48 Hours in NYC

Something BIG happened this weekend in my business. Let’s just say it was a MAJOR bucket list item that happened to not even be on my bucket list.

But before I do a little show-and-tell, I need to get you caught up on everything. Do you remember this session I shared on Instagram back in the spring?

A few months ago, the mom in these photos texted me asking if she could submit one of the photos to possibly be used for a yearly event that happens in NYC to raise awareness for Down Syndrome. She mentioned that if the photo were to be selected, it would be shown in Times Square. 

I, of course, said yes, but then I never thought about it again! 

Fast forward to 2 weeks ago: I got a text from her saying the photo was chosen!!!!! I was so happy & excited, not only for me, but for this family! That their beautiful baby girl would be featured in Times Square!!!! 

I immediately sent mom this text back:

And here’s where the story gets even more exciting!

I called my husband on his drive home from work to tell him the news. And THE FIRST words out of his mouth were, “I mean, we are going, right?”

I responded and said, “Nooo, that would be crazy!!!”

We had flights booked to LaGuardia 45 minutes later.

See, here is something you should know. I literally have the most supportive husband in the world. That man champions every aspect of my business and has been doing that since I first launched it 11 years ago. He is my biggest cheerleader, and he listens to my countless ideas for things I want to do in my business. The sky is the limit for how big he dreams for me in my work. When you have a partner like that, you get to go do things like this. 

And for that, I am so grateful.

I made a little recap video sharing our trip, but I should warn you, I am no vlogger. It took everything in me to remember to film any aspect of this trip, ha! I think because my career involves capturing all of the moments for people, I enjoy the times when I get to just sit and be in the moment for myself. 

But if you are interested in watching it, here it is 🙂 

I got emotional seeing my photo up on those jumbo trons, and I think it was for a couple of reasons. The first being how hard I’ve worked in my business. I never thought I’d have a moment like this. Over the past 11 years, I have poured so much of my heart into my artistry. It’s a gift I have been blessed with, and I get to share it with so many incredible people. To stand there, in Times Square, and see MY photo being shown—it was a real “pinch me” moment. 

The second reason I got emotional was thinking about how much the photos I take mean to the families I work with. They aren’t just photos to you—they are your story. We were in NYC on the 25th anniversary of 9.11. As I thought about all of the families who were affected, and how my job as a photographer involves giving people the gift of remembering, it brought tears to my eyes. We never realize how important photographs are until the people we love so desperately aren’t here anymore.

I don’t know where By Faith Photo is going to go over the next year, but I know this: I am stepping out in faith that He has good plans for me, and the rest is up to Him. For now, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing: Photographing families in whatever season of life they find themselves in, and helping teach other photographers how to do the same. 

I truly believe I have the best job in the world. Thank you for being here & cheering me on!