Archive 2018 · Why what we do matters

Smousefam5
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Why what we do matters

While my wife and I were in Japan recently I was asked to take some family photos of a service member on the base where my son in law is stationed. They turned out quite well and everyone was happy.

Early this morning my daughter contacted me saying that family’s youngest son (12 years old) had just taken his own life. My pictures will represent a seemingly happy young man literally days before he died and will be a critical memory for this family.

I know many of you have probably experienced something similar but this hit me pretty hard.

Nov 20, 2018 at 11:25 AM

jakerepp
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Why what we do matters

Terribly sorry to hear this. Photography is certainly not just a trivial hobby/profession. Hopefully those photographs will help the family remember their son in a good light and appreciate the time they had with him. Nobody will ever understand his struggle; I'm sure it was never fully apparent to anyone.

As we're approaching the Holiday Season, it's important to remember to appreciate what you do have and make sure others know they are loved.

Nov 20, 2018 at 11:45 AM

GeorgieGirl
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Why what we do matters

You were where you were supposed to me at that time. They have the incredible images that your created of them, and for them. It's a powerful and overwhelming thought to consider how you fit into the fabric of their lives.

Sometimes we don't set out having the full picture. Hang in there on this one. You were pretty close to real with them and the suprise of this has to be rough. There is so much more under the surface of people that we rarely can catch a glimpse of. Of course this hits hard.

All my Best to you and yours for a Warm and Heartfelt Thanksgiving.

Nov 20, 2018 at 06:45 PM

Danpbphoto
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Why what we do matters

My condolences go out to you and the family. This time of year is especially hard for matters like this to comprehend. Especially for our service members. The service families give so much to serve our Country in defense of our freedoms and those Countries we protect and serve.
Dan

Nov 21, 2018 at 08:47 AM

jdc562
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Why what we do matters

Even though your images come at a time of great sadness, after a time passes they will probably bring back fond memories for the boy's family. My condolences to all.

Nov 25, 2018 at 08:22 PM

Sauseschritt
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Why what we do matters

A 12 year old kid committing suicide, now thats harsh.

And yes photography halts time and records memories ... sort of. It can also distort them. After all, every photograph tells always only a part of the story. Everything thats not in the frame, everything that happends before or after, thats all not in this picture.

Nov 28, 2018 at 09:13 AM

Smousefam5
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Why what we do matters

Sauseschritt wrote:
A 12 year old kid committing suicide, now thats harsh.

And yes photography halts time and records memories ... sort of. It can also distort them. After all, every photograph tells always only a part of the story. Everything thats not in the frame, everything that happends before or after, thats all not in this picture.

His death is under investigation so all may not be as originally thought. And yes, while you are correct, the images do reflect and remind them of happy times and the sweet boy he really was.

Nov 28, 2018 at 11:46 AM


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