Pretty in Pink
Being a father is new to me. It’s great and I’m loving it. It’s a new experience, however, which has required some life style adjustments like blogging at 3:00 a.m., for example. It’s no surprise I’m wide awake since I went to bed during the 7:30 p.m. nursing hour. I intended to get up for Modern Family, but oh well, I must’ve needed the sleep more.
Anyway, since Ashlee has gone back to work, I’ve made work schedule adjustments too. My best intentions are to go to work early so I can pick up Zoe at 2:30 p.m.. Last week our day care person was out of town so, with no weddings scheduled during the week, Zoe spent her days with me at the studio. It was great fun. We laughed and we played. We ate and practiced our burping. We partied. We pooped. Then during nap time, Daddy got some work done.
On Friday, I had a Bridal consultation at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Hotel. With slight hesitation but without apology I took Zoe with me. I knew I was running the risk of appearing unprofessional. Unlike some, however, who insist the professionalism is in wearing slacks and dress shoes to a beach wedding yet their work shows crooked horizons and islands sitting on people’s heads, I’m less about appearance and more about final product. To me, the bridal consultation is less about my work, they’ve already seen it on-line and must like it, but it’s about getting to know each other and designing a photo package to meet their needs and budget.
So getting to know me, you should know that the greatest day of my life was the day Ashlee showed up at the church and married me 2nd only to the day she gave me our precious little girl. I believe in God and give thanks every day for I am blessed. I am not a shutterbug with a long lens but I am an artist whose genre is photography. I am passionate about my work and I love weddings. Many men would consider the number of weddings I’ve attended a form of hell, or at least purgatory, but I love weddings because the love each couples has that day is the love I strive to have with my wife every day. Pollyannaish, I agree, but a man’s gotta have goals.
When the minister or officiant delivers the ceremony and when the couple says their vows of commitment, I get a moment to remember my vows and reflect on the love I have for my wife. (Trust me, it’s great marriage therapy and I get paid to go. How great is that?) And now, with a daughter, I can empathize with Dad as he stands aside and reflects on a couple decades of love he’s shared with his daughter.
I am no faker or someone who just does weddings to pay the bills. I’m not a minister who throws on the robe for ceremony but doesn’t believe in God. I’m not a diabetic who makes wedding cakes or a DJ who can’t dance. (“Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” –Jerry & George) I’m a photographer who loves weddings because in each wedding day I get to share in the love , and like left over wedding cake, I get to take a little slice home with me.
So back to Daughter at Work Day! I wish someone, besides security, had snapped a picture as I walked into the lobby of the Marriott carrying: my giant portfolio with gallery wrap and matted print samples; leather satchel with laptop, wedding albums and price sheets; flowery designer diaper bag; and of course, baby in car seat. Yes, there were a few double takes.
Then, I met with the bride to be and her mom. We had a nice time discussing everything from reception locations to before and after ceremony photo possibilities. I showed them sample wedding albums and large print possibilities. Everything went great. They both loved Zoe who wore a pink bow in her hair and was quiet for most of the hour. I held her part of the time and was prepared to give her a bottle, if she needed it.
I was glad I could have my daughter with me. Everyone has told us “Enjoy it. It goes by too fast” so I’m enjoying every day with her. To be honest, since I am 47, Time does not afford me the luxury, if it should even be called that, of someday expressing parental regrets of not spending enough time with your children by making it up to the grand children. I accept the fact that I might not ever see that day so I’m making the best of these days.
And it was great day. After the meeting, we went back to my studio and guess what we did? We played dress up and took pictures, of course.
Enjoy the pictures. I hope you enjoyed getting to know me. Oh, and by the way, I received an e-mail yesterday…. If I may, “Hi Ej: I’m so glad we had the opportunity to meet….. I would love to work the you. Your pictures are so beautiful, you are professional and personal, and I think your precious Zoe won me over”
Did you catch that “Professional”? Like I didn’t know what I was doing…. Cheers, Ej
All photos by Eric Johnson & Paradise Pictures © Ej 2011 www.paradisepictures.vi
- Pink Bow by Mom / Dress by Cousin Maurita
Great Expression
Zoe
Mom's new profile picture
Love the Dress
"Where's Zoe?"
Precious
Happy Baby