Things are good around here. Things are really good.
Last weekend I had my first two professional photography shoots. I guess I can be called a professional now, I have a business card. I have to say that I was so nervous. I haven't felt nerves like this since speech class in college. I've put myself out there and claimed that I can capture those special moments with my camera lens and people are paying me for it so now I have to deliver. I know that I can do it. Shoot, I do it on a daily basis with Madison but now it's more real. As soon as I got home on Saturday night, I hooked my camera up to the computer and downloaded all 150 images of the Ott family. And I smiled. Here is a bit of what I saw:
I called Ryan on my way home after spending an hour with this family. He asked "How was it?" It was awesome! I loved every minute of watching this family. Mama trying to get her boys to participate and Dad anticipating when I say "Okay, big smiles, last one!" After I got this first shoot under my belt, I was anxious for more. Luckily, I had another family lined up for Sunday. Again, same as Saturday night, as soon as I got home I quickly downloaded all 150 pictures and I smiled.
I have delivered. I've delivered these special moments that I captured of these families to them. They were both so happy and pleased with the results. It makes me feel good and again, I'm anticipating my next photo shoot.
I'm not the only one around here doing big things. Ryan had to go and one up me. As I have reported before, Ryan works for a not-for-profit company that employs mentally and physically handicapped adults. The Special Olympics holds several fundraisers throughout the year and Ryan was chosen as the participant in this most recent fundraiser. It was called Toss Your Boss. His company, employees, co-workers, friends and family raised $2060.00 for the Special Olympics and the prize......they got to Toss Their Boss over an eighteen story building in downtown Indianapolis.
We watched him sign his waivers.
And suit up.
He received a quick tutorial on how to work the equipment.
Then he got to practice on a thirty foot drop down the side of a parking garage.
Of course, Ryan's three favorite girls were there to watch and cheer him on.
After the practice round, it was time for the real deal.
And we looked on, or up I guess as Madison exclaimed 'Here he comes!"
He lowered himself slowly to the ground.
Once there, Madison ran right under the caution tape and up to her Daddy. It happened so fast that I didn't even see her do it until I saw the fireman looking at me as if he was asking "Who's kid is this?"
We were all so proud of him. He did something that many people couldn't nor have ever had the opportunity to do. It was a huge accomplishment. Way to go Ryan!
While downtown, Madison got a special surprise. We saw Boots and Dora the Explorer. Because it's so completely normal to see her favorite characters just walking down the street, right? Anyway, these two were just hanging out and we were anxious to get some pictures of her with them but she totally freaked. Like grabbed my neck, gripping so tight and screaming into my ear freak out.
She preferred to look at them from afar.
When we were walking away she did give them a high five and knuckles and yelled "Bye, bye! See ya later!" But suddenly her story changed and she got really brave. In the car, on the way home. She said "See Boots. Dora hold you. Hug Dora." In her memory, she was in Dora's arms and gave her a hug. Weird how stories change in your memory. Maybe she's going to be a fisherman one day.
