Photographic Proof, With Love

Soon after I started photographing in 2003, I began to hear something from most of my moms that came into the studio: that it was the first time that they had felt beautiful in a very long time.  I started to realize that, like me, many of the moms who bring in their families or portraits have given so much to everyone around them that they have forgotten about themselves and were worn to the bone. 

Even still, I see so many moms pushed to the limit, left with only the energy to treat themselves to a fountain soda or a treat from the Starbucks drive through.  Worn out and at our limit, who has time, and, more importantly, who WANTS to work out or do any of the things that we used to do B.C. (before children)?  My bed, cozy jammies, and Jersey Shore sounds like paradise to me. 

However, when I look in the mirror, I wonder what happened to the girl who once loved to travel, tan, go shopping, and get drinks with friends.  Staring back at me is, well, a “before” makeover.  Putting on full makeup has been exchanged for a few swipes of mascara (if I am lucky); full styling of hair has been exchanged for a quick ponytail of frizz; and getting dressed up means putting on some yoga pants to grab a quick dinner from the Germantown Grille before my allotted time for child care has run out (Seven, how I miss thee).

Yes, motherhood is much different than I once thought it would be.  However, here is what I know: 

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

We are all busy.  Most of us have a very difficult time feeling like we have disappointed someone, and will run ourselves into the ground to make sure that everyone around us is happy. 

Personally, I do like making people happy.  It gives me great pleasure.  Making tired, deserving mommies feel beautiful again gives me great joy.  What they don’t always realize is that their beauty still resides within, and all that I do is simply draw that out.

I also know that I can show them photographic proof that all of their energy, everything that they give, everything they do, down to their bones, has gone to the very best cause in the world: 

Their smiling, beautiful, priceless children.

Until next time, lots of love,

Ona

 To Lindsay, my best friend always & one of the most beautiful, busy moms I know.

I Do Love Children

Welcome to our studio’s inaugural blog.  Thank you so much for joining us in the inner workings of the studio and our lives (one in the same!). 

This week was such a wonderful week filled with amazing new clients, which is a little different.  Most are repeat clientele that I have come to know and enjoy spending time with.  I will admit that I prefer it to be this way.  Getting to know the kids is so much fun, and when they come back to the studio they look forward to getting to do whatever they want and always have a fun experience (and, of course, scoring some treats).  One of my clients told her little boy that he had a choice:  he could go to Grandma’s or go to Ona’s to pick out photos.  He chose to come to the studio, and we were pretty sure that it was because he knew that he was going to get some goodies and possibly jump on a couch or two.  (I’m talking to you, Sarah Diesel!)

This week I had the privilege of photographing a newborn baby.  She was absolutely beautiful, and lucky to be born into an obviously loving family.  Her father told me that he could see in my work that I love children.  I am sure that this is something obvious to most people, but it was one of the first times that I had actually heard someone say it out loud.  It made my heart swell. 

I do love children. 

Ever since I can remember, children gravitated to me, and me to them.  Even as a young girl, I always felt a need to protect children, and to be on their level.  Although they are young, children don’t forget the way that you made them feel, and I have found that every little thing you do can stick.  My goal is to make them feel welcomed with open arms and that they are in a safe place filled with love. 

This is the same creed that I live by with my own beautiful children.  Even on two hours of sleep and ready to pull my hair out, I still want them to feel and know that they are loved more than anything on this earth, and that one day they can look back and say, “Wow, my mom REALLY loved me.”

I hope that I make all of my kiddos that come into the studio very welcome and loved.  I can say that they are mine, as they all become a part of me.

Until next time,

Ona

xoxoxoxo

 

 "Adam & Ava"