You know how memeories are, they aren’t solid, they aren’t liquid, but they run through your fingers like sticky syrup. Memories make sense, and then they don’t at all. – Vanessa Simpson

Earlier this month, we learned the devastating news that our fellow Viewfinder Vanessa Simpson passed away while surrounded by those she loved. A devoted mother and loving wife, a dedicated runner and yogi, an intrepid photographer and innovative geologist, a lover of yarn and seeker of a creative life, Vanessa faced breast cancer wish such grace and strength, living with such fearlessness and joy, that it seems unthinkable that it could return to take her courageous life at such a young age. We are heartbroken. And in shock, that the unthinkable could happen, to her, at the young age of 48.

Client work is important, but pulling my camera out for us is why I love with this photo thing the most. – Vanessa Simpson

Vanessa was first and foremost a mother, wife and daughter and she often drew inspiration from her family. We watched as her children grew up through her beautiful photos documenting milestones big and small. She invited us on her anniversary trips sharing glimpses of those sweet getaways. And of course, she shared beautiful moments with her extended family on vacations, holidays and visits from her Mom.

To honor Vanessa this month, or when you feel inspired, we ask and encourage you to turn your cameras on yourselves, to document a self-portrait like Vanessa did over-and-over again in so many different ways. If you feel inspired, please share your portrait with us using the hashtag #selfiesforvanessa, so that we can see a beautiful, fearless side of you too.

As Vanessa would say, “keep on chasing the light”
Love, the Viewfinders

Magical Moments

There are days when there are no plans, probably more often than not around here. But on one of those days, there’s a yard sale down the street and a piggy bank full of quarters, (which she has been carefully saving for the past few months). Suddenly, those unplanned hours are filled with soon to be magical memories. She spots a board game box wedged between a cookbook and an old handbag. Her twenty-five cents is pulled from her pocket and handed to the neighbor. Instantly, the morning transforms and is full of imagination, giggles, dress-up, and twirling until she falls to the ground in a dizzy pile of crinoline and beads.

These are the moments I love capturing. As a mother and a family photographer, I know not every shot is going to be in perfect focus- but to me that is all part of the game. I love embracing the blur. To me, it’s all part of what tells the story and conveys the energy of my four and a half-year-old tomboy-princess. I know many of you have found or re-found your love of photography because of parenthood. For me, it’s the enchanted moments I hope to capture. For us, for them, but mostly for us- because their childhood goes by so.stinking.fast. Today, I invite you to stop asking you babies to “smile” and “look at the camera” and to see what happens when you let them just be. Snapping as they get lost in their world of play and wonder.  Mess with your shutter speed and your f-stop, and see if you can’t bottle that lightning spark energy your little ones hold and share with this big world. 

Keep chasing that light, Vanessa