Elizabeth and Evan {Operation: Love Reunited}

I met this sweet family shortly before Dad was being sent overseas for a year-long deployment.  Elizabeth and Evan were so much fun and so obviously adore their Dad and will miss him very much.  Hopefully these photos will help make the distance seem a little shorter.  (Note: per OpLove policy last names on uniforms must be Photoshopped out for images displayed on the internet. For more info on this volunteer organization, visit http://oplove.org/)

Disclaimer:  The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense. 

Homecoming Chris & Kara {Operation: Love Reunited}

 I love homecomings!  I had the honor of taking photographs a for Chris, a soldier who has been overseas for a year.  He was supposed to come home a few months ago but was shot, delaying his homecoming.  Fortunately, he has recovered and was able to fly home a few weeks ago. Waiting for him was his sweet fiancee Kara, her two adorable children, her sister, and her mom. 
 

 Ready and waiting.

He's here.

I love this one.  So happy.

Welcome home Chris.  We are so glad you are back safe and sound.

Disclaimer:  The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

Homecoming. {Operation: Love Reunited}

I got an email via Op Love a few days ago from a young woman who was welcoming her soldier home after a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.  She hoped I could meet her at the airport to photograph their reunion.  Homecomings are tricky because they are usually up in the air until the last minute as far as an exact arrival date and time.  As luck would have it, I was free this morning so I headed over to Charlotte Douglas Airport to meet Heather.

She caused a stir with her awesome sign.  Several people asked who she was waiting for and waited around to see the reunion.

Waiting...

As soon as she saw him on the escalator, she dropped the sign and sprinted to meet him.

 

 

 

Welcome home soldier!  Just in time for Veterans Day weekend.  They were so gracious, thanking me for being there.  It was an honor and a privilege to capture these moments for them. I hope I get to do many more homecoming sessions.  And soon.

Disclaimer:  The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

Op Love Mom {Charlotte Family Photography}

A few weeks ago I met this family on a Saturday morning to do an Op Love Shoot.  Mom was being deployed for a year to build water wells in Africa.  She is leaving behind 2 beautiful children, ages 3 and 1, and a loving husband.  As a mom, I can't imagine leaving my child for such a long time.  It broke my heart, listening to her talk about how her little son will be talking by the time she gets back.  Her little ones will miss her so much.  I hope the time goes by quickly for them and their Mommy is home before they know it.

Disclaimer:  The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense.

Op Love Farewell {Charlotte Family Photographer}

This was a special one.  Dad was headed to Afghanistan for a year, leaving behind his three beautiful children and loving wife.  We met after his deployment ceremony in Rock Hill, two days before he was leaving.  It was so hot outside that we had to shoot in their hotel.  The images are bittersweet - such sadness but also so much love between them. I hope these photographs help make the distance feel a little shorter and the time go a little faster.

This sweet little girl's sad face just broke my heart.

The children are given dolls that have their Daddy's picture on them, 

so when they need a hug from Daddy, they have something to hold on to.

Disclaimer:  The photos and other content of this publication do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Defense. (FYI: It is a requirement that the name on the soldier's uniform be obscured so I Photoshopped it out.)