Believe it or not, an artist’s mind is a complicated thing…struggling day in and day out with what will come next, going deeper and deeper into this thought process. Struggling with the feelings that long to be released, but can’t quite figure out how to express these feelings. As artists we meet many people along our journey…some visit for a while, others stay forever. Many inspire, many let us down. The thing is, we have found it takes both of those emotions to create an image from the heart.
An image is much like a song, a photographer, is much like a musician. The art reflects the soul.
It was almost a light bulb moment when the concept of this shoot entered my heart and mind!!
Inspired by lengthy talks with a true friend Aleta who you will meet later within our reflections.
Am I strong? Am I strong enough? How do I find Strength?
Are others strong? How do they find Strength?
And so the project began……..I sent out the request for Stories of Strength, without giving any information of the project I had coming to life within. We received so many stories of strength and are truly grateful for all!
Invites were sent to take part in The Personal Project of Strength.
Our way of providing a one of a kind day to several very special people, very special Stories of Strength….our way of saying Thank-You for inspiring us!
This project was also a challenge of strength to us as photographers and as a team.
It took place over about 5 hours. 9 Images, 9 Lighting Changes, Make-Up for Models, Clothing Concepts, as well as making sure everyone had a good time throughout this project.
Make up kindly provided by the lovely Ana B of http://www.anabuitrago.com/
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ALETA: (Strength, Beauty, Vulnerable) Three words I feel express our Reflection of Aleta’s Strength
The one quote that hit my heart in Aleta’s Story of Strength to us that about took my breath away…
“ I’ve never had the choice not to be strong. “
Aleta truly represents Strength to me. So much of her life has been spent with others just trying to knock her down, and trying to take her strength away. What these demons don’t realize is her vulnerable moment just makes Aleta fight harder, and stand stronger. She is not only strong; she is also a true friend, a beautiful woman, and an animal activist who stands up for others who cannot stand up on their own.
She will always be one of the strongest people I know .
The Reflection of Strength we chose for Aleta was to reflect “True Beauty, True Strength while looking deeply within the heart and soul of the one before you”
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BEN: (Energy, Will Power, Transformation) Three words I feel express our Reflection of Ben’s Strength.
A quote that truly touched my heart in Ben’s story of Strength: “To me, strength (great or small) is quite simply the realized potential of an energy source. When fueled by will and tempered by practice, this potential eventually becomes increased performance in the mental (knowledge and wisdom), physical (muscular or cardiovascular), or spiritual (meditation practice, or dedication to prayer) realms, thus producing “strength”.
We met Ben a few years ago at the point of his life where music seemed to be his strength and he lived a much different lifestyle compared to the life he leads today. He has been not only transformed as a physical person, but the growth he expresses mentally as a person is truly inspiring. He now competes in triathlon races such as the well known Iron-Man Race, he shows dedication within his daily life to accomplish strength that many of us only dream of.
The Reflection of Strength we chose to reflect Ben was “Energy Inside and Out, Will Power, Determination of the Mind and Heart of an Iron Man”
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TIERNEY: (Flowing, Soar, Faith) Three words I feel express our Reflections of Tierney’s Strength
A quote which is actually a Bible verse that touched my heart in Tierney’s Story of Strength: Isaiah 40:3 but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will SOAR on the wings like eagles; they will run and now grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
I can’t remember the exact time I met Tierney, but she has always been so fascinating and inspiring to me. Always so pretty, so flowing, so willing to express her own beauty and last but not least so willing to share her love of God and her Faith with others around her. As many of you know, I also cherish the word “Soar” it gets me throughout much of my daily life..so to read this verse in her story of course touched me deeply.
The Reflection of Strength we chose to reflect Tierney was “Her Flowing, Soaring, Beautiful Feminine Self”
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CHUCK: (Gentle with Power) Three words I feel express our Reflection of Chuck’s Strength
A quote that touched my heart in Chuck’s Story of Strength: “It’s not how Tough you are. To me it’s about being who you need to be and not making excuses for yourself.”
Corey has known Chuck his entire life…always the strong powerful one. From the moment I met Chuck I saw a physically strong powerful guy, looking very hard core on the outside…but on the inside being as kind as a teddy bear. His story of strength really touched me, because it validated my thoughts of him. Sometimes the hard external shell may disguise true soft heart that lives within that hard exterior.
Seeing this strong powerful guy walk in the door with this cute fluffy little pink collared puppy “Zoey” well…need I say more, other than to show you his reflection?
The Reflection of Strength we chose for Chuck was to reflect “His Hard Candy Coated Soft Heart”
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SARAH: (Peaceful, Poetic, Genuine) Three words I feel express our reflection of Sarah’s Strength
A quote that touched my heart in Sarah’s Story of Strength: “Strength is Being Genuine, even when it’s hard. Ultimately, strength is another form of love.”
Sarah is one of the most loving, genuine people I have ever met in my life. She always has a kind word, always has a hug, always there to listen, and is truly beautiful inside and out. She has true power in the words she writes and the words she shares with others.
The Reflection of Strength we chose for Sarah was to reflect “her peaceful ways that shine through the words that surrounds her within her soul and mind”
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LYNN: (Positive, Friend, Life) Three words I feel express our Reflections of Lynn’s Strength
A quote that touched my heart in Lynn’s Story of Strength: “Through life lessons, I have learned the importance of surrounding myself with others who have an enthusiasm for life and all that it has to offer.” I have only known Lynn for a short while. Throughout this time, I have learned she is so kind, so positive, so friendly, and so full of life! She seems to always see the good in others and the good in the situation before her. Corey and I are not only proud to call her our neighbor, but also so very proud to now call her our friend.
The Reflection of Strength we chose to reflect Lynn was “She surrounds herself with the positive energy of others to find her strength, and as she is doing so…she returns even more”
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MANDI: (Faith, Mother, God) Three words I feel express our Reflection of Mandi’s Strength
A quote that touched my heart in Mandi’s Story of Strength: “Strength is a true gift from God and everyone has it, it just depends on whether one can dig deep enough to find it and if you can’t you must turn to God and ask for help.” Mandi faced strength head on when her baby was fighting for his life this past year. Throughout this fight, she prayed to God to get her through. Mandi’s faith in God is beautiful.
The Reflection of Strength we chose to reflect Mandi was “Her Faith in God, simple and Pure”
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ANA: (Beauty, Faithful, Giving) Three words I feel express our Reflection of Ana’s Strength
A quote that touched my heart in Ana’s Story of Strength: “Strength to me is moving forward in the face of opposition”
Upon first meeting Ana a couple of years ago, of course first and foremost I saw this most amazing beautiful woman looking back at us. What I have learned throughout getting to know her better is that she is not only beautiful on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside. She has an amazing talent to see beauty before her and in return gives the gift of beauty to others as they see the beauty within them. This is truly a gift! Her strength comes from moving forward for what she believes in, and standing strong by her family and faith.
The Reflection of Strength we chose to reflect Ana was “She truly represents Beauty in so many ways!”
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COREY: (Ambition, Light, Image) Three words I feel express my Reflection of Corey’s Strength
When I think of Corey’s strength there is so much that comes to mind. He has not only been my husband, my best friend, my partner, my care taker, my educator of image, but also my inspiration for 16 years of my life! He’s been truly knocked down with a horrible accident and disability, but got right back up to fight all over again. His Ambition for Life and for Capturing the Life before him with an image should truly inspire anyone….as it has me.
The Reflection of Strength I chose for Corey was :“The Ambition in his eyes and Light within every image he takes is truly a reflection of his own strength”
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ERIN: (Love, Light, Image) Three words that express my reflection of strength.
I am told I have a “heart of gold”; this is by far my strongest point. I think with my heart, I express with my heart, I try to put others before my own heart, and the image always comes from my heart.
Many of you know several years ago my strength was challenged when Corey was in a debilitating accident. Never did I realize how strong I was until this happened. My love overpowered my fear and I took control of an awful time in our life. Many told me they didn’t know how I did it and once again, I had a heart of gold. The love I have for others I hope shows throughout my daily life, as well as through each and every image I create from the light that is not only inside me, but the light that also surrounds me.
The Reflection of Strength I chose to reflect myself was “The light of the sun – the light within the image – the light of the ones before me – the light of my heart within myself”
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Project : Reflections of Strength 2011 ends with me saying,
no matter what your vision of strength, we all can come together as one if we truly feel it within our hearts.
SPECIAL THANKS GO OUT TO:
-Ana Buitrago – www.anabuitrago.com One email, One Request and you were right there to help us! We truly cannot thank you enough! You were amazing with each model, even going over your scheduled time with us. Your make up talent is brilliant and we very much look forward to working with you on Weddings, Projects, and other events from here on out!
-Aleta Breen – For always showing me strength when sometimes I can’t find it on my own.
-To Each Person involved in this very special project to us! Without each of YOU it would have NEVER happened
