Well I have to tell you this is not going to be an ordinary post for me because this wasn't an ordinary shoot. I was very fortunate to meet some extremely amazing people this past weekend. We had this baby shoot planned for a little bit now. Baby Parker is the most adorable, smiley, happy baby and he is now 5 months old. However, a few things happened when Parker was born to make his first few months on this earth less than ideal. He had very bad colic and to top it off, his wonderful first time mom Danielle fell into a very deep Postpartum Depression. Just in case you are wondering, I have Danielle's full approval to publish her story. In fact, she insisted. That's just the type of person that she is. Here's a bit of background information. Danielle and Bruce thought that they very well may not have children because of her severe Endometriosis, but luckily that was not the case. They were very excited for the arrival of their first baby. Danielle is a nurse and deals with Cancer patients every day. Did I mention how wonderful she is? It seems so unfair that such a giving person would end up carrying this burden of depression, but indeed she did and it has taken 5 months for them to get their wonderful little family back on track. They are still working on that, day by day. Unfortunately there is a stigma that goes along with depression and help seems hard to find at times. That's why Danielle wanted me to publish her story. Its funny, when I met them I instantly felt like I had known them forever and I knew I would be walking out of their home with not only new clients but new friends. Before we knew it we were talking about everything that had happened in their life and in mine for that matter. Everyone has trials and tribulations in their life. I have been no different and have battled with depression once myself. Its not easy. So we are publishing this in the hopes that it changes that stigma that is out there. People with depression are every day people. They are doctors, lawyers, clerks, nurses, photographers, moms and dads and there is no reason why people should be afraid to talk about what is going on or to seek out the help that is needed. No one should have to suffer in silence and put on a "smiling mask". So if you are someone suffering with Postpartum Depression, don't be afraid to go for help. You are not alone. Please go to "The Smiling Mask Blog" based out of Regina for some very useful information. Also, you may contact Sally Elliot, who is a perinatal nurse at the YWCA in Regina (1-306-757-9622 Ext 242) or feel free to contact Danielle herself. She is an incredibly wonderful person and after suffering with this herself, she has been motivated to help others. I wish everyone was like her. So, as I said, this was not an ordinary post. I think its Extra-ordinary :) Thank you Bruce, Danielle and Parker for allowing me in to your home to capture some special, smiley moments between the three of you.
Now after viewing these images, do these look like the faces of "Depression"? Its such a common illness and we are so afraid to talk about it. Please use this family's bravery to tell their story as a lesson. Don't be afraid or ashamed to talk about it if you are going through it and don't be afraid to help others that are the one's suffering. If this story has touched you, even just a little, please leave your comments in support. Thank you.
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Yesterday I headed over to Balcarres to meet Miss J. I have worked with this family before for maternity, newborn and family photos. They are such kind and genuine people. Hmmm....I seem to say that about a lot of people but it really is true. I guess I am just fortunate to have such awesome clients. Anyway, newborn shoots are always a challenge and this one was no different. Lots of feeding to try and get them to settle. Somehow they just don't like getting naked, lol. Anyway, here's a few shots of the family and their newest addition. I just love all three of these little red heads. So adorable. Thanks again guys. Enjoy.
How adorable are these little ones!?!
1 comments so far
Carissa says:
Love the pictures! That window one is so creative!
(11.06.09 @ 12:46 PM)
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This afternoon I headed out to Max & Janelle's to meet their new little boy and is he ever adorable. I always want to take these newborns home with me but somehow mom and dad never want to do that. I'm not sure why, lol? Anyway, Mr. K didn't want to sleep for us in the beginning but mom and I tag teamed it and got him all settled in. After that, everything went really well. Here are a few shots from the afternoon. I love the way that Max & Janelle have their house decorated. It has such a western flair and so we used a lot of their own things in the photos. I will explain as we go, lol.
These first shots were done on a small cowhide that they have. Love It!!
This next one he even gave us a smile. My Grama always used to say that meant they were dreaming of angels.
These first shots were done on a small cowhide that they have. Love It!!This next one he even gave us a smile. My Grama always used to say that meant they were dreaming of angels.Mom has a definite love of horses so these next few shots have some of her horse collections in them.
Mom and Dad have some pretty talented artist friends so we decided to incorporate some things into the images.
Okay these next shots are my favorites. Mom was a rodeo princess and so we decided to use her saddle that she won. I absolutely love these and baby curled up just perfectly!!
Okay these next shots are my favorites. Mom was a rodeo princess and so we decided to use her saddle that she won. I absolutely love these and baby curled up just perfectly!!Love this next shot with baby K on the counter.
Love this image with Grampa's toy tractor and love that I can see babies reflection in the table.
We also used Grama's rocking chair when she was little. Love it!
And finally we are ending with a shot of mom, dad and baby that is so sweet as well as a couple of Miss J. She's just over a year and quite a busy young lady already. It was hard to get her sitting still enough and looking at the camera long enough but I captured this one and think she looks adorable.
We also used Grama's rocking chair when she was little. Love it!And finally we are ending with a shot of mom, dad and baby that is so sweet as well as a couple of Miss J. She's just over a year and quite a busy young lady already. It was hard to get her sitting still enough and looking at the camera long enough but I captured this one and think she looks adorable.
4 comments so far
Laurie Perry says:
Awww!!! What a beautiful family!!!
(08.28.09 @ 09:46 AM)
Kristin Tether says:
Wow so proud of my baby brother and his amazing wife!!!
(08.30.09 @ 11:54 AM)
Joanne Hope says:
Hey what do you do to keep those babies sleeping while you take pictures...............too cute..........great job.
(09.01.09 @ 04:01 PM)
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Yesterday I had such a great time heading out past Fort Qu'Appelle to the home of Melissa & Ryan & their brand new baby Griffin. Oh yeah, I can't forget one other important member of the family and that is Stanford. Stanford is an adorable 10 month old Boston Terrier. Hmmm, what else can I say about him. He's gets wound up pretty easily and lets just say has some "odor" issues. But even with that he and I hit it off right away. Oh wait, this isn't Stanfords shoot so lets get back to the little man of the hour, Griffin. He is such an adorable baby and was so good. I have been waiting to take his photos for a while now. I shot his mom and dads wedding, then mom's maternity photos and then was patiently waiting for his arrival. So here are a few shots from the day at Ryan & Melissa's home that they have been working on since the day they got married, probably before, lol. Its not finished yet but not much longer and you can sure see their hard work is paying of because its soooo nice. Anyway, here's a few shots guys. Hope you like. See you soon.
These first couple of shots were on a chair that was Griffin's Great Grandfathers and is over 100 years old. In these shots he was also sporting my new "Munchkin" hat made by the lovely Natanis Davidsen of Natanis Davidsen Photography. You can check out her work at
www.natanis.smugmug.com.
These trucks were made by Griffin's Great Grandfather. So nice.
These first couple of shots were on a chair that was Griffin's Great Grandfathers and is over 100 years old. In these shots he was also sporting my new "Munchkin" hat made by the lovely Natanis Davidsen of Natanis Davidsen Photography. You can check out her work at www.natanis.smugmug.com.
I love the colors in Ryan and Melissa's house!
These next shots are all in Griffin's amazing nursery. Ryan gets a lot of the credit as he did the painting. Awesome straight lines there Ryan, lol. And Grama made all the bedding. So nice.
These next shots are all in Griffin's amazing nursery. Ryan gets a lot of the credit as he did the painting. Awesome straight lines there Ryan, lol. And Grama made all the bedding. So nice.These trucks were made by Griffin's Great Grandfather. So nice.There was lots of laughter here and I can't remember if it was because I was taunting Ryan about making his lines look crooked or they could be laughing at the strange noises that I was making trying to get Stanford's attention.
The newest Rider Fan!!
The newest Rider Fan!!
2 comments so far
Rhonda says:
Beautiful Sharon as always.... totally love the last two with the wedding rings in his little hand!!!!
(08.21.09 @ 09:13 AM)
Melissa says:
Sharon, these are awesome!! I think we're going to have a hard time picking out a few favorites...thanks so much again for coming out and putting up with us and Stanford's 'perfume' LOL
(08.21.09 @ 10:24 AM)
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A few days ago I traveled to Balcarres to do a newborn session. This was such a nice young couple with the sweetest little baby boy. He loves music already. Especially Jack Johnson. It's amazing how if he starts to fuss a bit, you just turn up the tunes and he's calm as can be. Anyway, here's a few shots from the day with the whole family, including their one, very well behaved puppy Dexter.
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Dearest Sharon and Danielle,
On behalf of The Smiling Mask Team, we want to thank you both, IMMENSELY, for your heart, spirit and energy by sharing your experiences that ARE much more common and normal than ever. May we all remain honest and caring by living our truths in the most loving way we know in this moment in time. Thank you for sharing your selves because you WILL undoubtedly reach people who need to hear the exact words you wrote. Here's to the hope and healing that surrounds Postpartum Depression!
With heartfelt gratitude and honour,
(03.30.10 @ 02:57 PM)Elita Paterson, Carla O'Reilly & Tania Bird
p.s. The photos are marvelous in every way! From the beautiful parents who created such blazing blue eyes in Parker, to the home that has been decorated with such love and care.
(03.30.10 @ 03:02 PM)Thank you for capturing my beautiful sister in these photos (and of course, my handsome brother in law and cutest little nephew). They turned out amazing!! :)
(03.30.10 @ 03:02 PM)Thank you for capturing the beauty of Danielle, Bruce and Parker. It has not been an easy road for them....but you have captured all the love!!
(03.30.10 @ 07:39 PM)Danielle is a beautiful person, inside and out. Despite a struggle with Postpartum Depression, Danielle, Bruce and Parker have forged a loving and caring family that is also beautiful inside and out. Thank you for these eloquent pictures!
(03.30.10 @ 09:50 PM)Sharon's pictures have truly captured a loving family that have and will continue to survive. A tough start, but with the nurturing of loving family members, I only see a beautiful future together. It does not surprise me that Danielle wants to help others who are suffering - that is who she is - generous and caring.
(03.30.10 @ 10:30 PM)I know the family from a distance...through Donna, Dani's Mum. I have been praying all works out for them best for them all. I too have been down that road of depression and am so proud of the strength that Dani and Bruce are showing to get through this and the endless support that their family is given means soooo much. GOOD for you Dani for reaching out to others. You have know idea how much that will mean to someone down the road. Trent
(03.31.10 @ 11:19 AM)Beautiful pictures of a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing your difficult story and letting others know that they are not alone. May your strength, bravery and the love of your caring family help take care of you as you heal.
(03.31.10 @ 12:11 PM)Thank You for sharing! I have had postpartum with both my children. Motherhood is filled with endless hours of cuddles, giggles and love. My postpartum came more in the form of anxiety. I felt overwhelmed with feelings of worry, fear and unneccessary guilt. I am so appreciative that someone so candid has opened the door to a topic that is rarely talked about. Thank You Danielle!
(04.01.10 @ 06:24 PM)I too have been down the depression road and try to talk about it to people whenever the opportunity arises. I think its great that you are making more people aware, and the pics are fantastic, what blazing blue eyes.
(04.01.10 @ 08:11 PM)From my experience depression can hit at any time for a few hours or days and I try to be ever aware of what triggers it and why also realizing that it is my problem and not caused by others.
THANK YOU so much Sharon for capturing our beautiful family - this was our first family shot since Parker's birth and I was so excited - it felt like a personal celebration - a celebration of hope and life!
(04.04.10 @ 07:17 AM)I did not expect to experience PPD when Parker was born five months ago (as I don't think anyone does). The emotional and physical pain in my head and heart was unrelentless and often became unbearable. I was hospitalized three times with suicidal thoughts and plans to end my life. The constant sleep deprivation/insomnia, overwhelming anxiety, horrifying shame and embarrassment, and daily emotional meltdowns when I would curl up on the floor and wish to die were terrifying. My husband accurately described PPD as "TORTURE" one night after watching and listening to me describe the disjointed irrational black thoughts spinning circles in my head.
I am no longer ashamed or embarassed to tell my story. I only hope it will encourage other mothers experiencing signs of PPD to come forward for the help and support they need. You are NOT ALONE.
A BIG thank you to my mom, sister, Bruce's parents, great friend Shauna, and extended family for all of their help and support over the last 5 months and to my husband Bruce, who was always there at my side telling me that we will get through this - we did! I love you so much! And to my son Parker - your smile is the shining light during my days and nights so that I may never be alone in the dark again.
Hugs, Danielle
Thank you for sharing. As a PPD FTM as well - it's been a hard road. Thankfully, I have the love and support of my family and the bundle of mischieviousness, energy and joy that is my son.
(04.12.10 @ 05:19 PM)