cool, right? As we were e-mailing back and forth, I told her to feel free to bring any props along with her that she thought would add to the shoot. She told me that she was bringing along 2 of the things that have helped her the most throughout the whole process - her kids. :)

McKinzi and Michael love their mommy a lot.

And of course, the feeling is reciprocated. :)

How cute are they?!

One of my favorites.

LOVE these two.

Becky, you're gorgeous.

Demi Moore has nothing on this chick. ;)

Denise is Becky's sister (and a great friend of ours - hi Denise! :)). Denise has been one of Becky's biggest cheerleaders, supporters, encouragers, and friends through the past months of challenges and trials. Having a sister myself, I can definitely appreciate how tight their bond must be. Sisters are seriously one of life's biggest blessings.

At some point during the shoot, McKinzi decided that she should wear Becky's hat. And as soon as I pointed the camera in her direction, she worked it. Someone needs to get this girl an agent!

I already knew I was going to love Becky before I even met her. But when she rolled up to the shoot wearing these boots, she stole my heart. <3

So as I mentioned before, it rained. Here, it wasn't downpouring, but it was definitely coming down steadily. Becky and I braved the drops to grab a few shots of her doing what she does best - embracing the moment that life has given her. :)

(8) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend

Becky:

I am in LOVE with these, Amy! You did a wonderful job! I can't say it enough....I love, love, LOVE them. Thank you so much!!!

(03.10.10)

Julie McClung:

Absolutely gorgeous!

(03.10.10)

Andy Schuler:

amazing story, amazing pictures. Way to go, both Becky and the Starks!

(03.10.10)

Renee:

These words and pictures are truly you, Becky! Absolutely love the rain picture! (and those boots) (and all the other pictures!) Fabulous!

(03.10.10)

Callie:

Absolutely amazing. Maybe my favorite blog post ever - gorgeous pictures and a truly inspiring story. So awesome! And I have to comment on how much I love the boots too. :)

(03.10.10)

Heidi Mitchell:

Amazing story, gorgeous lady, cute kids, awesome photos! Love it.

(03.10.10)

Sue Lockhart:

Becky, my heart filled with joy, and my eyes with tears when I saw these pictures. They truely tell of your journey and the love that shines through you to others all around. You and the kids have became our hero, our example, and renews our faith in our wonderful God. You radiate his spirit that lives within you. Who knew the journey would be a blessing to all who love you so much. You are as a shinning star, wise beyond your years.....a true treasure on earth. I love you with all my heart, g-ma

(03.10.10)

Nana:

What can I say, but "WOW"!! Beautiful family, inspiring story, and precious pictures. May God continue to bless this family!
Nana

(03.10.10)

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104

dickins kids : love through the lens

03.07.10

This is my last Love Through the Lens session to post, and it's definitely bittersweet. Love Through the Lens was truly SUCH an amazing experience for Ben and I. We met some incredible people who were willing to get in front of our cameras to support a great cause. We feel humbled and blessed to have been a part of this. It rocked our world. :) (p.s. I'll be posting a LTTL follow-up entry to detail the total amount given, and the experience as a whole, so be sure to check back soon!)

The Dickins kids are Faith, Bethany, Drew, and William. They are probably some of the cutest, most photogenic people I've ever been around. And they're cool. And sweet. It's kind of like the best of all worlds, really. :)

Here's a few of our favorites from the day!

William is the youngest, and he lucked out in the fun-older-siblings department. :)

a little brotherly bonding...

...and sisterly love!

Who doesn't love to swing?!

Favorite group shot!

I try to take at least one 'no face' shot during every session we do. I think attire/shoes say a lot about someone's personality. :)

William and I made a deal; if he gave me one 'nice smile'...

...he could make any face he wanted. (I'm kind of partial to this one, really :))

Faith and Bethany got in on the face-making action too. :)

(2) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend

Faith:

Wow! They look great! Thanks so much for the time you spent with us...I can't wait to see the rest :-)

(03.08.10)

Nana:

Such beutiful siblings and so much love is evident!

(03.08.10)

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103

walbrown family : love through the lens

03.05.10

My posts have been a little light on words lately, but it's not because I don't have a lot to say - it's because I have literally no time to say it. I've been running in 562 directions, and the word 'chaos' is actually an understatement for my life right now. I think things are finally slowing down (but I don't want to talk about it in case I jinx it) - so my long-winded blog posts will be returning soon. I can hear the shouts of joy from all of you as I type that...:)

The Walbrown family (consisting of Randy, Kim, Allison, Ben and Cara) participated in one of our Love Through the Lens sessions, and they are a super fun group to be around. They laugh a lot together, which I believe is the key to a happy, healthy family. And they make monkey faces. How can you not be cool if you make monkey faces?!

The kids - Ben, Allison and Cara.

Then we added the parents to the mix. :)

Mom and Dad need a few by themselves. :)

There's something about this shot that I really love.

Probably my favorite family shot. :)

Ok - so you may be familiar with our personality boxes. If you are a client, you can request them, and we'll make it happen during your shoot or event! The Walbrown kids didn't request a personality box, but after spending some time letting them have total creative freedom in front of the camera, I decided that they definitely deserved one. There's a WHOLE lot of personality in these 9 frames. And I can't take any credit for the awesomeness of the faces or poses - that was all them. :)

(3) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend

Allison:

Yay! I love them! Thanks so much again for doing this with us!

(03.05.10)

Shannon :

hahaha, I love the crazy peace sign tourist one!

(03.05.10)

Amber:

aw, look at my handsome best friend and his perfect family. (:

(03.07.10)

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102

mandy, matt & autumn : just because

03.05.10

Mandy and Matt braved the chilly weather with their little newborn daughter, Autumn, to grab some shots with us in Winter Park.

Despite the cold air, Autumn was a trooper! And Mandy and Matt are truly loving, devoted parents already. It was beautiful to watch their little family interact together, and to see how much they adore Autumn. I'm hoping to see more of them in the future as Autumn continues to grow! :)

Daddy/daughter photos melt my heart. :)

Doesn't it kind of look like Autumn is smiling here? I think she knows how much they love her. :)

SUCH a cute family!

Up there in the running for my favorite of the day.

I have said it before and I'll say it again; I think it is SO important for couples to have photos together, sans kids. Parents should document their love throughout the years because it is their relationship that is truly the foundation for their family. I'm off my soapbox now. :) P.s. How photogenic and precious are Mandy and Matt?!

Little baby fingers. :)

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Michelle Guzman:

I should not be away, but I'm glad I got to see this before bed. LOL! Beautiful work!

(03.05.10)

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100

little callie : just because [she's having her first birthday!]

02.22.10

**Disclaimer : there is a whole lot of cuteness in this post. Be prepared to say the word "awwhhhh" at least 37 times.**

Dear Ben,

After hanging out with Callie today, I have two words for you; BABY. FEVER.

Love,

Your easily-persuaded wife

I seriously can't handle all the cuteness.

Holding hands with mommy.

In the running for my favorite of the day. I just love how little and delicate she looks sitting on that bench.

Happy baby. :)

LOVE these two.

'It's my party and I'll chew on this balloon if I want to.'

A little dress up.

That face is awesome.

p.s. I made the wardrobe selection for this part of the shoot. Hello - boots and leggings? Done. This is a glimpse at how my future child will dress.

So Cami (Callie's mommy) was staying out of photos for the most part, but when she crawled into the tunnel with her, I couldn't resist snapping a few. I adore this shot.

I feel like this is a perfect pair of images to leave you with. :)

Cams, I'm so glad we made this impromptu shoot happen! Happy birthday to Callie! Auntie Amy loves Little so much. You and Clinton are good at making cute kids. :)

*This is the week for sneak peeks and full posts! We have nine shoots on deck that need to be edited, so check back often! :)

(14) Comments Leave comment Send to a friend

Kimberly:

I don't blame you for having baby fever after this shoot! You can't help it! Callie is just wayyyy too cute! Love these pictures. When Kyle and I have kids, we are sooo calling you and Ben for pics!

(02.22.10)

Aunt Beff:

two things: 1. i may be a bit biased but i am pretty sure she is the cutest smartest baby EVER! 2. Amy i am impressed how quickly you got these up! i was wondering how long i would have to wait!

p.s. cami david says she looks just like you!

(02.22.10)

Adrienne:

Every single one of these pictures is amazing and precious. You guys are very talented, although I'm sure with a beautiful subject like Callie, it is also a blast! LOVE the leggings and boots. :-) I'm pretty sure I need to schedule a photo shoot with my little guy now... :-)

(02.23.10)

Megan:

oh these pictures are soooo amazing! Callie is so adorable! Oh and I also love those boots!

(02.23.10)

Mommy:

ooooooo eeeeeeee awwwwww oooooo oooooooo eeeeeee I just don't even think I can handle this right now! Thank you so much for capturing my everything in still frames of adorableness that I can blow up & cover my house with! This really is the most priceless gift anyone could ever provide! You're the best Ames!

(02.23.10)

Brenda(a.k.a grandma):

OMG, these are the best!! Thanks so much for taking them and getting them on here so quickly!! Wish I could have been there to see all the fun!

(02.23.10)

Big (Callie):

Ummmmm oh my gosh. Cutest. Pictures. Ever. In the history of pictures. She is sooooo stinking adorable! And now I can't ever wear those necklaces or shoes again b/c they look so much cuter on Little! :) Love them! Amazing!

(02.23.10)

Nana:

I cannot believe she is one year old!! Absolutely adorable baby and unbelievable pictures!! Great job, Cami and Clint! Great job, Amy, Ben, and 'big' Callie!! She obviously knew she was the center of everyone's attention that day!!

(02.23.10)

Aunt Nyle:

I love seeing your photography, and the most recent shoots are especially good! Keep up the good work!
It was great seeing you all--Hugs

(02.23.10)

Anne Johnson:

She is so cute, loved every picture

(02.24.10)

tina morrow:

What a little cutie-pie! Aimes you captured her cuteness perfectly. And I'm not even gonna comment note to Ben at the beginning of this posting...I'm just patiently waiting...nuff said. :)

(02.27.10)

-brittany-:

are you kidding me with those high heels and necklaces?...precious!!!

(03.02.10)

Granni::

I was out of town when you put these up and had to view them on my phone...i couldn't handle them then and i have looked at them numerous times and each time they bring a tear to my eye...they are just as precious as she is! I might need a copy of that disc too!

(03.05.10)

Christie:

These are probably the cutest pictures ever!..and the boots and leggings outfit is the best! :)

(03.08.10)

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