I had donated a session to a fundraiser for a little baby boy with pediatric cancer, and this is how I met Tera. She mentioned she was so excited to not only help this family, but to also be getting family pictures after what she said was a long time. She dreamed of black and white pictures of her kids hanging down her hallway. I can't tell you how much I adored this family! The session started out easy with photogenic smiles...but the meltdowns were slowly happenin'. You see, I come prepared for pretty much anything that could happen. I know how to wing it and switch up a session for these little ones who just don't wanna be told what to do. But I will tell you, I had no way of fixing the littlest boy falling into a pit of muddy, cold water! Good thing Mama P came prepared with a change of shorts, but the last few images of the night with his tear-streaked cheeks now have a story! Poor little man.
(*update: I was just informed that the little boy with cancer passed away early this morning. My heart aches for this family, and I'm sure the days and weeks and months ahead will be more than difficult. My thoughts are with their family...)