Coco {Senior 2013}

"That's exactly how it should be."

It should be the reaction you always get with every Senior session out there. "That's exactly how it should be." That's exactly how that session should have gone. Showing what that Senior was passionate about and doing what it takes to bring out who he or she really is.

And so was the case of Coco Stewart. This is exactly how it should be. It's never happened before that I have had the opportunity to shoot such a special person whose evidence of the way she loves actually overflowed onto her shooting scene. Shrills of laughter and smiling children of varying ages invaded our space. And she couldn't be any happier-I know this for certain.

Coco's family and ours are members of the same body at Bammel Church of Christ in Houston. She has been a blessing to everyone she meets and I truly haven't met anyone quite like her. Loving and caring for children is in the deepest part of her heart. It just comes so easy to her! I know she can't imagine her life without kids. Are they family? Not by blood. But they are family. They're her spirit family and she is their spirit sister and mother. What an amazing bond!

When Coco's mom asked her about Senior pictures, Coco was reluctant. A beautiful but humble girl, she just wasn't looking forward to having herself as a spotlight. Mom cried, and she agreed. LOL. So I came over to her home and we did her planning session. As I asked her about her vision for her photos, she said, "I'm just doing this for my mom. Really, I don't care where we go or what I wear..." She wasn't excited. She was about to be a tough client. That's ok! I get it. I understand. It's my job to see what defines people. I wouldn't be a good photographer if I just stopped there and let her pick anything and just go anywhere. Avoiding this "whatever" session is why I go over and meet them. I already knew Coco, though, and I kept having this creeping thought of how to integrate what she means to the kids she loves into these pictures. Her spirit needed to be the spotlight. She would be leaving a gaping hole in our children's ministry at my church soon. How can I capture what she means to our church body?

We went up to her room and began rummaging through her closet. As we casually talked about outfits, she jokingly said, "Well, you can bring Rio and Lathan." My kids. She invited my kids to her shoot. That was it. THAT'S what I needed. A vision was born for Coco's shoot. "Ok," I said. "Or you can invite all of the kids you babysit. We can take you to a field and get a picture of you with all of them. Then you'll have something to take with you to college." The sparkle in her eye wasn't just a sparkle. I touched something. Her whole self lit up. "Really?" she said. "That would be soooooo cool! I would love that!" And it was done. Yes, really. Yes, let's do it. Yes, yes, yes, let's put you in your element for your Senior pictures because...that's the way it should be. In my opinion, I would be doing you a disservice by not taking this picture. I am all in-whatever it takes. Whatever craziness I have to endure. Toss aside the extra work, editing, and physical toil-it is all worth it. This is now an inspired session. Yes. That's what I want to do. Capture your spirit...and they are a huge part of it.

We did some solo shots for mom first. Here is Coco! Along with sooo many other awards, she was Valedictorian of her class. She will be attending Lipscomb University in the fall and *surprise*, she's a potter. I got her to pose with one of her favorite pieces she's made.



Here she is with her heart, her kids. "Coco's Kids." Her mom posted an invitation on Facebook and about 20 kids (some not pictured until later) showed up, representing between 8 and 10 families. A small piece of the real legacy Coco is creating. One family drove up from Austin just for this event! I can't say how many families said, "I wouldn't miss this for the world." She is deeply appreciated and loved!!
 

And that's exactly the way this session should have been. Coco with her kids.



Sometimes a person plays such an important role in your life that you actually remember the first day you met them. I never knew on June 1st, 2008, that I would be capturing this little girl as a Senior and she would be capturing my children's hearts in the meanwhile. On June 1, 2008, I went to a summer playday at a park that my church was hosting. It was one of the first events I attended with Rio, who was turning 3 years old that month. I took Rio to the bathroom and there was Coco. She asked if she could take her to the bathroom for me while I juggled our things. "Wow," I remember thinking. "What a help..." "That would be great, thanks!" She took Rio in and helped her drink some water outside the park bathroom in the summer heat when she was done. I said thank you and asked her her name. "Coco," she responded with a smile. About 3 or so kids came up to her right then and she left to take them to the playground. "Interesting name," I thought. I was still learning people's names. We went over to the playground and I noticed her with the kids but didn't think much of it. She acted like a babysitter. I watched Rio integrate herself with the other children and Coco as I talked with the other moms. Then Coco took over. She took them as a group here and there and led them around with games. I took this picture that day. I didn't know it then. I didn't know what I was witnessing then. Now it seems just so familiar...



Everyone's so young!!! Ack! Tears. Over the years, she would be our babysitter. My kids and a host of others would love on her and run up to her and hug her neck while she would sit on the center stage steps and hold the basket for the children to come up and bring their offering on Sunday mornings. They would all know her name or learn it quickly. They would all want to sit next to her on her pew. They would come to her house. They would love Coco. Always. And she would love them back. In true Coco style, the kids were invited to her graduation party at her house. Pool time, water games, a bounce house and cotton candy-it looked like a child's birthday party. A really big birthday party. But no, it's Coco's graduation! Congratulations! Here she is posing with one of her spirit families. So many of us would call her our own..

And we come to the end...or rather, the beginning. Leaving a legacy at such a young age, this spiritual giant is an example and an inspiration for countless people-young and old. I adore her legacy already and I know her parents are proud of her. I asked her to let me get a dramatic picture and because she's so sweet, she let me get this one...


...even though she thinks she looks like Mother Teresa. Not really on the outside, Coco. but you are certainly of the same Spirit on the inside. Love you!! Thank you for letting God use you. I know your story will be even more amazing in the years to come. I can't wait to see what God does! Congratulations, Graduate!

Love, the Holub family

P.S. A HUGE "Thank You" to the families that were able to make it to this photo session for Coco. She is so grateful to have your children's faces on such an image that defines her passion. She will be keeping you close to her heart. I don't believe you will ever fully understand what you've done. I know you did it because you care. Imagine what it will be like for her 40 and 50 years from now and she's looking at your kids faces in this picture. It's unimaginable. THANK YOU. If you were involved with these pictures and would like to order for your own memories, please visit the webpage on your flash-enabled computer and enter "coco" for the username and password in the client galleries. Enjoy and Thank you!

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Amongst My Daddy's Things Is...Me. {Memorial Post for Corey Pruitt}

Meet Kimber. Her picture was posted a few weeks ago on my Facebook page and a flood of family and friends gathered to not only welcome her into the world, but to also leave blessings and love for their lost friend, brother, family, and son, Corey. Corey is Kimber's dad and as I think of the magnitude of feelings certain images can invoke, I sit back in amazement.

"She never met her daddy. On this side of heaven. Yet, we know their paths crossed and will continue to cross for the rest of their days-even when they are reunited beyond that azure blue. His hat. His boots. His guitar. His rope. His picture. His legacy. His blood runs through her. He tips his hat to his sweet, sweet love of his life on this side of existence.

I love giving way to the holy; to the sacred things of life. I don't stand....I kneel in amazement. I knelt as I took this...and I lost my breath. Holy ground. I'm nothing more than an instrument. And I'm so blessed to be....far beyond measure. More on Corey and his sweet, precious, 6-week old Kimber Rae as soon as I can ask his mom to write something for me. She's a precious jewel. Please be in prayer for Kimber's circle of family. I know you can't look at her and not be inspired to go to God for her." ~Facebook post



Corey Pruitt passed away late in September of last year. If you would like to read more about him, here a link to his official obituary. His mom and I are very close friends-she has the biggest heart for children I have ever known. She owns my son's daycare and I couldn't ask for a safer place for my son to be loved on and cared for-all of the children can't wait to get their daily dose of love from her. If you saw her smile, you would know how they feel. I asked her to write something up for Corey and these pictures, but what can you say? How can you summarize a life, really, in the midst of so much pain? Well, for Corey, it's just not that simple. From his mom, sisters, and friends, and despite only coming in contact with him once personally, I know that Corey was incredible. I know I am not worthy to tell this tale, but doing exactly this is what I pray for. I'm just a vessel...

Corey valued people and their circumstances. He was the strength behind countless people's struggles. Many of them wonder "what now"? Who will they turn to now? Corey has left a hole like the Grand Canyon in a lot of people's lives. This canyon now runs through the lives of his family, fiancee, and now daughter.



I don't have answers. As a believer in the Good Lord, I don't believe that He creates these situations. I believe the enemy does and God just cries with us when they happen. As He does, He promises to wipe all our tears one day in a place with no more hurt or pain-where He can protect us forever.

As I reflect on Corey and what he's left behind, I can't help but think, "But that's the way we're supposed to live, isn't it?" The world should miss us. The more they miss us, the larger the evidence is that we loved. If he hadn't loved people as much, he wouldn't be missed as much...so who's to blame? Corey is! How could you be so amazing? How could you be so loving? Why did you do that? Please...it's all sarcasm. He chose to love, and for that, we are ALL grateful. THESE are the stories that people should hear. These normal, everyday, amazing people who are rocks of faith and security for others are the people we should be loving. Because they love. Because they point people towards what is most important. They don't draw attention to themselves if only in the way they laugh, joke, and friend. Bravo, Corey. Well done. You are to be praised and celebrated!! And your legacy lives on in Kimber...



I've prayed about opportunities like this. Knowing full well that I'm not worthy (who is?), I still ache to tell stories of people's lives beautifully. To give God the glory for it all. Look what He made! Look what He's done! Look at the faith birthed from this situation. Look at the new incredible places of the heart we've discoverd through this. Look what has been inspired in people. Look what little Kimber can do. She can make people think about God. She can make people think about how important family is. Her situation reminds us of what is pure and holy. What is there in a fatherless infant that speaks to our souls? Please allow your heart to give. This is why God calls them out. This is why He calls Himself "Father of the fatherless". Kimber is why.



My prayer for Kimber and her family and friends is that you remember that God is faithful...always. What would Corey ask of you? What would he say? "Take care of my baby girl." And you know he would too. You know he's watching every. single. move. You know he's in her room night and day and he loves everything about her. He's watching his mom, his sisters, and his fiancee too. Because he knew and loved Christ. And Christ is the ultimate defender of death and destruction-even conquering it so people like Corey could spend eternity with Him. Well, the bible says we get assigned some duties in heaven. I have a feeling that Christ welcomed Corey and then whispered, "you've got some work to do, son." And gave him his post at Kimber's side. Corey takes the job seriously. And so it is with life. Our guardian angels are watching-I have no doubt. My mom even reassured me this past weekend. She should know...



I hope you enjoyed the priceless images and the story that comes with them. I hope they inspire you.

{Story behind the story} The fact that I have these images, I just want to say, is not from my own doing (none of them are. I usually reserve these posts for my spiritual blog, but for me, spiritual life and work are not separate). God composed this whole thing-start to finish. From the day Kimber's mom decided she would come into town for a visit to setting up the session, to gathering the props, to allowing Kimber to sleep peacefully throughout he session while I placed her, to the composition of props and the final image. It was His vision. I can't make anything like that. Alone, I cannot. I was in need of a session. Not just any session. I needed something right then and I needed spiritual food. I prayed for it longingly one evening. God sent Terri the next morning (God sends Terri to people a lot). I heard the story and Terri and I cried over the phone together. I just couldn't believe what God did. I couldn't believe what I was being asked to do. I just could't believe it. I tell people, "remember that God is faithful". Each time He does something like this, I become still in awe. I praise Him! And that's the way God works. Amen!

Giving Back

I have had this vision to be able to use my work for God-not only to bless the lives of people I take pictures of and their families, but also to bless people on a larger scale. I'm beginning to offer my work to businesses and intrigued clients that love my work. You see the images on Facebook and they flash across the website...then that's it. They lay there--stagnant. A new eye comes across the website and the image revitalizes in the heart and mind of the viewer, but what now? Well, my work is not meant to stay in digital format. I've shared with my clients that I'm profoundly scared of this outlook. That's why digitals in my business are gifts for VIP's on top of their purchases-they are never the end result. Ever. I was convicted of this when as a family we had an extremely rare afternoon all together, and I happened to be sorting prints. I realized that the prints were the only way we could comfortably gather together and laugh and share memories. Wall hangings and prints are what we talk about! All the work I've done in the past that still sits on my computer meant nothing at that moment...because those images weren't being passed through our hands or hanging where we could all see. My family-even with a photographer in it-will not gather around the computer for hours clicking through files. It's just not the same.

But who will purchase pictures for themselves of people they do not know and why?? Is that creepy??

Haha! Yes I thought that. It's NOT creepy if the purchase blesses others. It's not if it's inspiring and emotional and visually pleasing. Businesses rely on images to invite people into their store; to make them feel welcome. Art has been around for decades and pieces are displayed in homes everywhere. Do I feel like my images can bless people at this level? Do I feel like they depict God's handiwork? Absolutely! He is the Creator, He created me, He inspires me, and He made everything I've ever captured. So then, His work is worth the praises!!

The gallery will always be up on my site. So far I've picked some of the works that have inspired many. If you own a business or simply need some art for your home, I can take orders anytime. You can add scripture to the image or order it as is. These are not discounted art. They are worth every penny. The proceeds from every sale will go to Compassion International. I've given to this organization before, and I want to have something ongoing for them. The work they do is phenomenal. If you are interested in what they do, please visit their website. We are sponsors to 2 beautiful children (throught Compassion and through Food for the Hungry) and my kids love their new sisters.

To view the gallery, please go to my website on your flash-enabled computer (http://www.capturingcreations.com). Hover your mouse over "Giving Back" and click on the words "Compassion International". Enjoy!!

Inspired Multiplied

Let me begin with "GOD is SO GOOD!!" Since my post for the Inspired Child sessions 13 days ago, I've received a pat on the back from other photographers via email, share, or simply their resolve to do something like this for clients next year. I've also had mothers and parents tell me how priceless the photos will be to their family. A mother this morning said, "(it) caused me to want to pray for a scripture/promise for my children." I and God couldn't be happier!

I shared that from the very beginning of my business, placing scriptures ultimately on the walls of the homes of my clients was my very-best-kept-secret goal. I gave scriptured prints away for free for 6 years-11x14 mounted prints-ready to frame. I plan on continuing this plan. Now that I've shared my heart, people love the idea. I couldn't imagine why not!! Dear Lord, You and Your holy WORD inspires people!! He asks us to do it in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. He actually handed down the laws to the Israelites and told them: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Do you think God thought there was a benefit to having scripture written on your home and impressing them on your children? Not just the Ten Commandments, but the very words of Christ, the psalms-anything, everything. We take so many scriptures literally, why not this one? Of course this one!

I want to assure you that God is a God of multiplication. There are countless photographers who have seen this and thought to duplicate this plan or sessions but somehow feel that its wrong and they're "copying an idea". I'm a photographer. I know how you feel and I know where it comes from. I've been copied before and I know how it feels on that side too. I'm not here to get into all the intricacies of individualistic art. This is different. Please hear me: please do this!!! This is the Word of God-which is in all, through all, and for all. My God is a God of multiplication. Instead of one photographer-just imagine-thousands of photographers giving away scriptured prints. Placing them on the walls of homes everywhere.

There literally are thousands upon thousands of photographers that personally bear the name of Christ. Many have a company name inspired by God as I do, some of them simply are Christians. They blog about their pictures and have been inspired by them. They find their work not only as a joy but as their ministry to families. I am one of you. I know what it's like to look through the lens or put an image in Photoshop and see God. If you are a Christian and a photographer and are not seeing this and somehow the enemy has separated what you do in camera and office with what you feel personally, please seek me out, email me, message me through my website or call me and let me give you the confidence to know that what you do can be inspired by that Spirit within you. You can have the absolute best life as a photographer by giving into that compelling Spirit-don't quench it (I Thessalonians 5:19)! If you're not quenching the Spirit, then putting a scipture on that image should feel completely natural! I want you to feel free to do it. I also want you to see more about my heart as a photographer in doing this. You are free to do as you want, but please hear the roots of God's movement and know it's no accident.

I have prayed from the beginning of my business. I looked for a flagship scripture to what I do. What is my reason for this business? I knew I wanted to find a scripture to show what was in my heart-I really wanted to share with the world what God has created. So I named my business Capturing Creations. Then I searched the Psalms for something close. I found Psalms 9:1-"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders," and it was perfect.

My first paid session was of sweet Addison. The photo inspired the passage. It seemed to me like it was beckoning for it. So I put it on there and gave it to her mom.

I'm not a perfect person and I get a lot of things wrong. I have allowed myself to be pulled away from God by people and circumstances. So I feel like each of these images brings me back to a safe and holy place-a place many of you might understand, but them some may not. This is a holy place. Treat it as so. Don't charge more for scripture if someone wants you to add it. Try giving it away for free to clients-even the ones that don't treat you the nicest. You'll be surprised how challenging, humbling, and transforming this practice can be. It's certainly not easy!! If you feel you need to have a different price for these, then make it a discount. The way I see it, it is a sacrifice of time and money, but it goes straight to God and the clients get the benefit. I'm ok with all of this because it's in my heart. If you advertise this as a mini-session, don't charge for your time when you do these and make them available at any point of the year. For me, it started as a sacrifice and will stay that way. My time will always be a donation. If I get so many that I can't handle, then I'll designate a day of the week, try to schedule them on the same day, or ask people to wait so I can donate the time.

Pray for your clients before your session. Pray before that wedding and that session, sometime that day that God be glorified in your work.

Read your bible. Scripture comes easier when you have read them and know them well. I cannot describe how rewarding it is when I pull in a photo on the computer and it screams a scripture at me. Sometimes its so overwhelming and the tears flow. They're not even my family! But what I've captured is Love-which is God. I wouldn't have that feeling if I didn't know the scriptures! I have learned more scripture through the years in study and each new image that speaks gives me more to pull from. It's amazing! But who am I kidding-we should know that already. God IS amazing and He is the ultimate inspirerer and creator! How could this ministry ever be anything short of abundant reward? He. Is. God.

If you plan on doing a free scripture print per family or feel the tug to be part of this movement in some way to place scriptures on walls, then do a scripture. I know there are countless poems, quotes, and songs about God, but nothing is as inspiring as the very Word of God and His promises. He inspired those songs, poems and quotes! Resist the urge to put something else-stick to the very root of it all.

Don't stop being inspired by the Word. Take that inspiration from your work in photography to what you do at home. It can be used in how you make your child's lunch, how you serve your husband, friends, and neighbors. Like I've said before-I'm not perfect. I'm also talking to myself here. We are all on the same journey going for the same goal, aren't we? Putting a smile on God's face? Yes, that's my goal. No matter what I do.

Krszjzaniek {Family}

"Ok, this feels real now. I can't believe I'm actually doing this." Nicole's famous words as we were booking her family for a portrait session. I knew what she meant. She's thinking about the past or worried about her boys' behavior during the shoot. If it's been hard to get family pictures in the past, then it will be hard in the future, and that includes now. So, the sensible thing to do is avoid it as long as possible. Well, Nicole had avoided it long enough and she knew she needed to move on it. She trusted me, we spent some time planning her clothing, and I found a sweet spot off the side of a road somewhere the day before our shoot (I got inspired and although there were a lot of easier alternatives, I took the risk to use it). I was so proud of her because she kept her cool all day, didn't stress about the kids, the crazy weird location, or their outfits, so the vibe the kids got from her and dad was very laid back when we got there. That is SO hard to do-I know it is-so kudos to Supermom Nicole.

We did the session and she wasn't really thinking beyond "let's just get the pictures done". In the beginning, it's all about hoping it goes well and you'll get a few good images. I am willing to bet there are a lot of moms out there just like her and have been in her shoes. I feel like my family is the hardest to capture for absolutely anyone and I pity the photographer that tries. I've heard that same statement from moms hundreds of times! Everyone thinks their family is the hardest, believe me. Do you know what else I've heard hundreds of times? "I'm shocked at how many good ones there are. How on earth am I going to choose? Thank you SO much!" and it makes my heart happy. Nicole's story is like so many others and yes-it ends the same. Absolute fascination of a job well beyond done- with so much heart and customization. It's my story-it's how it always goes-and I'm thankful for it. I love being in the room to watch them see their images for the first time. I'm not the cyber ghost photographer that shows up for pictures one day having never met you, snaps, and then sends your images on CD and never sees you again-no, not me. I'll sit with you, watch you get teary-eyed, and help you make decisions. Then you get these amazing photos with true professional color, beautiful framed pieces or canvases for your wall and many times I return for a delivery, another planning session, or a get-together and I see them in their display. It is the ultimate reward! Nicole couldn't believe how well the session turned out and now she's excited about her displays! Here are a few from her bigger-than-normal gallery. The boys are absolutely awesome. Each with their own personality-sweet as can be. I loved getting to know them through this shoot!

The location was literally on the side of the road and I couldn't have asked for a better family or day. They were so cool and collected, and the weather was gorgeous. The location will probably never be the same after the yellow wildflowers fade away, but at least we captured what it looked like at one instance in time. Phenomenal is the least I can say about this shoot! Thank you, Nicole, for trusting me with such an important job as this!

Let Go and Let God {Chan Family}

Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. It is the great and humble entrance of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. It was a magnificent day where the people supported our Lord for who He is-the son of God. That day the people knew. They knew He was the One. They supported and accepted that fact and because they knew He was the Son of God by the miracles He performed and by the way He loved, many of them couldn't honor Him enough. They didn't know what to do when they saw Him coming. Shouldn't there be some sort of honor for the Son of God? What can we do? We line the street, we give praise to the Father for sending us Jesus! Right there they had conversions. On this day, people asked questions. On this day when people asked, "Who is this Jesus?", they were told, "This is the One! The Messiah! The King! He's come to Jerusalem to take his place on the throne and save us!! The one we've been waiting for! Truly he was sent by God!" Many of them grabbed palm branches off the trees to lay down as a carpet for Him. Who was the first person to do it? Does he or she know what they began? Did he or she know we would be remembering this for eternity? I'm sure they didn't. But they knew they had to do something for Jesus; something worthy of the Lamb of God who has come to take His place on the throne. It would be the last time they would support Him while he walked this earth...

I can't imagine a better way to usher in Jesus this Palm Sunday other than with a gift of praise. This is a wondrous hallelujah story from my friend become client, Mandy Chan. Mandy and I attend church together and her story at our Women's Ministry Kickoff Dinner had tears rolling down my cheeks in a steady stream. I don't think there was a dry eye during most of her talk. She is an example of faith to me and she's risen with God's help to conquer unspeakable odds. Although her life still isn't easy, she has her Lord to thank for her wonderful son Cameron's life. Enjoy this amazing story and all glory to the Comforter.

Mandy Chan: "Let Go and Let God"

I have struggled with this concept all of my life and sometimes I still do. When I had Cameron from the very beginning God was teaching me to let go.

Cameron was born at The Woodlands Hermann Memorial hospital on June 16, 2009 at 24 weeks gestation and weighing 2 pounds. Cameron was the youngest baby born to date at The Woodlands Hermann. The Doctor called my Mom and Doug out into the hall and told Doug all the complications and Cameron’s survival rate. The Doctor told Doug to make a choice on whether they should even try to resuscitate him. Hermann flew in a team of Doctors to help him through his first few hours of life. That was the first time Doug and I had to “let go and let God”. The Doctors worked for 20 minutes resuscitating him and since that moment Cameron has fought for his life with a passion.


I remember lying in bed worrying about his eyes opening because Cameron’s eyes were still fused shut. I would cry and pray for his eyes to open. Cameron opened his beautiful eyes on July 4th 2009. Doug and I joked that Cameron wanted to see the fireworks. I remember the first time I held Cameron, it was skin to skin and the nurses called this Kangaroo time. Kangaroo time would help him feel and smell me since he was not in the womb. I would also bring a doll home and sleep with it and then bring it back to Cameron so he could have the smell of his mother in his incubator. Cameron had a lot of struggles, but we made it through every one together as a family. Doug and I described it as a rollercoaster we didn’t know if we would ever get off and be a normal family.

A month into Cameron’s life I was told that he had 24 hours to live and that I should come to the hospital. I was with my grandmother and I got down on my knees and cried and begged God not to take Cameron home. I got to the hospital and prayed with Gail Matthews and my husband Doug Chan and we prayed over Cameron. I will never forget that day because we let go and let God. All of my life I have tried to control what I could because I was scared. But I couldn’t control what was going on. I was in a state of confusion most of the time.

When Cameron was life flighted downtown to Hermann Medical Center because he was not thriving and needed more advanced care. Once again this decision saved Cameron’s life and I feel God’s hand was involved. Doug and I worried about how we would be able to stay with Cameron and where we would stay downtown. We lived an hour one way. But then God came through again using our Bammel church family. I have never experienced such love from a church. Our Bammel church family was so gracious with their love donations. They found us an apartment and paid for one of month of groceries and parking passes. It would not have been possible for us to stay with Cameron if it were not for our Bammel church family.

After Cameron was life flighted we found out that everyone is born with a hole in their heart and it fuses shut by itself. Cameron’s hole in his heart was 4 times larger than the Aorta. The doctors informed us that Cameron would have to have an emergency surgery that would be 5 hours long. This surgery required a pda ligation this is where the doctors would clamp the hole together. We were very scared and worried about this surgery but yet again God and Cameron taught me a valuable lesson. Let go and Let God.

With all the surgeries Cameron has been through I have learned to let go on every one and God always was faithful and seemed to pull Cameron through the worst. Recently Cameron had a surgery to remove his trach. I worried for months about his vocal cord being damaged through the process of the surgery. The surgery turned out better then I could have ever imagined it to be. The doctor came to Doug and me and said there was a new procedure that he wanted to try on Cameron. This new procedure would not require the rib reconstruction. This surgery had only been done 9 other times in the USA. We agreed and when everything was all done Cameron was extubated and he cried for his music box and I cried with him I knew he was okay.



Cameron is an amazing little boy when I first brought Cameron home I told myself that I would not treat him as if he had a disability. When we were trying to get him to sit up I remember working hard to try to leave him in the high chair most of the day so he could learn to sit up. We would play and interact with him. It was also the same with crawling, because it was a struggle to get him to crawl. We worked together as a team and I remember crying and getting frustrated but the day he started crawling was quite a wonderful day. I am reminded of the time the doctors came to us and said that Cameron would be a vegetable and that he would never sit up, crawl or walk and asked us to turn off the machines because he was worried about the quality of Cameron’s life. I said no and I told them that if God wanted to take Cameron home that he would have already and that it was not my place to decide. I am glad that we decided against the Doctor and I wish that same Doctor could see that he was wrong.



When you go through struggles and you look around and you can’t see God your mind naturally goes in a state of panic. When I was downtown I remember looking up into the night sky and I had just had a not so great day. I had tears streaming down my face and I looked up and I questioned God do you still love me? God is always faithful and loving and kind. God has many mysterious ways of letting his children know that he loves them. 3 days later I received a letter in the mail from someone that I didn’t know at the time. We eventually became friends. This letter stated that God does still loves me! Every time I think about that letter I get a warm feeling in my heart because now I know.

There are so many things about Cameron that I could worry about. But God and Cameron working as a team constantly reassures me that everything will be okay. My child has such a passion to live and works hard on things that many people would take for granted. I am constantly reminded every time I see my child walk of how great our God is. My family and friends lives have been changed by the miracle of Cameron. That is why for the rest of my life my son will be a living testimony to this world of God’s great and beautiful miracles. I have learned through all of the struggles we went through that when you call God, God will come and he will take over and walk you through. All you have to do is say God I need you and God will come running. God loves you and I hope God speaks to your heart just as he has to mine.





Mandra Chan

Inspired Child Sessions

I shared this photo on my facebook page and some people commented that they are interested in having a session like this for their own children.



It has been my inspiration from God that makes me feel the need to place scripture on images and ultimately in homes. I've given these images to clients for free when they book me since the beginning of this business and it's kind of been kept a secret. It's always a gift and sometimes I'll get a call or email that says "I got this extra picture with a scripture on it-was it a mistake?" My upbringing has taught me not to talk about such wonderful things or my blessing gets taken away. Hmm. Anyway, Philippians 4:8 says to think of these praiseworthy things. How can you think on them when no one can share them? Lately I've wondered if I should stop keeping secrets. So I'm ready to share my heart for God and I'm eagerly wanting my work to speak volumes. I am SOOOO in love with Jesus. So, so, so in love with my Savior. Everything I do is because I want to put a smile on His face (although I am far from perfect!). I realize some of you aren't shocked-I've sprinkled my love for Christ all over my website and my facebook page. Keeping with my promise to give God the glory for my talent, I've always remembered it is HIS creation that I'm capturing, I've tried to make this business about what I'm about-Jesus. But, in all honesty, it's only the tip of the iceberg. It's so much bigger than that. God is so much bigger than that. I'm a person with struggles, trials, and tenacity for this Christian life-it is a daily, purposeful journey and it's so rewarding. Believe it or not, my business postings are actually "toned down" from what I really feel in my heart for Jesus. Yes, even still. I remember when I first started out there were a few seasoned photographers that told me I need to stop putting all the "God stuff" on my website-that it will drive clients away and I'll make less money. After all, this is a business (in other words, God doesn't belong in photography businesses). I never actually listened to them. I figured if God gave me this talent, then He should be given credit. I figured that the clients that are driven away weren't meant for me anyway. I reasoned that God would bless me with clients anyway (and HE HAS). But I still know that what God has done through my business hasn't been fully shared. I've been afraid that I can't stand up to what my images do for people or maybe I think too much of them. Perhaps I feel like people will think I think too much of myself or that I think I'm "too good" for them. I'm not sure which fear it is or if it's a combination of it all. The truth is I don't feel like I'm too good at all. I like my talent, but I know I have room to grow. I love my love for God, but I know it is HE that creates it. I feel like I don't deserve these blessings and the truth is, I don't. I also know that my kids don't "deserve" what they receive from me either. But is that really the question? Do I actually think to myself as I pick up a dress for Rio or a toy for Lathan, "Does he/she deserve this?". No, of course not! That's never the question. I'm too excited to give the gift! I imagine that's what God is like for me. So then, I've taken His blessings and turned them into blessing others.

My post from Facebook read:
Easter is coming and with it comes a flood of emotions for me. I start off pretty sad and stricken. Emotions from past events in my own life plague me and as I contemplate the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion, the feeling of sadness is sometimes overwhelming. Then that Sunday, the sadness turns to joy. I look forward to the feeling every year and in preparation, I love looking for ways to communicate what I feel through my art. I have begun thinking of it as their life story. I have always enjoyed painting these prophecies of belief for my kids-its part of how I pass on the legacy of faith that comes before them. I want them to be equipped and framed by these scripture images in the future. I want them to see scripture in their home, their rooms, next to their faces. Part of all of this is wanting more and more to do that for my friends-my clients. A vision I use often in my business is to offer to my clients what I would want for my own children. I don't want to simply "snap pictures for people". I want to write a story. I crave to speak into existence a framing for their very future-for all the children and families I meet. Soon after I took this picture of Lathan, my mom sent me posters of the fruits of the Spirit as a gift to hang in my room. She didn't know I had been reflecting on the very same subject. Her gift was because she wishes these gifts on me. She read in the book, "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson about a young girl whose parents framed and hung prophetic words in her room. When the girl grew up and left the house, she told her parents that on some nights when she couldn't fall asleep, she would look at the those words on the wall, and they would speak to her. Those framed words started to frame her. What a gift!! I want the same for my kids and the kids I meet. This image was taken in Spring and I am willing to go out there again if some of you are willing to create prophetic art of your kids in front of this cross. If many of you are interested, please comment below and I'll arrange a date with more details. Happy Easter!! :)

So people responded and really as soon as I hear one response, how could I decide not to? Truthfully, I've struggled with offering mini sessions anymore because my life is expensive. They are dreadfully underpriced because I can't bring myself to charge what my time is worth. From the outside it looks like its all profit and it's far from it. My children miss me and I miss them and whether its working in my room or off shooting, I'm not there. My kids and my bills are expensive. I feel bad even charging for such a wonderful event like Easter images. But I have to. It's more about the opportunity to do for someone else as I have done for myself. I have pictures of my kids with scripture next to them, or of them reading the bible, or an image with just a prophetic word to frame their personality. For this session, I actually don't even care if it's just one person. So I'm thinking about the true goal-a scripture image on the wall and for a child to see him/herself next to God's words. He/she will remember that picture when he/she grows up. A mounted 11x14 will do the job. It's the gift I've given to families since the beginning. It costs $110. So I've taken off $20 and am donating it along with my time to take the pictures, bring out props, edit them, upload and host them, and process the orders. It's a celebration of Christ and it's my sacrifice, which will be pleasing to Him. I don't usually work on Sundays, but I see this as a part of worship. These sessions will be available this next weekend and beyond. Perhaps you don't want a full session, you just want to frame your kids with scripture. These can always be booked. They will be at a discount for Easter, but "regularly priced" (time still donated) at $110 throughout the year. Just ask for an Inspired Child Session. I don't share all of these details so people feel like they're getting a deal or to give anyone permission to judge my worship or work habits; I share them because I am sharing my true heart. I am proud that I donate time, that I work hard for God, and that I consider my work as my ministry. I pray you'll be blessed and not-so-secretly, I know you and your family will!
You can purchase a session here and book by email:

Session Options

Easter Session $90.00 USD Easter Session with Digitals $120.00 USD Anytime Session $110.00 USD Anytime Session with Digitals $140.00 USD

Here are the details: