Xavier Senior Photography
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I received this email last week and asked to share because it made me teary with happiness.
Subject: A Plant in a Pandemic
Hi Caitlin,
I hope you and your loved ones are well…and figuring out your new normal during this unusual, uneasy time.
When Sarah was in your studio for her senior pictures, I commented on a darling plant that you had displayed. You told me it was from your grandmother’s funeral & that you had it in your studio as a reminder of her; you then graciously cut off a small vine for me to take home and root.
Today when I went to water it I was reminded of that story & equally surprised by how suddenly proliferate the plant has become! She is growing sooo well! I knew that I needed to show you.
It was an awesome reminder of the goodness & positive growth in this world even in tough times. God shows us He is still making things new everyday & your grandma & this plant played a part in delivering that message…
Best,Diana
For the longest time, when asked what I do, I would say something along the lines of ‘just a photographer’. But in reality, I am much more than that. I know that, the person I’m speaking to most likely knows that. And most importantly, I think my clients feel that working with me is more than just having their photo taken.
Client experience has become as big a passion for me as creating the best images I possibly can, for reasons like this little plant that is spreading happiness long after I forgot about gifting it away. We are all here, working for ourselves, so that we can help each other. I really believe that.
Our jobs here on earth are not the ones that put a dollar in our bank account. Our ‘jobs’ are the ones that spread happiness and create love. So let me ask you, have you experienced a photography session that spurred happiness in your heart for months and possibly years after it was finished? Maybe not because of a houseplant, or even the prints you walked away with, but because of the joy that was created along the way.
Tis the season for babies! Maternity sessions are winning the race here at Caitlin Claire Studio (I’m really not counting though) and I couldn’t be happier! This sweet family already welcomed their newest addition but I’m not letting that stop me from sharing this session at all!
We met in early March and I’ve never been more excited to have a studio to work in for photos. Being able to photograph families in a comfortable setting all year long is priceless to me. A big goal of mine during each session is to make everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera and that usually starts with our location. Now I can curate the perfect space for my clients! Although, I’m currently touching up a few corners of storage space so boxes and equipment that would normally be put away are out for the world to see. So don’t look quite yet – HA!
In all seriousness, I chatted quite a bit about this space since moving in, and how blessed I am to call it mine. It changes the nature of my business and the quality of experience I can offer my client which I am thankful for every day. And I’m sure families with warm noses in March are also thankful!
The Cebulskis are the first family I think about when someone talks about community work and involvement. And I think it’s safe to say if you live in the Fox Cities you would say the same. They are so generous with their time and have taught me quite a bit in the few years I’ve known them personally. To devote so much to the community they live in is a direct reflection of the value they have for their own little family. I’m so dang proud of them for celebrating it with photography and honored they invited me to be included too!
Celebrating families, from little to big, with photography is a gift I’m lucky to share. I’m not a fluffy person by nature, the type that ooooh’s and aaaah’s over things on a regular basis. But families… they will get my praises everyday!
Being a Wisconsin family photographer really is one of my greatest joys! Firstly, families of the midwest are just the best. Down to earth, genuine personalities and such personable senses of humor. I love that my clients don’t take themselves or life too seriously, the laughter at sessions is contagious for this reason. I also appreciate the value they have for their own crew and the communities they live in. Being part of a community that puts family first in so many instances really makes Wisconsin a beautiful place to call home.
I read something earlier on LinkedIn along the lines of ‘whatever you do, always be nice.’ It was referencing this idea in the terms of business transactions, but we all know it can be used anytime, personal or professional. It’s so easy to overlook that little sentiment during my day to day activities. But every time I’m around Sema she exudes this idea, it’s automatic for her and I notice how it makes me feel every time!
Around Christmastime, Sema scheduled a mother daughter photography session with her girls and I’m happy to report they are just as sweet as their mother! I knew this before the session, but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate it in a blog post. It is such a treat to photograph adult families. Of course I love my little clients so much, but conversing with and witnessing the interactions of adult children and their parents makes me very happy too.
This world can never have too many ‘…always be nice. families. I’m thankful for the ones that invite me to experience their joy, especially these three!