Strong, Beautiful & Brave-Surviving Breast Cancer

"Never let a stumble in the road be the end of the journey".

The month of October recognizes breast cancer in a big way. So many of us have loved ones that have been effected by a form of cancer one way or another and we are reminded of it a lot more than once a year. 

Tonia is a friend I've met since living here in the Albany area. I never knew her pre-cancer. She is an amazing, lovely person with such a beautiful, positive spirit and I wanted to capture that image to celebrate her recovery. She was diagnosed just a little over a year ago, 9 days after her 41st birthday. Like most that receive the news, she was devastated but knew she had to remain positive for her daughter. Thankfully they caught it in the early stages and she has been in the clear for almost a year now. Tonia credits her faith for carrying her through the storm and reminds herself to live life to the fullest and not to sweat the small stuff. I think we all should live that way no matter what. Don't you?

Special thanks to the makeup artist, Heather for her awesome skills!

Here are some of my favorite shots!

 

Fashiony Shoot at The Abandoned Methodist Church

If you're a photographer in the Chicago area, then you most likely know of this "playground" in Gary, IN. Known as The Abandoned City Methodist Church. These images were taken while I was back visiting (we moved from IL to PA) and hanging out with a couple of my crazy photographer friends Piotr and Jeremy. I really love a fashion forward image and tried to go for that kind of look with what I had to work with. The props....all found at the location. We did not bring any extra props. Just our lovely model Jessica and what she brought for clothes. How cool is that?!!!! Well, I guess someone must have brought them in at some point. Over the years we've seen things come and go as there have been many movies, videos and photo shoots go on at this location. I miss it so much. I miss what a larger city has to provide as far as, well everything. 

I saw this torn up chair off to the side and dragged it over to use. I love it!

So many images are shot with this big window in the background
but to me this view never gets old.

I think this might be one of my favorites!

I thought this was fun for a little more pin-up'y style. 

I totally love the natural light coming in here. 

Um, yeah...I totally had to find a way to use this lamp shade!

I wish I could drag this couch to every shoot I do!

As the boys shot, I couldn't just stand around and watch. I had to make
the most of my visit!

Toward the end of our shoot I saw these doors and had to get
a quick shot. I think it turned out cool!

Just a few of the outtakes with the boys. 

Who know's what was being said here, I'm pretty sure what ever
it was, it was inappropriate. 

Piotr just had to make sure I noticed him while Jeremy takes his turn.

Cute laugh! We're always having a good time together!

Piotr taking his turn.

Again, Piotr trying to steal the show so I just went along with it! ;oP