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helping hearts session jewelimage photography

Julie Miller — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:13:26 +0000

Just this past year I joined a group called Helping Hearts.

This is how they describe themselves: “Helping Hearts is a project created by Melissa Knowles & Michelle Regner with the goal of being able to provide free photography sessions for families with children who are suffering a life-altering illness or disability. Over the last couple of years we have acquired an entire team of photographers who are dedicated to donating their time to Helping Hearts because they believe in sharing the gift of photography with as many families as possible.”

Just this past month I was able to photograph my first session for Helping Hearts. It was truly a highlight for me. I felt so honoured to be able to go into their lives, if only for a moment, and share in these special memories with them.

Our session was a long time in coming since we had to keep putting it off as Ryan, the three year old, was too sick. Finally he was feeling better and they were able to have me over.

The family just wanted a picture of Ryan where he appeared happy. He had suffered and battled through so much that just a smile in itself would be a victory. Not only had he been suffering with brain stem cancer, he also had neuropathic pain and many other issues. His older brother was also such a sweetheart. He has autism which added more challenges to their everyday life. I sure had fun with these boys though. We played on the floor the whole time and they were so sweet with one another.

It was great seeing the family interact with one another. The love they shared was palpable. I was just so happy to be there and be a part of it.

Just a few days after their session, Ryan’s mom wrote this to me, “ I am so glad you came when you did. We found out on tuesday that Ryan’s tumor has progressed so much in such a short amount of time that we now have only a short amount of time with him left. We will cherish these photos forever, they are so special.”

I cannot pretend to even understand a little of their pain. I am just glad that I was able to give them something to cherish forever.

As I was leaving the house, Ryan hurried over to me and gave me the biggest kiss on the lips. I think of that kiss often and feel blessed to have received it.

I look forward to helping more people through these sessions.

Images of Hope Fundraiser Calgary 2012

Julie Miller — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:45:21 +0000

If you read my blog you already know how much my family has been blessed with babies born through the help of IVF and other fertility treatments in the past few years.

I was happy to donate a session to the Images of Hope fundraiser last year, and this year I was so honoured when they asked me to be one of 10 photographers involved in photographing a family who has also been blessed through IVF. I met with this lovely mom and her two children last week to photograph them so that they can share their story at the fundraiser. Tickets to the event go on sale in January but you can read more information about it HERE. It is a lovely evening and a chance to help others who are struggling to conceive.

Here are a few captures of these adorable little kids! The little boy reminded me so much of one of my sons at that age that I couldn’t stop kissing his irresistible cheeks :)

perfect calgary baby

Julie Miller — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 08:48:07 +0000

This baby could not have been better for our session. He did not wake one single time. He was cuddly, perfect and oh so cute!

Here are a few images from his newborn session.

i love my family! calgary photographer

Julie Miller — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:15:46 +0000

I wanted to be sure to do a session for my nephew as he turned one. It’s hard to believe that a year has gone by so quickly. One year ago, I was overjoyed to share THIS post. Fast forward one year and life is still good!

I love these pictures of little Wallace but I equally love the pictures of my beautiful sister and her husband and my gorgeous little niece.

Calgary baby and newborn photographer

Julie Miller — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 04:59:32 +0000

I thought I would post one image of this perfect little guy tonight. I love getting my hands on these brand new babies. Is this really my job?! Lucky me :)

another awesome family! calgary family photographer

Julie Miller — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:18:30 +0000

I had a wonderful time with this Okotoks family last Saturday. We met at the Saskatoon farm and enjoyed the last little bit of warm sun we will probably get this year. It was a wonderful afternoon. It’s such an eclectic place to visit with yummy food, gardens, chickens and a whole bunch of stuff. We had a great time. We finished our session at Big Rock in Okotoks. The sun was setting and it was a beautiful night for a family session. I loved watching these adoring parents interact with their daughter. It’s so nice to see and feel this love among families. This family will be welcoming a new baby in about 4 weeks. Doesn’t this mom look amazing!