Time for the girls! Finally got to see/shoot the Knuckleheads girls line and, once again, they did not disappoint. I just love how their clothes are mini-designer fashions. So perfect & oh so adorable…
My posts aren’t usually too wordy but this one is one I would like to take the time to tell the story…
I received a call from a local photographer in need of some assistance. She had set up a photo shoot with a local family that’s son had been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. She told me she received word from the mom that he wasn’t doing well and would probably not make it until she was back from her trip out of state for the holidays. Somehow, someway she found me and asked if I could step in to photograph the family. I have to say, I have never been more scared to take on a shoot in my entire life. There was obviously no way I could say no to this though and I knew that God would not have put this in my lap if He wasn’t going to give me the strength to come through for this wonderful family. I got to go to their house and meet Carter and his family last weekend. He is the sweetest, most beautiful, precious, loved & adored little boy ever. His grandparents, sister, mommy & daddy were all there and the house was like this huge cocoon of love & care. It was the most amazing & humbling experience to see these people with so much heartache loving & appreciating every second that they are given. Amazing. There is really no other way to describe them. And I thank God that He put their grace in my life. You can read their story here. You can see by their last entry that things are not going well so I ask that your thoughts & prayers go out to them right now… They are such special people. I can’t even describe…
This is Carter’s big sister. An ADORABLE litte girl that turned out to be my little super model for the day ;)
As you can imagine, the medical costs they have incurred have been astronomical. If you have the means, donations would be very appreciated. Direct donations can be sent to:
The Cancer Fund for Carter Wax
PO Box 873752
Vancouver WA 98687
For locals, there is also a benefit being held for him January 10th. Called simply (and beautifully).. For Carter, With Love..
As if they haven’t been through enough, their house had severe water damage from our recent snow storm and they are currently living in a local hotel while their house is being repaired. If anyone has items to keep their 3 year old little girl occupied (dvd’s, small toys, books), they would be greatly appreciated :) You can contact me at shannon@shannonsewell.com.
Also, I want to thank all my nominators from the bottom of my heart for taking the time & love to nominate someone for my Giving is Awesome give away. I had eleven nominations all together and every single story tugged at my heart strings. It was such a hard decision! I want to announce that the Wax’s are the recipients this year… I plan on making this type of give away a yearly ritual though so please nominate again. I appreciate it more than you know!!
xoxo ~S
sarah rhoads: shannon... these are beyond words... I am sure these photos will be loved and cherished by this sweet family. Their story speaks to me... we're so blessed. (01.04.2009 09:44pm)
Kim Harris: Beautiful. Perfect in every way. (01.04.2009 09:52pm)
Kathy Carlisle: Number 3 says it all. There is so much being said in his beautiful brown eyes. This picture gave me shivers and made me cry. My heart goes out to them in every way and they will be in my prayers. The fifth one makes me cry even harder..seeing the pain in his eyes. He is just too young for pain. Thank you for sharing this my friend. I am so happy that your paths crossed. K (01.04.2009 10:07pm)
Jessica Harris: I am so glad you found him and have opened the doors for this family to get some support! These pictures are a priceless treasure and are so intimate and captivating! Thank you for donating your time and the talents God has blessed you with in order to bless this family! Godspeed little one...may Jesus hold you tightly and wipe all your tears away! (01.04.2009 10:20pm)
wrecklessgirl: precious and priceless...you are a blessing and may they meet only those who bless them in the future. i am thinking of them and their little guy. (01.04.2009 11:41pm)
cindy cieluch: My arms are covered with goosebumps and my eyes are filled with tears. This RIGHT HERE is what the holidays, family and life are all about. #4, 5 and 6 tugged at all of my heart strings. Your gift will always be treasured by this family. (01.05.2009 02:42pm)
Jen From Windy Ridge: Oh this breaks my heart! Beautiful post. (01.05.2009 03:18pm)
Deyla Huss Photography: What a beautiful story and what a blessing to be able to do something like this for this family. I went onto their blog to read a little background on them and I was very saddened to learn that today he had passed away. Im so glad you got to do this for them before he passed, they will treasure these memories always! (01.05.2009 05:41pm)
Elle J: I read the update on Carter ~ a new Angel in Heaven today. Bless you, Shannon, for taking such priceless and forever important pictures for this family. God delivered a true blessing to this family ... you ... when they needed it the most. (01.05.2009 07:17pm)
elizabeth: Shannon thank you .. for doing such an amazing job on these images. what a true treasure for this family.. you did an amazing job.. and they will cherish each one of these memories forever.. I read thier last post and it just broke my heart.. as it would anyones.. however one of my very dear friends lost her oldest son ( then 4 ) to neuroblastoma as well.. They were living in California at the time and I couldnt do this for her.. I wished I could of, I am thankful that one year I was able to do some photography for her not long before they moved and he got sick.. I watched from a distance ( as they were in CA and I was in NY ) as they fought just as I am sure this family did and I am amazed at the grace and dignity and humor and feriosity that they all faught. I know that sweet Carter will not ever be far from them.. God Bless them.. and God Bless you.. You were there angel too Shannon.. x0x0 E. (01.06.2009 09:45am)
Chris: What a wonderful gift--to provide this family with beautiful photos capturing the love and devotion they have for one another and the special bond with that precious son. Thank you, Shannon, for stepping in and doing this. You have given them a way to forever hold on to memories of happier times. (01.08.2009 12:37pm)
stephanie mcbride: a sweet little boy, a tender story, our prayers are with him and his family. (01.12.2009 01:34pm)
’08 was a fantastic year. I got to travel more than I ever have with my business and I absolutely loved it. I did learn a thing or two in my travels though… the first would be that traveling for one job doesn’t necessarily equal coming home with money in your pocket- haha (okay, maybe the souvenir purchases were a little excessive but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do ;) ). So, in an attempt to be a little more business savvy in ’09 I am trying to book more jobs for each location I travel to. I already have quite a little line up of destinations this year…
St Louis, MO
Minneapolis, MN
Las Vegas, NV
Dallas, TX
New Jersey
Connecticut
Los Angeles, CA
Ontario (Canada)
If you are in any of these places and are interested in either a photo shoot or mentoring session please contact me at shannon@shannonsewell.com, I would love to meet up with you!
Hope everyone’s year is off to a fantastic start…
xoxo ~S
janice: yay for the rest of the country! now your brilliance can be spread around a little bit more. --janice (01.03.2009 12:12am)
melanie pittman: when are you going to be in dallas? are you going to do any mentoring sessions while you are out there? (01.03.2009 12:48pm)
shanna boot: i love your photography! i have been able to see a lot through melissa nash (sister-in-law), so if you are ever in GA, let me know!! i hope you have a very successful year! (01.04.2009 11:55am)
Kathleen: Oh heck yeah! I work in Checotah, OK.... home of Carrie Underwood, and would love a mentoring session when you come to Dallas or anywhere closer! I am a school counselor by day and a photography loving mom by night. I do it for fun and to help my community... very poor around here. Thanks for even considering the opportunity. I love your style and cannot wait to see more. Have a wonderful and safe new year! (01.04.2009 06:53pm)
Jessica: Shannon, What do you charge for a mentoring session, what is included in it and how long does it last? Jessica (01.12.2009 07:23pm)
Sheri V: Shannon ! .. woo hoo girl Ontario ! ... let me know when your coming ! (01.13.2009 07:28pm)
Rachel: I'm in the DFW area and would love more info on your mentoring sessions:):) lovelovelove your work:) (01.15.2009 09:27pm)
Michelle Moore: Simply adorable! I love the clothes and am totally diggin' this new studio you've been shooting at lately! (01.15.2009 07:53pm)
Kristi: These clothes are the cutest ever! And the photos are amazing, as always :) (01.15.2009 09:59pm)
Deyla Huss: Where is this that you have been shooting at? Is it your studio? Love the shots, great work! (01.16.2009 09:49am)
Navy Sou: OMG....to die for!!! This collection is ah-maz-ing!!! Your captures are beautiful! Is it all natural light? (01.16.2009 01:16pm)
elizabeth: Wowweeee... these are awesome. (01.16.2009 06:45pm)
Willow: these guys are lucky to have an artist like you to show the world what they're workin' with!! i am now feeling the need for some sort of stripes in my wardrobe...diagonal i think..i'll head back to 3rd grade and love every minute!! i love the last series, every last bit of it, so timeless and modern at the same time... (01.16.2009 07:42pm)
Jenifer Johnston: thats it..i need a daughter. can I trade z for e for a few days. ha ha. Awesome shots as always (0; (01.17.2009 12:43am)
caspix: wow, amazing AHHHmazing work... that last one is just fabulousness (01.17.2009 12:58am)
wrecklessgirl: oh my, i am in love. time to steal someone else's child so i can dress them up all funkycute (ie. "fute" ...wait...) i love your knuckleheads shoots so so much! (01.17.2009 01:12am)
Kathy Carlisle: Do these guys even know the goldmine that they are sitting on? You have taken Knuckleheads to the next level. You have managed to make their pictures match the quality of their kickbutt clothing. They better be paying you lots to keep you on board. These shoots are so fun to see and do you know what would be even more fun...to see credit for the master behind these shots. I saw a mag. ad with your pic and no Shannon Sewell anywhere, not even on their site. What's up with that? Watching your back girl:) K (01.17.2009 10:30am)
cindy cieluch: that is just too much cuteness!!!!!!!! (01.17.2009 11:48pm)
stephanie mcbride: okay, you really do have the best job in the world, dressing up little girls in cute clothes and being the photographer!!! my idea of a perfect day :) i really think the last strip of images are some of my favorites. creative and beautiful. (01.18.2009 07:42pm)
Maya Laurent: I love all of these! This makes me want to have a girl to dress her in some of these super cool clothes! I love the last series. (01.19.2009 12:53pm)
Sarah Rhoads: you know how you can tell someone is living out their passion? Because everything they do is done with such love, tenderness affection and absolute beauty. Shannon, it is so obvious you are living right in your sweet spot. I love and admire you friend. (01.23.2009 11:09am)
Maj maj: RUB on me, rub on me, rub on meeeee!!!! (02.09.2009 10:58pm)