Operation: Love Reunited Session in Leavenworth February 22, 2009

Last week, my brother went back to Iraq to finish his tour. It was so nice to spend time with him while he was home on leave, and I feel like through his deployment, I can understand a little bit better what the families who are experiencing military deployment go through during that time. I am even more excited about my participation in the Operation: Love Reunited program, where photographers offer free sessions to families during a deployment. 

This weekend, I got to meet another wonderful military family through the program. Both parents are active duty Army, stationed in Ft. Leavenworth. When Jen e-mailed me to do a portrait session of them to send to her husband, who is currently deployed in Baghdad, I was excited. I love these surprise portrait sessions — I send an album directly to the deployed soldier, who usually doesn’t know that it’s coming! It’s such an awesome way for me to give back to the men and women who sacrifice so much — including precious time with their families — for our freedoms.

I met the family in their Leavenworth home, since it was too cold outside for an outdoor location. With sessions in the home, I like to capture families doing what they do best — spending time together! So we started off with Mom reading a book to the kids (their dad’s favorite one!).

And we even got a few close-ups of the kids by themselves to send to Dad! I love these, and I’m so excited to send him portraits of his beautiful children!

I can’t decide which of the next two photos I love more. She is just the most precious girl! These are definitely some of my favorite kids’ portraits.

And some sister-brother bonding!

I love this classic headshot of Mom! I’m sure her husband will, too. :) It’s no wonder the kids have beautiful smiles — look where they got it from!

Mother-daughter photos just never get old, especially not with two lovely ladies. :)

Such great smiles! I love everything about this — from the joyful smiles, to the American flag print in the background…

The bear in the photo below is “Daddy Bear” and it plays a recorded message from Dad to daughter!

Jen, thank you for scheduling a session with me. It was a joy to meet your family, and I can’t wait to send the surprise package to your husband!

If you know a military family who is going through a deployment, send them my way for more information about an Operation: Love Reunited photography session!

This also helps me meet my goal for #81 on my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days (don’t worry, even though I’m crossing that item off, I’ll still be doing may more OpLove sessions!).

Back to Blogging February 9, 2009

My family was in town this weekend, including my older brother who is currently serving with the United States Army in Iraq — he is home for a two-week leave, and we got to spend time with them over the weekend!

And even better… yesterday was my birthday! :) I couldn’t ask for a better birthday gift.

So, I’ll get back to blogging some fun stuff this week! :) I’m holding out for a few more 60+ degree days for all of these portrait sessions in February!

Army deployment ceremony July 22, 2008

“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” — Abraham Lincoln

We traveled to Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma, for my brother’s Army deployment ceremony. Justin is leaving sometime in the next two weeks for Iraq, for at least 12 months. Please pray for his safety and for his wife, Leslie, who will be taking care of things on the home front.

This is perhaps my favorite photo of all time. I will be printing this one for sure:

I don’t know the soldiers in the following two photos, but I’m sure their families are just as proud of them as we are of Justin!

We love you!

OpLove Session: The Sumpters July 8, 2008

“I’m an American soldier,
An American.
Beside my brothers and my sisters
I will proudly take a stand.
When liberty’s in jeopardy
I’ll always do what’s right.
I’m out here on the front line –
sleep in peace tonight.
American soldier,
I’m an American soldier.”

– Toby Keith, American Soldier

I don’t think I’ve ever cried editing photos before. Sure, I still get teary and emotional during every wedding ceremony I go to (that’s just my girlish heart!)…but something about these photos just pulled at my heart like no other photos before. Perhaps it’s the story behind them. Perhaps it’s the innocence in the little girls’ faces. Perhaps it’s the fact that this session took place because their Dad is helping to keep us safe.

I volunteer my services for an organization called Operation: Love Reunited. It’s a collection of photographers from across the country who offer free portrait sessions for military families before, during or after military deployment. I see it as a way to help families stay connected during the year or more apart during deployment. The deployed soldier receives a 4×6 album of photos directly from ericamay photography with photos of their family. It’s really a wonderful idea and a great way for me to share my talents with families who are sacrificing so much for our country’s freedom.

I couldn’t think of a better way to end the 4th of July weekend but by doing an OpLove session with the Sumpter girls — mom and two daughters — whose huband/daddy is currently deployed to Kuwait. The photo shoot is a surprise to their deployed soldier, who will receive a package in the next few weeks with these precious photos of his girls.

(The pink camouflage lanyard around her neck has a picture of her Daddy on the end in the shape of a dog tag. She takes it everywhere.)

(The bracelet on Mom (Kristy)’s arm is from her husband’s dog tag. She never takes it off.)