I took photos of a family last May…a dad, mom and 2 kids at their favorite place to be…the baseball field. It was just like most of my sessions…they came in coordinated outfits, their hair was done, kids were prepped about what we were going to do, and they were excited. This session was special, as they were using a gift certificate that they had received. I did my normal shtick with them, asking them to interact with each other. So, they hugged, played, smiled, laughed, and the dad tickled his daughter as she squealed with delight. They truly enjoyed themselves and the kids loved the opportunity to hug and be hugged by the ones that they loved the most. They even brought baseball bats, balls, and a tee, so I could photograph them playing ball.

A week later I sent them their images. I even got this nice note from the mom:

“I have to tell you, I have always been disappointed that our wedding photographer didn’t get a ‘money shot’ of the two of us…great shots of us with everyone else, but together, not so much.  Fifteen years later, you got a money shot and this one’s going on the wall, baby. 🙂  Thank you for that.”

I’m sitting at my desk in tears this morning, trying to figure out a way to communicate these feelings that I have without sounding like I’m trying to sell you a photo shoot. Because I’m not. Last week I learned that this dad was killed at work. Someone decided that he shouldn’t live anymore, so they went to his office and killed him.

I have been in communication with the brother of this dad in the last week about getting a few of these images for their memorial service. I sent them every image from their shoot that I had… I only wished I had 100s more to give them. I know it can’t take the pain away, but at least they have something tangible to look at, and perhaps comfort them. Maybe the photos will bring them back memories of a fun day together at the baseball field, and bring a smile.

These are the moments that remind me why I do what I do. It is in times like these that I am reminded to get lots of pictures of the people you care about ~ use your phone camera, your point and shoot, your neighbor’s DSLR…it just doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you have these photos of your mom, your dad, your spouse, your sisters, brothers, kids, friends and anyone else who means something to you. Take photos of the people you love. You’ll be so glad you did.