The Gift of Being Seen
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© 2009 she saw things : jen downer
There is a certain vulnerability that goes along with letting someone into your home to be a witness to your existence.
This past weekend we were blessed with an opportunity to be seen. We welcomed someone new into our home to document us: the subtleties, the connections, the support, the silliness, the four of us.
© 2009 she saw things : jen downer
I first met Jen Downer a few years back through some random online
connections. We had dinner together in Portland and talked about life and creating and kids and special needs and photography. We talked about having her take photos of our family at
some point in the future. Fast forward a couple years and the addition
of a new family member seemed like a really good time to be seen.
To be honest, my first thought about having someone take our photos was this: we take so many photos already; we capture each other as we go about our daily routines; Chris and I are quick to grab the camera before moments pass by - why do we need someone else to take more?
Those first two photos are the reason why.
There is really something amazing about having someone else come into your home with a camera in hand who is willing to casually interact, blend in, and document us as we are. Jen captured things that we just can't do on our own, with a sensitivity to the dynamics of our family that was truly appreciated.
© 2009 she saw things : jen downer (butterfly mobile from Royal Buffet)
When she emailed these first few images to me yesterday my immediate response was that these images were my heart.
© 2009 she saw things : jen downer
Jen and Simon hit it off from the start. I had prepped him this past week that my friend was going to be coming over to take photos of our family. She even got to witness his full production/reading/acting of Green Eggs & Ham. He got to hold her camera and take a few shots.
© 2009 she saw things : jen downer
What a gift.
Thank you Jen, for seeing us.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell some new stories.
I can't wait to see the rest of the photos.
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102 comments
These are BREATHTAKING!!!
They totally moved my heart and inspired me today.
Thank you for reminding me why photos are so important.
:)
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Beautiful! I especially love the one of you nursing (at least I think that's what you're doing)with the butterflies in the focused area. What a great way to show something beautiful without compromising privacy. I really to start playing with depth of field on my camera!
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Beautiful shots and what a great idea I often find myself wishing there was another person here to take random photos of us interacting.
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simply gorgeous.
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There is truly a God-given gift in photographers who are able to capture the soul in a photo. I can see why you love the first 2....when I see them, I feel as if I can see your heart itself. Wonderful idea. Anna is one of the most beautiful baby girls I have ever seen (they are so different, aren't they?). I have always said that it seemed Grace had a soft focus filter in front of her...there is a softness to a baby girls face. She's just lovely. Simon is so grownup now! Oh, and love the coverlet/quilt Anna is on...do you have a source?
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i'm in awe of these pictures. they are so heartfelt and warm. your little one is growing up so fast! she is definately a cutie.
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Hey Kris - thank you :). The coverlet is from Pottery Barn (purchased last December I think). We love it.
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I love that one too (and yep, that's what we are doing).
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Such a fabulous capture of your family! Truly beautiful!
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This is an awesome idea! I am glad you were able to get someone to do this for you! All of the pics are great!
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Ali, the picture of you, Chris and Anna is heartbreakingly beautiful. They are all fabulous photos! What a treasure.
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Wow. Simply stunning and what treasures for you.
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The photos are lovely and are a wonderful representation of your family. Your friend Jen did an awesome job. I think the name of her website is perfect...she saw things. She things differently or from another prespective than you do.
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Simply breathtaking.
This idea is going on my summer to-do list :-)
I know you love to "live with your photos" so are you planning to enlarge and frame any of these??
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one word about the photos: awesome!
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BEAUTIFUL.
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These photos are absolutely gorgeous!!
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Absolutely. It may inspire a new wall :).
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beautiful photos of your family! i'm so happy for you. and i love seeing the mobile in your home! best to you and yours.
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Ali-
I loved your pic....It was so nice to see YOU in them with your family! :) Beautiful! :)
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