Sean Watson

Why I love my job!

November 6th, 2006 at 10:45pm Sean Watson

Last Wednesday was a day that really hit home. I received a call last week from Adrienne who wanted a lifestyle session done with her and her parents. She then went on to tell me that her mom has been diagnosed with cancer again (as she starts to cry). She said that this is her second time and that she wanted pictures with her before she losses her hair again and wondered if I had any interest in shooting this? I of course replied “it would be my honor to photograph this for you”!

We planned to go to their favorite breakfast location to reminisce over old photos of the family so they could share the memories together. After that we had planned to go for a walk in the fall colors at a local park, coffee in hand and to symbolize them as a family one last time. Adrienne (the daughter) was so ecstatic that I wanted to do this, that she must have thanked me one hundred times.

I received a phone call Monday morning from Adrienne crying. She said that we have a change of plans, my mother was readmitted into the hospital and we wouldn’t be able to go outside. She still wanted to do the shoot but it was going to have to be in the hospital. I said of course, no problem.

On my way this morning I had a lot to think about. Remembering my grandmother and other family members who died of cancer and what our family went through. I was trying to figure out how I was going to shoot this. How am I going to tell this story? How do I make a hospital room beautiful? Do they really want this knowing that these will possibly be her last photos? Will she even be awake? If not, then what do I do? After about 15 minutes of questioning myself I realized, that I need to photograph this session as if it was my mother in that bed!
The session turned out beautifully and I wanted to share it with everyone. If you have any comments please make sure to leave them.

** VIEW SLIDESHOW CLICK HERE**

Entry Filed under: Lifestyle