Photography Outreach | Family Photographer, Columbus, NC

A while back…I asked my Facebook Fans to suggest Families or individuals who might be good candidates for a free session. I was looking for people who may have had to deal with really large obstacles that makes it tough for families to think about getting their pictures made…so, I was so excited when a former client recommended the Patterson family to me. Her email was so beautifully put and was enough to let me know that this family would be the right fit. Here is the email…and pics from their family session!

“Some people come into our lives and touch our hearts. One such case in my life is the Patterson family. Mike, Mary Ann, Hunter and Hope are simply special. Mike and Mary Ann have been married for 16 years and are parents to 15 year old Hunter and 9 year old Hope. I recently found out that the last professional family photo taken was done ten years ago and if you do the math Hope wasn’t even born. That is not to say that Mary Ann isn’t a madwoman when it comes to at home photos though. This family is one of the tightest knit families I have ever met. When it comes to love and faith they have plenty to share.

Currently, Mary Ann is working towards a college degree. She will then be the first member of her immediate family to graduate. She is going to night school on top of working a full time job. Back in the summer the Patterson family took all the necessary steps towards becoming an approved foster family. This was a long journey for all of them which seemingly drew them even closer to one another, preparing them for what was to come. Shortly after being approved they found out that Mike has prostate cancer. He had his first surgery on October 21, 2010, his second on December 19, 2011 and his third is scheduled at Duke for February 15, 2011. He has a long road ahead. Throughout all of this he understandingly has not been able to work leaving their family of four on the salary of one. This situation leaves little room for anything extra. Between all of the doctor visits, care giving at home and managing the care of both children Mary Ann seems to be Super Woman. Her faith in God and her love for her family is so evident in all that she does.

They are strongly involved in their church as they attend services and are active in most all events. Mary Ann and Hunter go on mission trips abroad which is one thing that has driven both of them to pursue God’s will for their lives and to continue to spread the good news. Mike is the manager of the CVS in Columbus, NC. Up until recently, he worked diligently to provide for his family. Prior to his health issues he was an avid runner. Mary Ann is the mother we all should be so lucky to have. She honestly takes care of it all. Amidst all chaos she will be the one to have a plan. She is always ready to lend a helping hand and an ear to listen. Hunter is one of the most compassionate teenage boys I have ever met. He is a member of the PCHS band and wrestling team. He taught my daughter music lessons and she just adored him. His patience surpasses what one could imagine a teenager being capable of. Hope is a ball of energy. She loves to dance and sing as she wishes to one day become famous. She loves animals and especially babies. She is definitely a little mama in the making.

This family’s situation makes me ask, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” To that I will never know the answer, but what I do know is that God has a plan for them and that these hard times will bring them together more so than they already are, providing them with an even more solid ground to stand on.

Kelli… I know you will probably receive many nominations for this service you are offering, but I ask you to please consider the Patterson family. They are special people who unconditionally and genuinely love, hope and pray together through the bad and the good alike. A nice way for them to be reminded of the strength of their home would be to have a beautiful family photo. One every ten years is nine years too many.”

Thank you Amber for introducing me to this wonderful family!!