I met this family two years ago when they hired me to photograph their newborn. They are an interesting couple who love wine, the mountains, good food, and time with friends. All things that my husband and I love too! So, slowly over the past two year, we have developed a good friendship with them. The husbands took sailing classes together in the Spring and are both now certified to sail.
So, when K. asked me to take her maternity portraits, I thought it would be fun to make a weekend out of it. We headed to our mountain house in the BlueRidge mountains for a weekend away with a little photography mixed in. The first night we cooked and played at the cabin but by Saturday morning we were ready to get out and explore. We started with a walk around the property and found lots of neat places in just that little area.

However, I wanted to do something a little more “urban” with them so we headed into Blueridge. We found this old 1800′s building that was ultra cool!

Little A. perked up a little bit once we got going and she caught a good case of the giggles. I would do a quick tickle and then a photograph, tickle, photograph, tickle, photograph, and then I knew I had it. The perfect stance and the cutest expression possible! What do you think? It is a favorite of mine from the session!

We had a great lunch at the BBQ place in town and then headed back to the cabin. The rest of the day was filled with a lazy float down the river in our inner tubes, a yummy dinner out at Repaz restaurant in Blueridge, and then a movie at the local drive-in. If you have never been to the drive in theater, it is a must do. We went for the first time about three months ago. We took the children and saw Hannah Montana. It was one of my favorite evenings from all summer. The children played ball in the field until the movie started and then we all snuggled in the back of the mini van and watched the movie. Okay… I am getting off topic.
So, the next morning it was sunny and cool and perfect for a few more pictures. The D. family and I climbed into their van and off we went to find some cool places. We finally found the perfect place. It was a beautiful flowing stream with a campsite off of it. We pulled into the empty campsite and all piled out.
Now I must insert here- I am known to often be adventurous. I am one of those people who is willing to do most anything to get “the shot”. I often get muddy, wet and dirty when on-location at sessions. So, the challenge of photographing this family in the stream was not worrisome to me in the least.
Into the stream I went…heading towards the middle. However, about two rocks in, I slipped and fell right on my rear end. I quickly jumped up thinking that the lens probably dipped in the water but hopefully the camera, which was strapped across my back, was fine. I stood up and grabbed for the camera. It was not there. I looked down and there it was, under the water. I pulled it up only to find that the strap had broken and it was only attached to one side of the camera. My heart sank. The cost of the camera and lens is close to $4500 and I knew there was a good chance it would not ever work again after this misfortune. I did my best to wipe the camera off. I took out the card and the battery to let it all dry out. I did not cry but I did feel really really sick to my stomach.
My friends had their Canon camera with them and we pulled it out so I could take a last few images of them. I do love this final image I got with their camera.

On the way back home we passed a turtle on the side of the road. C. (the Dad) asked if I wanted to stop and get it to show my kids. At first my downer spirit said, “no thanks” but then I had a quick change of heart and we turned around to pick it up. C. stopped the van and I got out to get the turtle. He was a fairly big turtle and my hand just barely stretched from one side of his back to the other side. I was really unsure about holding him as I was afraid he might bite me. C. re-assured me that he was scared of me and he would stay in his shell. This was not the case! He kept poking his head out and then he became increasingly braver. I got spooked and began almost crying/screaming. K. was saying, “Boo” to the turtle and trying to scare him back into his shell and it was not working. Finally C. took the turtle from me and drove home the rest of the way with one hand on the steering wheel and one hand on the turtle. It looked just like this:

K. and I started laughing hysterically. Looking back on it, I probably needed that big huge laugh to release all the emotions of the morning. God is good like that- He gives you appropriate releases when you have too many emotions pent up!
Sunday night, C. sent me this great link:
swimming cameras
I was inspired to soak the camera in rice for the night. Not sure if that helped at all- but it was an inexpensive, easy solution that might help! It is a good tip if ever any of you find yourself in a similar situation.
I will post an update on the camera when I have a little more information. I took it straight to the camera hospital on Monday morning and there it has been ever since. I did get an estimate for them to take it apart and look at it… $1000. Being in business is expensive and it does not help when you make silly mistakes!
Okay- sorry for the long post… I have been writing for an hour now… just so much to say! Have a great weekend!
****AN UPDATE TO THE STORY****
As of late Friday afternoon… I have my camera back in my hands and it is absolutely PERFECT!!!! No kidding… it is honestly a small miracle! Yes, it did cost $1000.00 but I see it as the most expensive camera cleaning ever and I am pleased as punch not to be buying another camera and lens. Seriously, God is good and I praise him for even small little miracles like this. Now, off to have my hair cut at Plum Hair Salon and go to this mommy’s baby shower!