“Moments.

That’s all we have.

It’s like how letters engage to become words, words marry to become sentences, sentences birth into poems or stories.” – Vanessa Simpson

Last weekend, 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 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.

Today, her loved ones are gathering in Tacoma to celebrate her life, and we too, want to celebrate and remember our dear, Viewfinder Vanessa by sharing her words with you today, and on Saturdays across the month of March. Vanessa’s love of all-things-photography–film, cameras, self-portraiture, will continue to inspire us through the photographic legacy, we’re grateful she left behind.

To honor Vanessa today, or when you feel inspired, we ask and encourage you to turn the camera on yourself, 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 we can see a beautiful, fearless side of you too.

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

Small Reminders

This life. It has it’s bumps and bruises and hi-cups along the way. But it also has some astounding connections. These humans; these little humans who make my house noisy and dangerous with matchbox cars, beads, and Lego pieces strewn across the hardwood floors. These two help me realize that we don’t always know how to say what we need to say. The words don’t always come out the right way and we are all still learning what inflection and tone is when we speak.

They remind me to stay curious about life and to be okay with giggling or bursting into tears when I need to. I am reminded that we have to be taught even the most simple of tasks; like how to cut your own waffle in the morning- it’s only easy if you know it, right? Keeping the camera by my side, I can witness and possibly remember these little moments of life. Not just of their childhood, but of my mamahood.

Keep chasing that light, Vanessa