There are so many wonderful people doing such good work in the world and sharing their gifts with others. It is truly a joy to read all the posts. I love the idea of simple gifts too for a contest idea. Also of lights and sparkles.

Like many others, I would love to go to the workshop as I need some recharging and the joy of being with the incredible group of people that will be there would be a lovely distraction from the intensity of losing my mom this past summer and the intense grief of the holidays without her.

However,
I am not really feeling I should nominate myself, as much as I would LOVE to and am unable to afford it right now as a single parent running my own business. I know whoever get this opportunity will have a blast, as I have attended MeRa’s workshops before and LOVED them!!!!!!!!!! Ohhhh to be surrounded by cameras and kindred spirits…and the nurturing place of the Inn…My heart feels warm just thinking about it.

I want to share my story because I feel it is essential to the gift we as photographers give. About a month before my mom died she asked me to take a few pictures of her and my dad. Little did I know how precious having those last few “quick shots” of her would be. My mom always had photos, and loved making sure that we were well documented. However she had an illness that took away all her energy and eventually took her away. This made it so she did not make photos a priority and me coming “after her” with the camera was usually a “lets get it over with” When preparing for her memorial I looked thru the recent photos and found deep solace in seeing her zest for life and knowing that I can pass that photo on to my daughter and she has that photo to pass on to her children someday.

I feel this loss has given me so much insight into why I do what I do as a photographer, but more importantly as a documenter of family legacies. Truly the most precious thing along with the memories of a loved one, the image of them and the things they loved are the threads that live on.

May we hold this in rememberance when we go into work. It reminds me of a Photographers Prayer that I have on my desktop. I don’t know who wrote it, but it is lovely.

The Photographer’s Prayer
“Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, never let me forget that I’m creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.
Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer’s art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.
And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment …
AMEN” ?Author Unknown