Archive for October, 2009

Meet Lenore and Zen-

I met these two a few years back when I was helping out with their photography business- “Zen Todd Photographers.” I was consistently in and out of their home studio, which allowed me the privilege of getting to know them within their own space and see how they worked as a family unit. They were amazing and so much fun. Hunter, their son, was about 6 months when we first met and I fell in love with the little guy. He was so spunky and his laughter could often be heard echoing throughout the house. Mainly I remember how much he liked to dance. Zen would improvise a humming sort of beat box, Lenore would clap to the beat and Hunter would dance, for hours if you let him. They would then take a break, mainly from the laughter and then start it up all over again. It’s one of my favorite memories of them.

It wasn’t long after working with Zen and Lenore that Hunter started getting very sick. His energy was extremely low, he slept most of the day and often had fevers reaching 104-105. He was constantly being rushed to his doctor for more checkups and tests. The worry of pneumonia was in the air so we all sent out some prayers in hopes of a speedy and painless recovery. Nobody was prepared for the diagnosis that then came. In September of 2007, Hunter celebrated his first birthday.  A few months later, Hunter was diagnosed with AML Leukemia.

What is AML Leukemia? “Acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Although several risk factors for AML have been identified, the specific cause of the disease remains unclear. AML has several subtypes; treatment and prognosis varies among subtypes. Five-year survival varies from 15-70%, and relapse rate varies from 7-33%, depending on subtype.”-wikipedia.  A mouthful right? . . . In his father’s words, “Our situation is simple. We must provide every opportunity possible for Hunter to become one of the positive AML statistics.  We have a new mission in life. “-healinghunter.com

And that is why I love this family-

They have managed to find strength within this struggle and are able to focus on what it is they are thankful for.

They manage to find smiles beneath fear,

and hope amongst sadness.

When Hunter’s hair began falling out from the chemo,

they all decided it was time for him to sport a Mohawk.

When the pain started to creep in

they decided to dance . . .

on the hospital room table.

and when the hospital bills became overwhelming,

they made lip balm- “Hunter’s the balm.”

and t-shirts, and shoes, and a whole line-up of kick-ass sponsors who were ready and willing to help heal.

They are the reason why this little boy continues to fight and hope. This family’s spirit is a consistent inspiration for me . . .

because no matter what happens next, it is my belief that they have already surpassed the odds.

To read more about Hunter’s fight please go to his blog- www.healinghunter.com

If you’d like to make a donation -you can make a 100% tax deductible donation by writing a check to the non-profit NATIONAL CHILDREN’S LEUKEMIA FOUNDATION

Please send your check to 11795 SW Kobbe Drive, Beaverton, OR 97007 (& put Hunter’s name in the subject line)

I adore photographing children.? I love it mainly because of their innocence but also because of their raw character, personality and soul.? It’s always so much fun to play with them and capture them journalistically, figure out who they are and what their favorite toy is.? Even when they’re grumpy, I luv em.? It is my goal to shoot many more baby portraits and then build another website just for them.? So I have decided that Jen Castle Photography shall extend a new special.? For any parents out there I will take $75.00 off of any of my baby portrait packages.? All packages include an hour of coverage (I come to your home), an online viewing gallery and a DVD of all the images in high-res. JPG format.? There are also options for purchasing prints and/or coffee table books.? Please contact us for additional information, package options, pricing and for any other questions you may have.? We would love to hear from you.

The holidays are coming . . . make sure you have your photography ready for holiday cards and presents.

In the meantime, here is a sneak peek at my most recent session-

Mom was singing away here and I fell in love the spectrum of expression he was giving her.? So funny and simply adorable.

Vivian and Carlos were high school sweethearts. They’ve been together now for eleven years. They’ve been through thick and thin, know each other in and out and balance each other perfectly. So on the early morn of Christmas Eve 2008 Carlos decided it was time to ask Vivian to be his bride. They were both home for the holidays, home being the quaint and charming town of Gilroy California. He told her they were going out for some last minute Christmas shopping and headed out towards Monterey. They ended up out by Cannery Row near the location of “their bench,” the bench where they shared their first kiss together. He casually asked her if she wanted him to stop the car. She did, of coarse, and after a few minutes . . . Carlos popped the question. In Vivian’s own words- “We stood out by our bench for a few minutes looking at the otters and taking photos.  I was saying something about the otters and Carlos interrupted me and said ‘so, the reason why I brought you here is.’  I was caught off guard.  He got down on one knee and said ‘Vivian, will you marry me?’.  I nervously giggled, and of course said YES!”

Vivian and Carlos were married on October 3rd and their location was exquisite- The Old Mission in San Juan Bautista. This adobe mission was built in 1797 and not only housed a church but also a grainary,barracks, monastery, and adobe houses.  It was the perfect backdrop to this eleven year romance.

It’s only been a week since the wedding but I already have many favorites.  Here are just a few-

Vivian and Carlos,

Congratulations.  I wish you the very best in your long and loving future.  You guys rock!