Helen Joy’s Photography Blog

Helen Joy George 7/1/15 Helen Joy George 7/1/15

the owen's family | rock hill, sc

6 months ago, I changed up my business in an effort to be able to fully invest in my clients and their sessions the way I longed to. This session really confirmed that it was the right move for me. Last month I drove down to South Carolina to photograph the Owen's family. I was able to visit and casually shoot throughout the afternoon and was able to sit down to a simple, delicious grilled dinner with them afterwards as we chatted about motherhood, loss, working from home and the beauty in it all.

This family has endured more loss than I feel my heart could take, but yet they choose gratefulness and they choose to envelope their son Page in love as they keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Page has a big sister, Martha, who passed away at just a few months old. This house was scattered with pictures of her joyful, gummy smile and her deep, wise eyes. Martha is often remembered with pinwheels and purple which we incorporated into some of the family pictures.

These images stir up something inside of me...a deep longing to treasure up all the moments as this family does.

www.helenjoy.com

Helen Joy George 6/16/15 Helen Joy George 6/16/15

ma-gaye | ball's creek camp meeting

Two nights ago, my dear friend Catherine called me up to tell me that her grandmother was very near to breathing her last breath and she was wondering if I had some pictures I had taken 6 years ago. 6 back up drives later I located them. That was back in my sepia phase and when I didn’t quite know what I was doing all the time. But OH MY how that precious soul was shining.

Last night, surrounded by family and the singing of songs, Ma-Gaye went to be with Jesus. I simply have to share a little about her life and these images shot at Ball’s Creek Camp Meeting where Ma-Gaye attended 89 years. She missed one because of a polio outbreak. The one’s of her singing with her daughter and granddaughter make tears pour down my face. What a legacy!

I remember meeting Ma Gaye for the first time after being ever so curious after reading the hilarious notes she would send my friend in college. I remember gathering around our college post office boxes when a letter from her would come. When I met her I felt such a kindred spirit with her. She was such a free spirit and her constant singing and dancing, no matter who was looking gave me such joy. She a strong and brave strength for her family, she was a joy to all who laid eyes on her, and she brought so much spice to the world that I know it will never be the same.

www.helenjoy.com

Helen Joy George 6/10/15 Helen Joy George 6/10/15

the birth of charlotte rae