Watching Down.

For those of you that don't, though I don't know how you couldn't if you're checking out my blog like you should be ;P, the Wolff family never misses a chance for portrait sessions with me. Hell, even if they aren't in town they bring me to them for shoots. But Kellie and Chris were making a stop in Vegas to break in the new Yoli truck and Kellie can't say no to an opportunity to get the family in front of my camera. Lately I have been doing some really special work for people who come to me for portrait sessions, all of which have lost loved ones. Having seen some of the work I have done, Kellie contacted me looking for the same to be done for her. 

Last March I had the opportunity to fly to Alaska to be Chris and Kellies wedding photographer. The first time I got to hear about the amazing man that her father Gary was while Kellie was getting ready for her wedding. Unfortunately Gary lost his battle with cancer a few years ago, but Kellie was able to include some Gary in her wedding by wearing a ring of his. Talking the whole time about how much love he always had to give. You could feel the warmth in the air as she spoke about her father and what a goof he was. 

The second time I got to do a shoot for Kellie was in Washington last August when we did her maternity photos. In her never ending desire to light her girls lives up with the love that her father taught her, Kellie let me know that baby girl Wolff was going to be named after Grandpa Gary. Once again telling stories about her dad and what a ball of fun he was. Cracking jokes and giving everyone a hard time whenever he had a chance. It was wonderful to see her glow as she spoke about the incredible amount of love she has for him. 

Baby Garyn was born last October and once again I was flown out for pictures. Having been named after Grandpa Gary, he was a popular topic of conversation as Kellie talked about how she wished he could be here to see baby Garyn. Though not here in person, you can often find baby Garyn staring quite intently at the ceiling or a wall or a spot where it seems that nothing is there. It would seem that though Gary is not physically here, he is still watching over his girls and Garyn is set on making it known whenever he is around.

A few weeks ago when we did this shoot, if you have any knowledge about what Garyn is like in front of a camera, she was an angel in comparison. Kellie was on the hunt for a picture of her dad and her grandpa. Apparently they weren't known for taking pictures that would be of any use for a project like this but despite their best efforts, Kellie found the perfect picture of both of them for me to use.

Kellie, thank you for your never ending use of me for all your photography needs. Our paths crossed by complete chance but I would be lying if I didn't acknowledge what a significant difference your family has made to my life. From Alaska to Washington to Colorado and soon to be Texas, I love the time that I spend with your family. I love hearing stories about your dad and the amazing father he was to you and the teddy bear grandpa he was to Karlie in the short time they had together. I see so much love pouring out of you every time you talk about him and how fondly Karlie speaks of him. Thank you for everything you have done for me and for bringing this idea to me. I am so lucky to be your designated photographer and I am so happy I was able to create this memory for your family. Especially for your girls. Although he is gone, he obviously left behind a legacy of love that you are more than fulfilling in his place.

Enjoy.