A day with Jordan~ Fredericksburg Virgina

When your an artist, or you have a job that is art based, there are points in your life/career when you feel dead.  I have been struggling to find inspiration with all the big changes that have occurred in my life in recent months.  Its hard to try and start over, when you had such a good thing.  I fully admit, I wasnt putting my full heart into it.  I was getting really stressed and depressed over it, and considered putting my camera away.  Now, mind you I have had a camera in my  hand since I was very very young.  This is a woman who had a full outright fit, that her camera broke in California at Christmas time and demanded my husband to buy me something so I didnt miss anything (I even would have settled for those horrid little disbosables).  Considering putting down her camera.
I prayed on the subject.  I prayed night after night for guidance in this area. I talked to some other fantastic photographers in a group I am in.  I got some great advice, "shoot for yourself"  Just hearing those words, lifted a 10 story building off my shoulders.  "shoot for yourself"  The following day, while riding in the car with my family an idea hit my head, like a bolt of lightning.  I knew who I wanted to shoot, where I wanted to shoot, and exactly what I wanted from the shoot.

I met Jordan during Christmas sessions.  When he was relieved of his duty of sitting still for the family shots, and I was working on other members of his family, he took that opportunity to ride around the park on his board.





You can see Jordan here in the background of this picture of his mom and sister.  hes the red and black squiggly line.  His act of passion towards his board, actually inspired my brain and heart.  It seems kinds silly when you think about it.  A young man doing what he loves, which in no way relates to my photography, inspiring it.










I have been downtown (frederickgburg) a few times now.  Every time I drive or walk around down there I see places everywhere that I want to shoot.  Its just a cool little area.  Urban, yet rural, old and rustic, yet modern.  Its such an eclectic collection of hodge podge.  I knew I wanted to shoot down there since we moved here.  But it didnt quite seem right for a family or toddlers.  So when this shoot idea hit me, my heart filled with excitement.  Thankfully Jordans mom understands the excitement and passion one can have over a camera.

Jordan is a bright, well mannered young man.  I had so much fun with him.  With very little direction on my part, he just kinda knew what I wanted from him.  As I look back at the pictures while I edit them, I can see there are places inside him, that he doesn't show often.  His expressions show perfectly on his face, be it pensive, or joyful.

Jordan helped me get my spark back.  I havent put my camera away since our session.  I have been shooting everything and every where and I am planning big things for my passion for the coming warm months!  I found my love again in my camera.  I found the art I thought I had lost in myself.