Happy Portraits Of The People You Love By Rob & Lauren

I hardly know how to write this post. This whole experience has been incredible for us, and filled us up with so much love. I suppose I’ll start at the beginning, and see how things unfold :)

Just over a month ago I received an email from Tesa, a photographer from Rocky Mountain House. She had a request of us, and one that I imagine was a bit scary to write. She knew of an incredible family who desperately needed family portraits, but could not afford them.  So she asked if we would be willing to shoot them for free.

You might wonder what I mean when I say they desperately needed portraits. Well, this beautiful family is going through a very difficult struggle right now. Kortlandt, a energetic and happy 5 year old boy, is fighting for his life. They don’t know how much time he has left. And yet they didn’t have a family portrait of all of them together. 

We immediately agreed. This profession of ours is unique in that we can give something very meaningful to others by simply being present and pressing a button. There is clearly so much more to it, but when you boil it down it takes so little from us to do so much for someone else. We were thrilled that Tesa contacted us and gave us such a wonderful opportunity to help.

So we were introduced to Patty Wiens, the mother of Kortlandt. She and I corresponded for a month, setting up details, and just chatting about the session. She took some time to write a short bio of each of her 7 children. It’s amazing how much you can learn about someone just by paying attention to how and what they write. Patty clearly was full of love for her little ones. We were so excited to meet each and every one of them, and see those distinct personalities that Patty has described.

Finally the day came when we were scheduled to shoot. Lionel, the father, and half the kids had driven all the way from their home in Saskatoon for the occasion. And of course, it just happened to be when Edmonton was experiencing some very ugly weather. It was cold and rainy, and downright unpleasant outside. But that didn’t stop a single person from smiling, having fun, showing love to their family, and just enjoying being together.

So here is the wonderful Wiens family. I hope you enjoy the images, and can see just how much love and happiness there is here, despite all the hard roads they’ve been down together.

And this is Kortlandt. 

Luckily his best friend, Terrell, was able to join us for the session as well. These two met at Ronald MacDonald House, where Patty and the kids have been staying for a long time as Kortlandt has treatment at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. We were so glad to be able to capture these two strong boys together.

All those kids, just being kids. The way I like it.

And a last image of Kortlandt and his brothers.

We want to thank a few people here, if you’ll indulge us.

Firstly, the Wiens family for letting us into their world and showing us their strength and love. You inspire us so much. 

Secondly, Tesa, for contacting us in the first place, and being such an amazing friend to the Wiens.

And a huge thank you goes to Ronald MacDonald House. Their tagline says it best: Giving sick children what they need most…their families. If you feel inclined, here is a link to donate to this amazing organization. 

On that note, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and make sure to spend some time with the people you love.

Lauren :)