I had the privelege last night, of photographing a military homecoming at the Aberdeen Proving Ground of the 20th Support Command. It was such an honor to be able to experience this family welcome home their "Captain", who had never even met his precious newborn son. I have never been able to personally shake the hand of a soldier, and thank him in my own words for what they do for our country, what an honor it was. There is quite a funny story that goes along with my adventure! First of all - let's say it was quite the learning experience for this natural light photographer, for this homecoming to be scheduled at 2:00 AM - there was no natural light... Now, getting through the security at the front gate of a military installation is....well..... not easy. I drive up to the gate, armed with my information that I was told I would need. The guard says to me "Your name is Heather and you are with WHO, here to photograph WHO? It's against regulations to take photographs on this property", I say "uh, Timeless and Treasured and here to photograph Captain Z.I.. for his homecoming reunion with his family" The guard starts speaking into his little speaker on his shoulder, "I have a Civilian here, a Heather O'Steen, claiming to be with a Timeless and Treasured Photography, she has no official clearance". It was really funny to hear my little business name in such an official way. Somehow, I don't think the guard understood why I was giggling. Let's just say that was JUST the beginning. After a very long and sorted ordeal, I eventually ended up with a police escort to my eventual destination (which was very round-about in nature), only after revealing my life history information to several military personnel, along with every piece of identification belonging to my person and my vehicle. I do believe I will rest a little easier tonight knowing full well that our military is ready and willing to protect our country at every cost, even from middle-of-the-night photographers. Enjoy the slideshow by entering the code "Irvine" under the client section at http://www.timelessandtreasured.com/
7 comments:
What an honor and how touching. This is something I believe you will always cherish. Just to see his face when he first saw his son. Wow. I think this is great and the pictures are great too. What a great way to show thanks to the military.
Heather,
I just looked at all the pictures. Gosh you did such a good job telling a story of his homecoming. You are really getting good. This was just such a sweet story. I think it is my favorite out of all your photo shoots.
No natural light needed. It couldn't have been anymore perfect Heather. Your talent is very inspiring to me and that family is just precious. What an amazing opportunity to be involved in such a story and family memory. Thanks for allowing us to share too.
What a phenomenal privelege to be present at such a holy moment. I'm sure you will never, ever forget it. It is the kind of story your grandchildren will be telling their children.
Oh, and I can just see your whole funny getting-on-post ordeal in my mind's eye because Chuck is a retired Army Captain. You were actually very lucky they even let you on at that time of night. I remember when we would drive to the Commisary, and Brooke would say, "Why is that man pointing a gun at us?" when we passed the guard shack at check-in. What other 5yo sees that on the way to the grocery store? Lol.
I'm so thankful you and Mindy arranged this so our entire family could share in that special moment! You have a special gift and talent - thank you for sharing it! God's blessings to you! - Mindy's Aunt Vicki
Hello! I'm a close friend of Vicki (the aunt) and I must say, that slide show was absolutely beautiful! I cried through the whole thing. You do very very good work. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Thanks everyone! I'm so glad I was able to help their family be able to share the moments. They are a very sweet family.
Post a Comment