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Haiti Day Four | Toledo Missions Photographer

April 10, 2012

I’m slacking, I know!  I’ve been keeping this blog post in the back of my mind for awhile now, since this, in my mind, is one of the important ones.  This one is about the kiddos.  Those beautiful, bright eyed children.  The orphanage kids.

About 40 years ago, a couple from Michigan named Don & Doris Peavey felt a call in their hearts to go to Haiti.  They and their four children sold practically everything they owned and moved to Dessalines, Haiti where they started an orphanage, called Ebenezer Glenn Orphanage .  This orphanage is pretty self sustaining…and a very safe place for displaced children to live.  They are fed, clothed, basic medical needs are attended to, and given schooling.  They are brought up with good values and morals.  Graduates of EGO are now nurses, accountants, worship leaders, teachers and computer operators.  These kids are given a chance at life.  These are the lucky ones. They do depend on the grace and generosity of others to help them going and their needs are almost always met…however they can always use more help.  The Peaveys are close to 80 and are looking for a couple to replace them in this endeavor as it is time for them to come back to the states to live out the rest of their years here.  What a wonderful, awesome couple they are.  Full of love and full of God.  All the kids call them “Mom and Dad”.

When we arrived at the orphanage on the first day the small kids were eating rice and beans.  I scoooped up a baby out of a walker and sat down and within minutes we each had 5 or 6 kids pushing and shoving to sit on our laps.  I wasn’t sure how to react or how to act, but I decided to let them lead me.  We giggled and talked and touched and it was beautiful.

The second day we were there I didn’t have a ton of interaction with them as I was working and then rested in the afternoon.

Now it’s Friday.  We worked and painted all day this day but I took some time during the day now and then to walk around and peek into the daily life of the orphanage.  This blog post will be VERY image heavy :)  Hope you don’t get bored. ;)

While the men continued painting, I went and grabbed my camera and started to wander.  The kids and women were still a little unsure of me there and I was unsure of *myself* with how much I could ask, etc.  A teacher came outside while I was talking to an itty bitty child and told me I could come into the school houses.  So I did. :)  All of these images in the school house(s) are taken with my film camera as the light was so…non existent and my digital camera couldn’t handle that low of light.  I first went into the school where it housed the tiny ones.  1, 2 and 3 year olds.  WOW…did I ever want to scoop them all up and sneak them in my suitcase and bring them home!  These children…ALL of them, are just strinkingly beautiful.  Beautiful skin, and bright sparkling eyes, and they just want your love and attention.  Most of them have a big smile for you at the ready at all times.

 

 

I then just peeked my head into the other school rooms.  Those teachers have COMPLETE control over those children, let me tell you! :)  They tell them to sit up and look at me and they all do…very quiet and inquisitive.  I only snapped a few before I moved on.  I spent the most time with the little ones.

 

Don’t you love all of those bright, blue uniforms?  Every school in Haiti has uniforms and they are all different colors.  It is always a gingham checked shirt with a coordinating solid fabric.  All the girls wear skirts or dresses, as do the women.  All of these particular uniforms were hand made at the orphanage.  I can’t imagine having to sew allll those uniforms for all those kids!  Amazing.  A lot of these kids are children from town as well….they come in from town to go to school here.  The orphanage houses approximately 50 children at a time.  I did a little research and it appears that only a little more than half of school age children attend school.  To attend school, it costs money.  Attending school is very important but often doesn’t happen due to the lack of money for the families.  Less than 2 percent of children go or finish secondary school.  Literacy rate is about 50%.  This is why, in my opinion, sponsoring a child is so very important.  Sponsoring a child will help a child go to school and give them a CHANCE in life.  I will provide more information on how to do this at the end of this post.

Some of the children in the orphanage have at least one parent.  Many times the mother dies either during birth of a child or from poor medical care and so the father will have to bring the child to the orphanage because they cannot feed them.  It breaks my heart even though it is a very loving thing to do for their child.

As I said earlier…the orphanage is pretty self sustaining.  They have a windmill that helps to pump water within the tanks full of farmed fish.  They have huge gardens for vegetables.  They have many goats for meat and milk.  Rice and beans have to be bought and is provided with the money that people like you, provide, to feed the children.

 

This is a solar bread oven that was installed by a missions team about a year ago.  It makes THE most delicious bread!  Isn’t that awesome?

As I was walking around a couple of the older girls came out of one of the dorms gesturing to me asking me to take a photo.  They got these kids all dressed up and stood them in front of the newly painted dorm.  Rob said to me….”Isn’t that awesome?  Look what you’re doing!  They got these kids dressed up, just for you….because  YOU painted that dorm and YOU’RE taking their photos.”  It made my heart hurt and I felt so incredibly humble.  Look at these beautiful, gorgeous children.

The two little ones on the right are twins.   The little girl on the left is about a month younger than the twins!  That’s Cindy.   They are beyond gorgeous.  And so happy.

 

Here are some sweet paintings that is in the dorms.

 

Another thing I want to mention is the women that work and care for the children.  A lot of the women live and sleep at the orphanage and in turn they are fed and cared for.  They sleep in the dorms with the children and are with them day in and day out.  Some are young, some are old.  Some of the younger women are graduates of the orphanage and now come every day to work there.  They are good, caring women and love these children as their own.  They are stern and dole out discipline when needed but I never saw too many incidents where the kids were acting crazy or out of hand.  Just being kids.  Sweet and mannerly kids which is awesome!

This day I caught one of the women ironing.  I was intrigued.  She showed me the iron, it has charcoal in it and is very hot.  They iron EVERYTHING.  And I mean everything…even the little diaper covers.  After I took a few photos she handed the iron to me to let me try my hand at it.  I didn’t do so well.  One of the girls was coming over and inspecting what I was doing and it definitely was not up to par.  It made me giggle.  I tried to explain that not many people iron over here in the states…we either wear it wrinkly or toss it in the dryer.  They couldn’t comprehend it.  I took the photo of the iron with film and then one of the kids took the photo of me ironing.  (You can see one of the girls examining my work on a denim vest, lol!)

 

After lunch I walked around some more and caught up with the kids playing on the playground.  A missions team came in and built this for them, how wonderful!  Here are some photos.  Let them speak for themselves.

These kids are kicking around a fabric ball.

 

Gahh!  She is just so hauntingly beautiful.

 

 

 

The little girl Jozienne that stole my heart from the beginning.

 

Her twin:

 

After the playground I walked around near the well and the kitchen.  Caught this one of the women preparing food in the kitchen.  I posted photos of the “stove” in the kitchen in the previous blog post.

I have so many photos of this little boy.  He loved the camera.  Look at him pose!

This is Francine, or “Frankie”.  He has been at the orphanage a very long time.  When he was a baby his father tried to strangle him to offer him up as a human sacrifice.  He loved to run up to us and give us a fist bump.

 

Part of the Peavy’s home on the compound.  The upstairs is theirs, the downstairs is the little’s schoolhouse.  They have solar powered warm water, generators, etc.  Very self sustaining.

The dorm where the little’s live.

 

And now the fun part.  How can YOU help these kids?  So many people can’t for one reason or another travel internationally to do missions work and that’s fine.  It’s NOT for everyone, definitely!  But many many people want to help but have no idea how.  The biggest way to help?  Pray.  Pray for these kids, and for the people of Haiti.  Pray that their conditions improve, the government improves…and they get the resources they need to help themselves.  The next best way is to donate money.  You can donate money and KNOW FOR SURE THE MONEY IS GETTING THERE by sponsoring a child.  I am in the process of sponsoring two children.  One from Dessalines (in the town) and one from the orphanage.  When you sponsor from International Child Care (Ministries) only a tiny portion goes for administration purposes.  Our church uses this organization to sponsor children. It is completely legit, I promise.  You can pick your child and be sure that your money goes to THAT child to help them get schooling, food and medical care.  You could make such a huge impact on a little one’s life.  So many of these kids don’t have food, no access to medical care and definitely no schooling.  All of those things we take for granted here…as one of our rights.  Here is a link to International Child Care Ministries For $25 a month you could help a little girl or boy get what they need. Just think…that is a video game. Or a few starbucks a month. A lunch for one or two. People say “I don’t have the extra money for that right now.” Almost all of us can find $25 a month, by cutting something out. Something we don’t need anyway.

You can also directly help the orphanage. You can sponsor a child through the orphanage but the money you send will directly affect ALL of the kids there. It is either $40 or $60 a month. A bit more, but I am anxious to do it since I have been there…and know the people and have hugged and kissed the children. I can provide their rice and beans for a week with my funds that I will send. This is why I share these photos. I hope that it brings you closer to them. To *want* to help them. To help save these kids…to help give them a chance in life. Here is a link to the orphanage and a sponsorship link:
Ebeneezer Glen Orphanage . Please…take some time to pray about it. If I could get just ONE child sponsored in Haiti through my blog…it can make a difference! Please let me know if you find it in your heart to do so. If you have ANY questions, please contact me!

This was a full day for me. In the morning, we were gathered around the table at the compound, preparing for chapel. Rob reminded us that any of us could do a devotional. He has said that many times and I just giggled and waved him away. I grabbed a bible and opened it up to my favorite verse. I thought it fitting and decided to use it for devotional on this morning. It was a huge step for me. My first public spiritual experience. I felt so grateful and at peace. This verse has helped me in so many times…and maybe, just maybe…it will help you as you are reading it now.

Matthew 11:30 –
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Posted in Film, PERSONAL | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

by Chixie

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Haiti Day Three : Toledo Missions Photographer

March 29, 2012

Let me be honest here.  I’m having an incredibly difficult time getting back into my “normal” after my experience in Haiti.  I don’t want to be back to my old normal.  I like that my eyes have opened up.  I love that my heart feels full.  I just don’t know what to do with it all.  I am feeling a whole mix of jumbled up emotions and I’m not entirely sure how to sort them all out, because…well, I like to have them all neat and boxed up so I can go through them one by one.

I’m thinking this all might be a test.

A test from God.  To see how I use what I have learned and gained.  There are a few little seeds planted, in my heart and my head…and I’m just sitting here going…”What now, God?  What do I do now?”  Unfortunately I am still an impatient person so the thought that this will all take TIME and patience is driving me crazy :)

I feel wrecked and ruined.  But all for the good.  Now I have to piece myself back together and stitch myself back up into the Me I’m happy to see.

Found this online this morning and thought it fitting:

I’m having a very hard time putting my feelings into words.  It will come.  For now, let’s go on to Day 3.

Up nice and early this morning….not sleeping well has the plus side of hopping right out of bed at 6 a.m.  Who would have thought I was a morning person? :)  Our mornings consist of us all getting up and getting ready for the day and then going into the communal room at the compound for a light breakfast on our own, meditation, praying and getting online.  I had more questions for Rob this morning from Exodus, and was happy to have them answered in a way I could relate to and understand.  Chapel is at 8 a.m., at the hospital so we hopped in the truck and made our way there.

Taken before chapel, on the roof of the hospital:

 

This morning was my first day of Haitian Chapel at the hospital.  Dr’s and nurses at the hospital are expected to attend, every morning.  Here is the pastor, doing a bit of a teaching and chatting with us.  He does some teaching and encourages us to do a devotional every day.

 

“Bibla” (Creole Bible)

We sang a few hymns, in Creole, even though we had NO clue what we were saying or singing.  The Creole language is just beautiful to listen to.  Pastor did a teaching and so did Rob.  Right after Chapel we headed into the hospital to visit patients but…there weren’t any!  This is always a good thing.  I walked around and snapped a few photos, with my film camera, of course…so I don’t have anything to show you right now.  Those are coming hopefully very soon!

This house was right across from the hospital and I could see it from the roof where I had been standing earlier.  I thought it was beautiful so once we got into the street I had to take a few photos of it.

 

Just a street view in the early morning.  Love the light.

We then headed to the orphanage where we began our painting.  We made a goal to get three buildings completely repainted (on outside) in addition to a few of the classrooms in the new schoolhouse for the orphanage.  It was mundane and very hot work, but good for all of us.  It gave us time for quiet reflection, mindless chitchatter, and to just “be” in our surroundings.  We were surrounded by many goats running around, a few bulls, a couple dogs, and a few little ones.  The rest of the kids were all in school.  We could listen to the chitchat of the women who were working there and wonder what they were talking about.  Every now and then throughout our visit we could hear “Blanc” and know they were speaking of us, but had no idea what. :)  The language barrier was extremely frustrating for me on this day and I was starting to not feel very well.  I think the heat and lack of rest was finally wearing on me.  I didn’t get a whole lot of digital photos this day, but the NEXT blog post will be extremely image heavy. :)  (I went into the school buildings and took photos of all of the kiddos in their classrooms, but with my film camera since I could use it in lower light…the classrooms were pretty dark).

Here’s what I did get on this day.

Me painting (this wasn’t taken by me obviously…or even with my camera…but it goes along with the story so I am posting it.  Thanks Tim!)

One of the many many goats at the orphanage.  They are penned up a lot but are also let out many times during the day to eat and just run around.  Goats are a huge staple in this culture…for meat and for milk.

 

The women were doing laundry this morning.  The water pump was always at work, being pumped by everyone.  This well is the life of the orphanage.  This is where they bathe, wash their clothes, cook, everything.  It was rare to see nobody near the water pump.

 

Every morning, cooking is going on.  This is part of the kitchen.  They are making massive amounts of rice, beans and usually a stew concoction for the kids for their afternoon meal.  When they are finished cooking and have emptied the pots, they call the animals in to eat out of those pots.  It cracked me up every day.

A couple photos of the indoor kitchen they use inside one of the dorms:

One of the many animals at the orphanage:

 

Laundry hanging out to dry:

I caught this one of this sweet boy.  He is a twin to a gorgeous little girl.  You’ll see more of them both soon.

 

We broke for lunch after painting all morning.  After lunch I decided to lay down and ended up sleeping most of the afternoon.  The rest of the team went back to the orphanage to paint more.  It stormed a crazy storm while they were there, so really I did not miss much.  I woke up alone in the compound, late afternoon and was feeling lonely, so I went outside to snap some photos.  I was trying to sneak a few of the boys playing soccer across the little street from the compound when the little ones caught me and came running.  I was just finishing up when the guys drove up; they were finished for the day.  I was happy to have some company again.  I knew tomorrow would be a better day.

I got to skype with my husband and kids this night and it made all of my heartsickness feel better for the time being.  I was starting to miss my kids faces, and missing the support of my husband while I was feeling so down.  It definitely uplifted me to hear them and see them!

A beautiful Haitian sunset, taken from behind the compound wall.

 

Thanks so much for going on this journey with me.  Leave a comment to let me know you were here.  Your comments and emails are so uplifting to me, I am so glad that I have been blessed to be able to share this story with you all.

Posted in PERSONAL

by Chixie

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March 29, 2012 - 5:27 pm laura - Oh Tara, every image is wonderful and touching...

March 29, 2012 - 7:08 pm Melissa - That darn film camera! Just more to look forward to. :) Great job!

March 29, 2012 - 7:49 pm Kara Layfield - I am really enjoying reading about your journey and thoughts. Gorgeous photography!! LOVE the one of the kids behind the fence.

March 29, 2012 - 11:23 pm Sara T - Unreal. I love every one of these. You have a beautiful heart.

March 30, 2012 - 1:57 am Danielle - SPEECHLESS

March 30, 2012 - 3:07 pm Heather - Thank you so much for sharing your trip and thank you so much for visiting our Haiti preparation blog as well. I am looking forward to experiencing the happiness and sadness that will come. Thank you sooo much. http://haitiforchildren.blogspot.com/

March 30, 2012 - 3:09 pm Heather - BTW.. So wish you were closer!!

April 2, 2012 - 1:40 am Andrea - Beautiful pictures! Reading your blog reminds me of how my sister was coming back from spending months in Haiti working in a small health clinic in the mountains. She came back December of last year and with all of the holiday madness...I remember we were walking in the mall and she just broke down in tears. She said she was just so overwhelmed and couldnt put it into words. Your pictures are beautiful and really tell a story. You are probably doing exactly what God wants you to be doing at this time! Thank you for sharing and Im gonna send the link to my sister!

Haiti: Day Two | Toledo Missions Photographer

March 27, 2012

I’ve had so many people email me, message me, and call me to let me know how much they are enjoying my Haiti stories and photos.  That means so much to me.  I hope to reach a whole boatload of people through my blog and stories…to bring an awareness of the Haitian culture and it’s people…especially the children.

I’m back into the daily grind here at home and finding it difficult.  Don’t get me wrong…I missed my family terribly and came home with a whole new appreciation of my husband and my kids.  I think sometimes we all take each other for granted in life, and sometimes it takes something life changing to realize that we shouldn’t.

Hold your love ones close.  Tell them how much you love them.  Show them how much you love them.  Let the little things go, because it’s not important.

I came back to the States with my eyes wide open.  The excess of STUFF that we all have…and NEED, or think we need, more.  I was hanging up some clothes in my son’s closet yesterday and I thought to myself how a typical Haitian would fall over at the amount of clothes hanging in this closet.  And there wasn’t that much, a few shirts, pants and a couple jackets.  I came home feeling overwhelmed at all of the crap we have, and the realization that truly we are all so entitled. It’s all part of our culture.  I actually really envy a lot of the Haitian culture.  There is a complete sense of community and simplistic nature… if only by necessity.  Everyone helps each other, because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t survive.

On to Day 2.

We were up early, in Xaragua, anxious to get to Dessalines where we would spend our week.  We packed the truck back up and headed out.  Our first stop was “The Beachhouse”…as it’s been named.  This house on the beach is owned by part of the association that our church and the missions that we run are a part of (a large organization) and is empty.  There is talk of getting it back up and running and then we wouldn’t have to stay at Xaragua when teams come in, we could stay instead at the Beachhouse as a halfway point.  It is empty and we could see squatters in there hiding.  We did not go inside.  There is a wall surrounding the place and if it were to be restored there would have to be armed guards stationed there at all times to keep squatters and vandals (stealing) out.

The view right out back:

The view from that pier:

 

And our first group photo (sorry Jamie, it’s the only one I had! :)  )

 

Then we got back on the road for another 2 hour drive or so.  It was Wednesday, which is a very big Market day in all parts of Haiti.  A passing shot:

I mentioned “TapTaps” in my previous post.  This is a Haitian taxi.  It could be a motorcycle, a truck, a bus…anything that moves. They pile as many people as possible on them.  Here was an interesting way to ride… see the boy behind the ladder?

We stopped in Saint Marc to go to the grocery store.  A very small grocery store but they had the coffee we wanted to take back to the States and they accepted American money.  I think we cleaned them out of their stock of good coffee! :)

We arrived in Dessalines and was just pulling up the two track up to the compound and Tim jumped out of the back of the truck and threw up.  We assumed he was car sick since he rode in the bed of the truck facing backwards.  Turns out, we are pretty sure he had food poisoning.  He was sick for 2 days.  Word to the wise…don’t eat salad in Haiti when you don’t know for sure that it’s been prepared properly.  He was the only one that ate some lettuce/salad in Xaragua so we are thinking that was the problem.  We all felt so bad for him.

We arrived at the compound and were assigned our rooms.  We met the cook, Chaupette who is a beautiful and tiny little Haitian woman with so much love in her eyes and heart.  She cooked an awesome Haitian meal for lunch (and every day after while we were there).  Beans and rice are a Haitian staple, and lots of seasonings and spices.  I was eating something that I thought was beef but it turned out to be goat.  I’m the type of person that will eat most anything if I don’t know what it is.  I had a hard time eating it after that.  So I just said…”Don’t tell me what I’m eating”. :)

Jacquelin then took us to Market down in Dessalines.  We walked there in a little group.  I wanted to take as many photos as possible but so many people do not want their photos taken, so I had to be careful of what I was pointing my camera at.  The sights, sounds and smells were so overwhelming.  People are stacked on top of each other, so much yelling, the sun was blazing hot and the smell of garbage, rotting food, unwashed bodies were all encompasing.  I’m so glad that I got to see it but I didn’t have any desire to go through again. ;)  Here are some photos of Market day:

This beautiful woman gave her permission to have her photo taken…and Rob gave her a coin in thanks.

Goats waiting to be bought and slaugtered:

This was part of the meat market.  Let me just say that I would not be sad if I never got to see another Haitian meat market.  I didn’t photograph the gory stuff, only this.  There were flies everywhere and I breathed through my mouth as we quickly went through this room.

The smell of fresh bread was very welcome when we walked out of the room above:

Another beautiful woman willing to pose for me.  She was selling rice and beans.  It is not common to see an older Haitian, since the life expectancy averages right around 50 years of age.

We saw a lot of charcoal and piles of wood (sticks) for sale since it is still “chilly” in the mountains at night.  I wanted to photograph the women who were selling the charcoal as they were pitch black from the dust but I didn’t get a good vibe so I didn’t ask.

 

After visiting the market we drove around Dessalines, visiting the Hospital, picking up some Soda and ice and Rob showing us where some things were.  We then took a drive over to where some Dr’s quarters were being built in the town.  A Canadian missionary, named Ian, who is 76 years old, spends a huge amount of time in Dessalines helping in so many ways.  He was overseeing the building of these quarters for some Haitian drs to live in with their families.  He is a tall and kind and gentle man with a true love for the Haitian people.  He told us of Rosanna, a women who was begging him for help.  Her home was falling down around her and the 15 people (including a sister and mother, and a gaggle of kids) who lived with her.  Ian decided to build her a new house, 3 rooms.  Ian said the house was torn down by removing 4 nails and just simply pushing it over.  We walked through her tiny little new cement home, with her beaming from ear to ear.  She was so proud of her new home.  They had no beds, and the children no clothes.  A daughter of hers, maybe around 9, came walking in the door dragging one side of her body since she is paralyzed on one side.  Another little girl there had orange hair, which means that she is slowly dying from malnutrition. We walked outside while Ian spoke with the family and a tin bowl blew over from the makeshift table in their “kitchen” (meaning…a few rocks to prop up a large pot to cook whatever she can come up with, and sometimes cooking nothing).  The bowl had some rice in it and some of it got on Jamie’s feet.  We were filthy from riding and walking all day.  Rosanna bent down and cleaned off Jamie’s leg, she was so concerned that he had something on him.  I turned my head with tears in my eyes.  I did not want them to see me cry.  They were so proud of a situation that I saw as horrible.  It was so incredibly humbling.

We visited the orphanage where we each had 5 kids crawling on us and touching us.  It was a sweet end to a long day.

That evening I was in the compound discussing the day with my teammates.  I asked “How can anyone ever make a difference?  Where do you even start?”  I was feeling so defeated and sad over what I had seen that day.  I was so overwhelmed.

A man that was also staying there said to me “Have you ever heard the starfish story?”  I said that I hadn’t.  He told me this story:

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, What are you doing?

The youth replied, Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.

Son, the man said, don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said
I made a difference for that one.

That story moved me to tears.  I kept it in mind and retold it several times.  A photographer friend told it to me again after I got back home and was voicing some of my frustrations over feeling like there’s so much need….and I’m only one person.  I was again feeling defeated and frustrated because my heart ached to go back and “do” more.  The story is an inspiration and I keep reminding myself of it.

Here’s a quick iPad snap of Rob playing soccer with the townkids outside the compound.  That is Rob’s passion…playing soccer with the boys.  Everytime he goes, he brings several soccer balls.  They all know him by name and want their own ball. :)

I hope you are enjoying my journal of Haiti.  Please leave a comment to let me know you are visiting and reading, I would love to hear from you!

Posted in PERSONAL, Uncategorized

by Chixie

9 comments

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March 27, 2012 - 3:16 am dani - you are love.

March 27, 2012 - 3:53 am Shelya - Tara, Oh my word! These are beautiful pictures and so are your stories! My mom is from the Virgin Islands, and while they definitely don't have the poverty that is in Haiti, I can see they have a similar culture... the pictures remind me of old pictures of my grandparents and other relatives. I love that God placed you on this trip at this specific time and that you went there ready and willing to learn and be made uncomfortable. God is and will continue to use that willingness to do so much more than you can ever imagine. I'm praying for you as you continue to make the transition back home without losing sight of all you've seen and learned! Shelya

March 27, 2012 - 1:02 pm tina - Tara, Your trip is touching others! Love reading about it!!

March 27, 2012 - 1:17 pm amy lenhart - loved reading this tara and your pictures are amazing!!! you are really documenting your trip so well!

March 27, 2012 - 2:16 pm Rachel Aberle - What an amazing trip, thank you for sharing.

March 28, 2012 - 1:22 am laura - you know i love this - and i love your heart.

March 28, 2012 - 8:26 pm Dezarae - Love this! So inspiring!

March 29, 2012 - 12:47 am Danielle - Amazing and so inspirational!

March 29, 2012 - 2:27 pm Kristin - Tara - thank you for sharing your stories of your trip! the photos are beautiful and such a reminder to be grateful and thankful for all that we take for granted.

Haiti: An Introduction | Toledo Missions Photographer

March 25, 2012

Hello everyone!  I did it!  I went to Haiti…and came back.  I’m home.  It is so good to be here.

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of my sponsors who helped to make this trip possible.  You helped in more ways than you know.  I am still completely bowled over by the good and generosity of people.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you.  Thank you.

As I have said…I have wanted to go to Haiti for some time now.  I felt a call to go, felt a tug in my heart that it was something I had to do.  I now know without a doubt that I was meant to go to Haiti, on this particular trip.  I came home a different person.  And that’s not a bad thing.  My time in Haiti has changed my life.  In little ways…and in big ways.  I knew that it would change my life…..I just didn’t know how or how much.

I am planning to do a blog post of photos and snippets of each day I was in Haiti.  I hope that by doing this I can take you along for the ride…and to help give you a sense of what I felt and saw.  I still can’t convey the sounds, or the smells….oh the smells.  But I can try to explain each photo that I show….and tell the story of Haiti through my eyes and my heart.  I have a TON of film images that I took as well…sometimes I only used my film camera, but those will have to wait a week or so until I get my scans back.

March 13, 2012.

I got about 1 hour of sleep before I had to be up at 2 a.m.  I had been having trouble sleeping since I started my malaria medication, as it’s one of the main side effects.  I was already packed and was ready by the time Jamie got here.  The kids were at my inlaws.  Justin took Jamie and I to the airport in Detroit and we were there before everyone else.  Our flight left at 6:30 a.m. to Miami, where we had a 5 hour layover.  We had lunch and walked around a bit, and rested.  We were all very anxious to be on our way to our destination.

I was giddy with excitement once we boarded that plane to Port Au Prince!  (Forgive the crappy ipad photos :)   )

 

 

The scenes out our plane window was breathtaking:

Flying over Haiti:

 

The airport was interesting.  We immediately had to go into immigration where a cranky Haitian immigration guy looked at our paperwork and stamped our passports.  My first passport stamp! :)

Beyond that, it was mass chaos.  A zillion Haitian men come up to you and try to grab your baggage, even though we tell them No, No, No!  They all have to escort you to your vehicle and if one happens to grab your bag and throw it into the truck, they expect a tip.  If one guy gets a tip, they’re all mad that they didn’t get tipped as well.  Jacquelin came from Dessalines to drive us.  Rob rode in front of truck with Jacquelin and I rode in backseat with Jamie.  Most of these photos are taken through the truck windows.  Jeff and Tim rode with our luggage in the bed of the truck.

Backstory:  Jacquelin is a Haitian man of 34 years old.  He grew up at the orphanage that I visited from the time he was 4 until 28 years old.  He is now employed by the orphanage and by the missionary compound that I stay at.  Jacquelin is invaluable to us, as well as all of the missions teams that he drives around, as he knows which roads are safe, he knows the culture and he acts as our interpretor as well.  He gets us where we need to go in a safe and efficient way.  He is such a good man, we hope to get him to America someday to visit.

My first shot:  pulling out of the airport and off the side of the road.  There is a lone man standing on the sidewalk.  Apparently this is how you do your currency exchange.  It made me laugh.

 

The next set are photos that I was taking out of the truck window.  Things that caught my eye.  A taste of everyday life in the city of Port Au Prince, the capital of Haiti.

These motorcycles function as taxis.  It’s an inexpensive way to get around, and they like to cram 3 or 4 people on the bike.  They are crawling all over Haiti.  People will sell their land, their gardens, to be able to buy a bike to work as a taxi or “TapTap” as they are called.  When they make enough money, they buy some more land.

 

A glimpse at a cemetary in Haiti.  It seems that some people have better housing once they have passed then when they were alive.

 

My eyes were as round as saucers taking it all in.  So overwhelming.  I couldn’t believe the sheer mass of people, everywhere you looked.  Traffic was literally bumper to bumper.  There are no traffic rules.  A two lane road quickly becomes a four lane road with motorcycles zipping in between vehicles.  Jacquelin was getting a kick out of me in the backseat and my exclamations :)

There are skinny dogs, cattle, goats and chickens literally everywhere.  People look angry and mistrustful in the city.  It made me feel a little uneasy.

This next photo shows a small drying up river with garbage everywhere and people bathing and washing in the water.  Those are homes up on the bank.

We arrived in Xaragua after approximately a 2 hour drive.  This is the halfway point to our final destination.  It is not safe to travel after dark so we stay in a large hotel owned by an old Polish man.  It is right on the ocean and the view is spectacular.  Photos of that on the last post.  For now here is the hotel.

The view right out my room door.

Looking down the “hallway” outside my door:

 

Accomodations are definitely not like they are in the States :)  I had my own room and each of the guys shared a room.  I was nervous sleeping in the room alone.  I had no blanket and when I went downstairs before bed to ask for one the man told me NO and then went and grabbed a gun and walked outside.  I was a little unnerved.  Armed guards surrounded the hotel as added security.  Thank goodness I slept mostly through the night….as apparently Tim and Jamie heard a gunshot right under our window a little after midnight.  I would have come unglued if I had heard that!  We have no idea what the problem was, though it was probably somebody trying to steal something.  Here is my room.  (Before I went to sleep I put a heavy chair in front of my door, hahaha)

 

Before bed we had our first devotional.  Talking with Jamie and Rob, they encouraged me to start reading the Bible.  Jamie recommended Exodus.  So that is where I began. I read 4 chapters that first night.  It’s a big step for me.

Posted in PERSONAL

by Chixie

9 comments

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March 25, 2012 - 3:02 am Valerie - I'm hooked!!! Write more!! I'm so proud of you!!! I love the pictures!!

March 25, 2012 - 3:04 am Kelly R - Keep 'em coming!!

March 25, 2012 - 6:21 pm Kimmie - Tara, I'm really looking forward to hearing all about your journey! I think it's great reading the Bible too! <3

March 25, 2012 - 8:27 pm Stacy - Your journey is so inspiring, Tara! I can't wait to read more!

March 26, 2012 - 7:50 pm Melissa - More Please!! I've enjoyed looking at all your pictures from Haiti and I'm so curious to see and hear about the rest of your adventure!

March 27, 2012 - 1:22 pm amy lenhart - i can't wait to see the rest of your adventure. i love that you are breaking it up into days! what a life changing journey!!!

March 28, 2012 - 8:13 pm Dezarae - Phenomenal! Your "drive by" images are amazing! You tell the story great, with your words and your images! I'm craving more, thank goodness I'm a blog post behind ;)

March 29, 2012 - 2:30 pm Kristin - your journey is definitely inspiring! it sounds like it was life changing for you.

April 10, 2012 - 3:43 pm Wendy Biel - Tara, We stayed in that hotel and I was baptized in the ocean below! God is confirming what I always knew, I would go back some day. Thank you for sharing!

Toledo Newborn Photographer | Smile

March 10, 2012

Happy Saturday!  I am busy preparing for my trip in just 3 short days, still have lots to do!  Just wanted to share one of Baby Ava who snuggled with me today.  13 days old.  Love her little smile I caught here.

 

Posted in NEWBORN | Tags: , , , , , , , ,

by Chixie

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Toledo Photographer | Film Friday (1)

March 1, 2012

I am so excited to say I have gotten together with a group of ladies to take part in a ‘Film Friday’. The last Friday of every month we will be posting the results of some  film shot during the month. Anything from our favorite shot to the entire roll.

I decided to take on a little film project not quite  a month ago during a time that I was feeling lost and down.  I have a friend that has gotten into shooting film and I started looking into it.  Mind you…I shot black and white film a long time ago in college…worked in the darkroom and everything.  Color film is different and film shooting is a whole ‘nother beast.  I’m re-learning how to shoot and I’m completely shooting with intention and thought.  In the digital age it is far too easy to “snap, snap, snap, snap”….or spray and pray as so many fellow photos say ;)  I don’t overshoot much anymore, I don’t really need to take that many shots to get what I need for a session.  There is thought, planning and LIGHT involved that makes it possible to not have to overshoot.  With film, it’s EXPENSIVE to overshoot ;)

So.  This is my new venture.  Shooting film.  Shooting for me.

Here is my very first roll of film shot in oh….10-11 years or so.  This is my old Canon EOSG 35mm, with a cheapo 50 1.8 mm lens.  Film is Fuji 400H and I had it processed and scanned at Indie Film Lab.

Thanks for looking….and please leave a comment and let me know what you think!  And when you’re done…please visit the next talented lady in the blog circle
Nancy Lary

Posted in Film, PERSONAL | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

by Chixie

16 comments

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March 1, 2012 - 3:28 am BOBBI - Love your lighting...film does take a bit more thought to detail as post production isn't as available, but you have such as fantastic eye that it will be interesting to see what your future projects bring.

March 1, 2012 - 3:52 am Heidi - Your first roll was amazing!!!! LOVE fuji 400h too! :) I cannot wait to see more from ya! I was so 'meh' on my first share...I cannot wait to try indie! :)

March 1, 2012 - 3:53 am Bill Cogswell - Your pictures are always great! Keep them coming. Would love to see the new film pictures!

March 1, 2012 - 8:51 am Cara Richardson - These are amazing, i love the light and colour and wonderful emotion within these. I really look forward to seeing more!

March 1, 2012 - 10:56 am Cari - Oh Tara, those are beautiful!!!! I love the pics with the puppy in them, esp with the kids laughing!!! 2 other favorites, Ava in her Red Dress and Brit in the curtain!!

March 1, 2012 - 2:56 pm Kristin - Yeah for an awesome first roll! I love them - great color and emotion!

March 1, 2012 - 3:43 pm Lori - Love the pics of the kiddos with their puppy <3 too cute!...and as always GREAT Job!

March 2, 2012 - 8:40 pm Sarah - Beautiful.

March 3, 2012 - 1:23 am Kathy - These are amazing! I love them! Gorgeous colors!

March 3, 2012 - 2:27 pm Tiffany Bender - love your new venture--all gorgeous!

March 4, 2012 - 9:47 am JennyO - Gorgeous gorgeous light and tones Tara! Oh and I love that red dress - my daughter had one a few years ago but it doesn't fit her anymore.

March 5, 2012 - 7:42 am Shelby - Tara - these are absolutely beautiful! You and film = a great a match!

March 5, 2012 - 6:56 pm Julie Wagoner - I love your first attempts at shooting film! My favorite is your daughter hugging your sweet pup. Can't wait to see where this adventure takes you.

March 12, 2012 - 9:57 pm Anelle - WOW! LOVE!

March 12, 2012 - 11:25 pm kate craft - So beautiful.

March 1, 2012 - 3:36 am film fridays | heidiadamsphoto - [...] Now, check out the rest of our circle, starting with the talented, Toledo Children’s Photographer,Tara [...]

Toledo Newborn Photographer | Sweetness Multiplied

February 18, 2012

I promised I would share some of the triplets session…so I am making good on my word. :)  I have so many favorites, I had a hard time choosing what to blog so I am just going a little overboard.  These babies were the sweetest little boys and SO good for their session!  Thank goodness for 2 great assistants who helped to make my job and this shoot go a lot smoother, I couldn’t have done it without them!

Blake, Wyatt and Aiden were all born just shy of 34 weeks.  They had a short stay in the NICU but really did so well and were all home within a couple of weeks.  What an accomplishment!  All 3 of them were right around 6 lbs at 4 weeks when they had their session with me.  I can’t wait to see them again at their 6 month session….they are Baby Planners so I will be watching them grow and documenting their first year.  So exciting.

Thanks for visiting and leave some love for the proud Mama and Daddy :)

 

 

 

 

 


Posted in NEWBORN | Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

by Chixie

19 comments

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February 18, 2012 - 5:21 pm Jennifer Guenther - What a great session! I can't believe the variety with triples and sleeping none the less!!! Great job! Love the soft feel to the images.

February 18, 2012 - 5:41 pm Ruth - Oh my goodness! They are too adorable for words! You did a great job capturing them & I just wanna snuggle them all! Congrats, Mom & Dad!

February 18, 2012 - 5:57 pm Detra Dowling - Oh wow! These are beyond amazing. I can't believe you got these babies to do this! I can't choose a favorite -- I love them all!!

February 18, 2012 - 6:13 pm Dezarae - These are so good Tara! I love the hand placement in all of them, but especially in the first. It definitely sweetens the images. My favorites are the babies in the bowl.

February 18, 2012 - 7:19 pm Kristal Helfman - Gorgeous! My favorite is them all leaning. You are the baby whisperer! Lol! Great baby making L&S :)

February 18, 2012 - 8:19 pm tina - Okay...I have seen the work you put into ONE baby in a session...but to get these shots with THREE babies DOES make you the baby whisperer! Lol great pictures that I am sure will be cherished forever! Beautiful babies! :-)

February 19, 2012 - 3:25 am momma hand - GOD BLESS mom & dad... they are cuties.. what years of fun & excitement lay ahead of you all...

February 19, 2012 - 3:35 am kristen reed - Wowsers, these are beyond amazing. Very lovely job!!! you make it look So easy ;)

February 19, 2012 - 9:41 am Sylvia Borgo - This session is incredible. Very, very handsome little men. I absolutely adore your work, Tara. You are a master with newborns!

February 19, 2012 - 12:50 pm Lindsay - You did such a good job with my precious angels :-) can't wait till the next session!! I LOVED all your work <3

February 19, 2012 - 2:15 pm Amy - Auntie's adorable little men look sooo cute! i especially like the ones where they are all bundled in the cheesecloth :) love my boys!!

February 19, 2012 - 2:52 pm Rachel Aberle - You did amazing, gorgeous work on these triplets. Wow, love every single one of them.

February 20, 2012 - 2:10 am Linda Risner - These photos are amazing! Beautiful and the sweetness......... just overflowing.

February 20, 2012 - 9:52 am Amanda Keeys - Three newbies all looking utterly perfect?! You're awesome. Gorgeous shots and what little darlings.

February 20, 2012 - 8:35 pm Kristin - Beautiful work! I adore these!

February 22, 2012 - 2:57 pm ashley - Holy macaroni!!! Did you rock the heck out of this shoot or what!!! Every image is just fantastic and adorable. I kept saying "oooh I love this one best....no wait, THIS one.....no wait, THIS one....." Amazing work!

February 22, 2012 - 5:16 pm Julie Wagoner - What little miracles! Beautiful, healthy and captured in such a lovely way!

February 22, 2012 - 6:48 pm Gail - TRIPLE cute!!! Seriously stunning work X3!!!

February 22, 2012 - 11:18 pm Anelle - OH WOW! Amazing!

Toledo Photographer | a little piece of Me

February 17, 2012

Those of you that know me… know that I am a complete open book.  Very honest.  Too honest, sometimes.  Not hurtful honest, just very honest about *me* and about who *I* am, and once was, as a person.

 

The only really big thing that I am closed off and private about is about my faith.  More specifically, my faith in God.  I know, many of you are thinking that faith is the ONE thing that you should shout out about from the rooftops.  Well, there is a bit of history there, as I’m sure so many people can relate.  (Isn’t there a bit of history pertaining to, well, everything?)  One of the reason’s I am private about my faith, probably the biggest reason, is that I was raised Catholic.  In my little tiny Catholic church, with an ancient priest, with everyone sitting and staring with glassy eyes during mass, well, it just didn’t mean anything, ya know?  It was just a thing we did on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.  When I got older, I only went on holidays.  Oh yes, weddings too. ;)

 

I wasn’t taught to pray every day (except of course, before supper), wasn’t taught that God might actually listen, that He might answer my prayers, that it was okay to just talk to God about anything and everything.  I’ve only learned this since I’ve been married.  I am now a pretty regular attendee of church (a church that my husband and his family have attended for some years). I am involved in small life groups, and have even attended some bible study groups.  I am still very guarded though.  I don’t know why it is.  It’s almost like there is a piece of me that is afraid.
For over three years now, I have felt this pull, this calling inside of me, to do something.  I didn’t know what.  Or how.  I just knew it was there.  Then I found out about our church’s mission teams.  Our church has teams that go to Haiti several times a year to do so many things.

 

I was immediately mesmerized and felt that this was the answer to my calling.  I have a gift that God has given me and I can use it.  I can photograph the people of Haiti and tell their stories.  We all know and appreciate that a photograph is a moment in time, captured forever.  Photographs also tell a story.  I feel that I need to use my God given gift to tell the story of everyone that I encounter in Haiti. Their stories are right there on their faces, in their eyes, smiles and tears.

 

I especially want to tell the story of the children.

I have tried for almost three years to get there.  Three years. For one reason or another, it hasn’t happened.  Last March I was scheduled to go, but my doctor advised against it because I was so sick.  I had the plane tickets ordered in my name for this past November’s trip and I had to pull out at last minute due to some personal reasons I was dealing with here at home.

Now, guess what?  It’s happening.  I’m really, really going.
A little background.  My church (Crossroads Church, in Ottawa Lake, Michigan) spends a lot of time and energy serving the Haitian community of Dessalines, Haiti.  Each month our church sends several thousands of dollars (all through donations) and multiple teams to work on construction projects, the hospital that we help to support, to run eye clinics and to love on children in the local orphanage.

 

A few months ago I was asked to go on one of these trips and more specifically, asked to go on a trip that would focus on the orphanage.  The orphanage is called Ebenezer Glen, and is located on an amazing, self-sustaining compound where the kids receive food, education, direction and most importantly, love.  Such an incredible place.  While I am there I have been asked to participate in several painting projects at the orphanage but the majority of my time will be spent capturing day-to-day life of these orphans.  Mealtime, school-time, impromptu soccer games…laughter and tears.  It is all so important.  I feel a huge sense of responsibility in not only capturing these stories, but to share them with you all: my family, friends, clients and fans.  I want to do these kids justice.   I just feel it is so important for people to see what life is like for these children.
I’d love to inspire others to show their love.

Here’s the challenge.  Even though I was asked to go, I’m still responsible for the financial end of this trip.  This includes travel, in country costs and monies to help provide beans and rice to the orphanage.  At this point, I have paid $600 of the $1200 that is needed for me to go.  I am only halfway there, which is one of the reasons why I am sharing this with all of you.  You are my photography community and I know you understand the impact that a photograph can have.  I want to share my gift and help these kids tell their stories.
This is probably the most personal blog post I will ever write.  I am completely opening myself up here.  It scares me a little. :)  I want to be less guarded and more open and accepting of God and faith in general. I not only want to tell these kids stories, but I know that God has planned something big for me.  There’s a reason why I was delayed in going on this trip for 3 years.  There’s a reason I’m going on this particular trip.
Will you consider supporting me and helping me make this trip a reality?  No pressure.  I just wanted to put it out there.  You may not be able to go to Haiti yourself but this is a tangible way that you can serve these kids.  Any monies raised over the $1200 will go directly to the orphanage to provide food and clothing for the children.
Something else I’d like to share.  I have been looking for a camera, a DSLR to take with me to use to document my trip.  My insurance company will not cover my camera and equipment if it were lost/damaged/stolen when taken out of country.  So I said a little prayer and went out on a limb.  I asked my photography community if anyone had a camera that they would be willing to donate to me for this trip.  Guess what?  Within ten minutes I had a camera. That fast.  Just like that.  My heart was completely overflowing with love and appreciation of how good people are.  The camera was put in the mail today and is on its way to me.

I am so grateful.

If you would like to help me financially, for this trip, I have included a donation link below that will take you to Paypal.  Any amount would be so much appreciated.  If you cannot financially help, prayer for a safe trip and for us to accomplish what He intends us to is also needed.  I will be leaving March 13th so the deadline is just a couple of short weeks.

A quick snap from a past trip…children lined up at the well to get a bath and then to air dry.

 

 

 


Posted in PERSONAL, Uncategorized

by Chixie

14 comments

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February 17, 2012 - 2:48 am Kerry Siereveld - So happy for you Tara! What a wonderful experience this will be!!

February 17, 2012 - 1:18 pm Brandi-lee - What a wonderful oppertunity to bless and be blessed Tara!!!

February 17, 2012 - 1:53 pm Anelle - Oh, Tara! What a wonderful opportunity!

February 17, 2012 - 2:23 pm Kara Layfield - Such an amazing opportunity! Enjoy your time there!

February 17, 2012 - 2:32 pm JenniferH - So jealous and so happy for you! I hope you have an amazing journey. You take beautiful pictures and I am sure God will use you to move more people through those pictures. God bless you!

February 17, 2012 - 3:27 pm Amy - How Blessed are you! This is wonderful thing to do. I can't wait to see all of the pictures.

February 17, 2012 - 4:24 pm Dawn Kitley - Tara, what an amazing opportunity to support your church and serve God's people in Haiti. I can't wait to hear all about it.

February 17, 2012 - 4:27 pm Laura Morita-Yeun - Something magic is happening with you, Tara. I'm so excited for you and look forward to hearing and seeing their stories.

February 17, 2012 - 6:13 pm Jen - I can't wait to see the images that you capture on this trip. Brandi-Lee said it perfectly-- it is a great chance for you to bless others with your talent and skill and to be blessed in return.

February 17, 2012 - 7:47 pm Terry Arnold - Wow, Tara! How exciting! You will return forever changed!

February 17, 2012 - 9:39 pm Dee - This will be such an amazing experience for both you and the children you help!

February 17, 2012 - 11:38 pm Carrie - You have a beautiful gift and a kind heart x

February 18, 2012 - 1:32 pm Joy Gilbert - My gift is in memory of your Aunt Jackie. She would be so proud of you! God Bless You.

March 1, 2012 - 4:27 am Clarice - Wow this is really exciting! I can't wait to hear about it!

Toledo Newborn Photographer | Sleepy Baby

February 14, 2012

I recently snuggled with this sweet little boy.  Mama and Daddy are very close friends of ours and I was so delighted to be able to spend some time with him and capture his brand new sweetness.  Just wanted to share.  Leave some love for mama and daddy to see!

 

Posted in NEWBORN | Tags: , , , , , , ,

by Chixie

15 comments

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February 14, 2012 - 10:36 pm Lisa S. - I love these!! Sleeping baby faces are so sweet. What a little darling, I love all his hair!! :)

February 15, 2012 - 2:47 am Holli - Awwww.... so so sweet. Love seeing a series of images set up like this. That would make such a fun set for the wall!

February 15, 2012 - 3:31 am Carrie - This is precious beyond words!

February 15, 2012 - 3:24 pm jaime lackey - these are precious! such sweet faces!

February 15, 2012 - 5:09 pm Jen Gasper - I adore these images! I love how you can just see how the progression of these unfolds in the images! What a sweet little bundle. Who could ever get tired of looking at sweet baby images like this?

February 15, 2012 - 9:00 pm Julie Wagoner - Aww, aren't baby faces the best?! Love the soft tones in these!

February 15, 2012 - 9:44 pm Shelby - Love those sweet baby faces you so beautifully captured and your soft bw processing is perfect for them!

February 16, 2012 - 1:13 am Dezarae - What an adorable baby boy! Gorgeous set, Tara!

February 16, 2012 - 4:31 pm amy lenhart - adorable tara!! such a sweet peaceful set of images!!!

February 16, 2012 - 9:17 pm Detra Dowling - How precious!!! I just love sleepy babies!!!

February 17, 2012 - 2:49 am kate craft - Look at all those expressions HOW CUTE!!!!

February 17, 2012 - 6:21 pm Kathleen Weibel - So precious! I love how you light your newborns. Really beautiful.

February 17, 2012 - 7:01 pm Verity - What a cutie pie! Such awesome captures of all his little faces.

February 18, 2012 - 5:16 pm Jennifer Guenther - What a sweet session!!!

February 22, 2012 - 11:25 pm Anelle - OH my goodness! I love seeing a series like this! Beautiful!

Toledo Newborn Photographer | Triple the sweetness

January 28, 2012


I was contacted my Lindsay in the spring last year…she was newly pregnant with triplets and so eager to book her maternity and newborn photos! I was so excited and honored to be chosen to document this special time in their lives. In late November, when Lindsay was around 30 weeks pregnant I went to her home to capture her pregnancy with 3 baby boys. I was so amazed at how well she was doing….she was very tired and slowing down but doing so incredibly well and was so happy and excited. We decided to do the photos at her home since she’d been having lots of contractions and a few trips to L&D and we just thought it would be best if she didn’t have to leave her home. Our session was very relaxed and laid back; just how I like ‘em. :)

A few weeks later, at not quite 34 weeks, Lindsay delivered her 3 healthy boys. What a miracle! For now…here are a few of my favorites from Lindsay and Spencer’s session.

 

 

 

They ordered THIS one in a canvas.  It’s GORGEOUS!

 

Stay tuned for photos from the sweet newborn session a few weeks ago!  Are you a fan of Chixie and Honey on Facebook?  No?  You should be :)  It’s where I post my sneak peeks and keep up to date news!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chixie-and-Honey-Artistic-Imagery/226368683488

Posted in MATERNITY, NEWBORN | Tags: , , , , , ,

by Chixie

3 comments

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January 28, 2012 - 6:48 pm Tim - These are awesome shots. I am so excited to see the rest of the album.

January 28, 2012 - 7:00 pm Dani - Tara, these are lovely!!

January 29, 2012 - 1:57 am Linda Risner - These are amazing photos. You are great!