Amidst all the concern for technical proficiency, lighting and backgrounds, poses, processing, marketing and running a business, it’s easy to forget what a grand reward it can be to touch peoples’ hearts with your portraits.

Recently we had a portrait session at the beach, and the client really liked the portraits, giving us a nice order for wall portraits and gift prints.  Then today I received the following email:

“Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures you took of our family in Naples. My family surprised me with them and I will treasure them forever. What you don’t know is that I have stage 4 lung cancer and have never smoked a day in my life. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago and was only given 1 to 2 years to live. I am doing treatment and praying for a bit more time with my family. My favorite place to be is the ocean and so my family has been doing an awesome job getting me there as much as possible. Being from the Midwest hasn’t been good for my health so being at the beach with the ocean air always makes me feel better. Thanks again for the time you gave us and the awesome pictures you gave my family that they can always hold onto even after I am gone.”

After I responded to her email, she sent me this:

“I know you are very busy and I didn’t expect a reply. I just wanted you to know how treasured your photos are to my entire family! Thanks for capturing family love in your work for all the families you photograph.  I would be honored to be a part of your blog. Thank you again for the photographs”

This makes me pause and give thanks for good health, creative freedom, and family.  I can find no higher reward than serving my clients with my portraits.  This is a blessing.