A collection of transformation, identity, and the stories that shape who we become.
THE BOOK of BECOMING
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I couldn’t leave for our trip without getting up the finalists for the L-O-V-E Photo Contest!
For those of you who are new to the blog, we do a photo contest every month and for February, blog readers decided it was all about “what the word L-O-V-E means to you.” People could send in any type of photo they wanted, as long as it stuck to the theme. I can honestly say, I have never cried so much looking through the dozens and dozens and dozens of contest entries. The images and their accompanying stories touched me so deeply. It was EXTREMELY hard narrowing it down to five, and I’m just glad I don’t have to pick a final winner!
Post a comment and vote for your favorite image. Tell us why you liked it so the artist that took the image will be blessed (this is by far the best part of these contests). And don’t forget, we always pick a random voter to win something too. Prizes and future prizes are listed below. Let’s get to the photos!
1. Finalist #1: Unconditional Love, by Stephanie. I love this image. The tenderness, the soft cradle of the young one’s arm around big brother. The sweet kiss. The safety and trust. All these things are what makes this such a striking image to me.
Then I read Stephanie’s email that accompanied the picture, and the moment she captured meant so much more. Stephanie wrote, “When you first look at this photo…I suppose it seems like simple sibling love. What it says to me…is a powerful statement of God’s unconditional love expressed through children. We are a blended family–and you would never know it.” Thank you Stephanie for sharing this beautiful photo with us. I know there are many challenges blended families face in building intimacy and safety. You must see this image as evidence that you and your husband are doing something right. Stephanie has a blog if you want to check it out called Pass the Pepper–very cute title!
2. Finalist #2: Newlyweds with a European Flavor, by Acacia. This image is so sweet! Can’t you see it on a commercial or in a magazine? The energy between this newlywed couple is so lovely. Acacia shared that this is her newlywed sister, and they are now living in England. But before they left the country, she took this shot in their parent’s side yard and loved the European feel it had.
I get the same European vibe from the image. I love the composition of the shot with her long legs running of the bottom of the frame, the husband kneeled over–we don’t have to see his face to know he adores his new wife. And her smile and sass almost has the Audrey Hepburn “Gigi” feel. Acacia, your sister must love you for this shot! Good job! To see more of Acacia’s work, visit her website. (Acacia, I LOVE the song on your website. I think I kept your site open the whole time I worked on this blog just to keep listening to that fantastic song. Not to mention your images are beautiful, and you are a steal for what you’re charging!)
3. Daddy’s Hairstylist, by Gina. The image is simply adorable! It makes me smile every time! I LOVE this image! The little girl is just going to town, and I love how you get this feeling from dad’s face that there is no where he would rather be. He’s got all the time in the world for his personal hairstylist.
Gina said her husband is a surgeon, so “he is VERY busy and tired, yet he always makes time for our three kids…he lets her (his daughter) put bows in his hair, straight iron it, blow dry it, you name it, he complies.” Gina, this is one of those photos that you will keep and show your daughter someday. And in that moment of seeing this image she will know that even though her daddy had long hours, her dad’s love was unending for her. No matter what she may fear, wonder, doubt, hope about her relationship with her dad–it will all fade when she sees that dad had nowhere else to be but here with her–getting his hair done. What a gift you’ve given to your daughter in years to come.
4. Finalist #4, An Enduring Love, by Cyndi. This is an amazing story of love. Cyndi said her grandparents have been married for over 70 years. Just this last year her grandmother had to be put in a 24 hour care home for people with Alzheimer’s, she had alzheimer and needs to find home care assistance so she did. On the day this photo was taken, her grandmother remembered her Pop and agreed to hold hands with him. Cyndi writes, “You could see the joy in his eyes that she remembered him that day.” Okay…I’m crying again. Here’s the beautiful photo.
Brian are I are going to Thailand to celebrate 10 years of marriage, and I cannot even fathom the richness of 70 years. Can you imagine all they have endured, experienced, loved, and become together? I look at their hands and can’t imagine a more powerful image of an enduring love. Thank you so much for sharing Cyndi–this is an image that makes us all better people.
5. Finalist #5- Big Brother’s Love, by Michelle. There is so much that goes into capturing a beautiful image. Whether it’s composition, lighting, blur or no blur. And yet, sometimes the most powerful component is timing. The single, fleeting moment we are able to see that is happening in front of us, and somehow we remember to pick up our camera and capture it. This image is one of those powerful, fleeting moments. Here’s the story behind this image.
Michelle’s 5 month old had heart surgery, and after a quick recovery, he found himself back in the hospital 3 weeks later. He was on a ventilator for a month, and she writes “with much hesitation, we had to finally give in and let our older son visit his baby brother in the hospital. As soon as he walked in the room, they had their “moment”. It brought tears to my eyes to see the love of my older son had for his brother.” As a mom, I understand Michelle’s wording of “having to finally give in”. Maybe she was worried her older son would be scared from all the tubes and machines surrounding his baby brother. But I can’t imagine what she must have felt when her son surprised her and went to his baby brother’s bedside, as if he was blind to all the tubes and machines–only seeing his little brother and knowing he wanted to hold his hand. This is when the depth of love, no matter how young or how innocent, takes my breath away.
In DVD 1, Refuse to Say Cheese, I talk about how I want our kids, Pascaline and Blaze, to someday look back on the photos we took of them and know who they were, what they worked through, what frightened them, what they overcame, what they were sure of despite their surroundings.
I don’t want a box full of smiles, I want a box full of stories.
Someday Michelle’s sons will look back on this photo and know their bond was mysteriously strong and a force to be reckoned with from the beginning. Michelle, you have given your boys a gift by capturing this image. I also commend you for remembering to take a photo!
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These are the Five Top Finalists for the L-O-V-E photo contest. Honest to goodness, there were so many more images to share that were ALL powerful and beautiful. In fact if it’s okay, I’d like to share some more in the future b/c there were just to many good ones!
So post your comment below with your vote, and the Finalist will win their own copy of the AWESOME software, Photoshop’s Lightroom from Adobe. (Thank you for sponsoring this contest Adobe! We love you!)
The Random Voter Award will receive a copy of DVD 2, Beyond the Green Box. I think Brian chose this when I was sick last week, and I’m thinking it’s because he stars in it as the Nutty Professor. 🙂
If your a Finalist, time to email your friends and tell them to vote for you!
To all the rest, cast your votes for your favorite finalist and be the possible Random Voter!!
You all have until Wednesday, February 20th at 5pm PST to vote!
We’ll announce the photo contest for March at the end of February. It’s a fun one! I’m so excited! And…and…we may have some more Sony cameras for awards! 🙂 (yeah!!!!) I’m working on these prizes for you friends! 🙂
I also want you to know that we have a whole week of blog posts for next week when we’re gone! I couldn’t leave you all hanging for a week! 🙂 I’ve lined up some really fun stuff. My hope is that we can post blogs while we’re actually in Thailand, so you can see where we are, what we’re doing, but if all else fails, we’ve got posts lined up just in case. 🙂 I hear there are Internet Cafes everywhere so it will be fun to keep in touch while abroad!
February 15th, 2008 at 6:28 am
I am voting for #4. I think all of these represent love in a beautiful way…but there is so much meaning represented in these hands that speaks to real love when times are hard, that we might not see glorified as much in the movies.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:13 am
I vote for #4. It’s a really sweet photo (all of them are, of course) and it makes me think of my own grandparents, but also of how I dream that I have many, many more years with my husband, no matter what comes our way.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:35 am
number 3 is so precious!!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:40 am
I vote for #5. These are ALL beautiful expressions of love and all will be cherished in years to come…but the photo of the older brother reaching out to his hurting younger brother speaks to my heart in a way that the others do not. Neonatal units with all their cords and tubes and gizmos are not easy places to take pictures and it probably is not the ‘prettiest’ photo, but it is just amazing that this mom had the forethought to have her camera ready and was able to capture this sacred moment! In my opinion, she may never take a better picture than this one.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:53 am
I am voting for #4 because it is a beautiful picture that captures an amazing love and the kind I aspire to have in my marriage….oh my, through sickness & health. But I just wanted to say that I cried when I saw and read #5. I have a 3 week old nephew in the hospital right now and the huge, jail-like beds and all the tubes are heartbreaking….my heart goes out to your family, Michelle. Nice job to all the photographers!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Oh wow. These all are great images. Something with #5 just really hit an emotional cord with me. #5 is my vote. (Great job on #4 as well. Love it. Wish I could vote for 2 of them.)
February 15th, 2008 at 8:40 am
#4 #4 #4!!!
Oh my goodness, talk about L-O-V-E! That is what it is. Love is a commitment, Love is so many things, but love is definitely seeing the person you are in love with come back to you even if for a brief moment.
The person who took the picture did a great job too!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I vote #4: Little girl and Daddy…so sweet!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:41 am
oops…that’s #3! please make the change and delete this one! Thank you!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:45 am
My vote is #4. My grandparents are 96 and 89. This is a great idea. All the photos are great.
Happy belated birthday.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I love them all. SO moving, each and every one! Thanks!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:53 am
#4..wow, what a beautiful picture and story. It will remind me to take a picture of my 93 year old grandmas hand when I see her this weekend.
And Acacia..what is that great song on your site?
February 15th, 2008 at 8:55 am
my vote is for #3. what a good daddy that man is, it’s something my husband would do too.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I’m in love with #3. A surgeon letting his daughter but bows in his hair…that’s love!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:15 am
OMG, I was so going with #4 because my grandmother passed away 10 yrs ago and she had Alzheimer’s…also, reminds me of The Notebook but then I saw #5 and it reminded me of my newborn son being in NICU for 8 days so I was torn. I think I am going to vote for #4 just simply for the composition. They are all great!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:18 am
#3 Daddy’s Hairstylist is so cute!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:25 am
#1 I am always a fan of sibling love captured. I think sibling love is one of the deepest and richest loves out there.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:43 am
hahahaha, i love #4!!! 😉
February 15th, 2008 at 9:43 am
#4 the real life “notebook”!!! I have this picture of my grandma’s 93 year old hands but with no “pop” anymore to hold them. I LOVE this picture! Great picture Cyndi!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:46 am
My vote is for : Finalist #4, An Enduring Love, by Cyndi.
All of the finalists are beautiful.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:00 am
I vote for #3 – I love the way that it shows daddy and daughter bonding time! That’s real love to let her do all that!
February 15th, 2008 at 10:12 am
oops… i was trying to vote for #3 (daddy and his stylist)
February 15th, 2008 at 10:26 am
My vote is #5 all the way. For a small child to put aside the intimidation of walking into a atmosphere where there are machines, doctors, tubes etc..and only see his sibling is amazing. My 3 year old was in the same situation in the nicu when he was born and I was intimidated. What a beautiful emotional picture.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I vote for #4
February 15th, 2008 at 10:42 am
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE #4.
Congrat’s to all the finalist’s!
Beautiful!
February 15th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Love #3
February 15th, 2008 at 11:00 am
#3 immediately brought a smile to my face. It’s funny and incredibly touching. I love the serious looks on their faces coupled with that big colorful bow.
To all the other photographers — amazing job! It was a hard decision.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:13 am
I’m voting for #3. I think you can be the sweetest, most loving Daddy in the world and not be able to get yourself on the floor with bows in your hair. Kudos to the Daddies that will.
(Aside, I was born in Thailand so I’m looking forward to seeing what you find.)
February 15th, 2008 at 11:13 am
They are all super sweet but my vote is for #4
February 15th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Love #5!! That is my vote. What an incredible moment to have captured! I love the simplicity of a siblings love and even more so in such an intimidating setting. Fantastic job!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
My vote is for #5!!!!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:43 am
#4. What an amazing moment that was captured!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:47 am
I love all the photos, but since I can only pick one, my vote goes to #3. 🙂
February 15th, 2008 at 11:56 am
I vote for #5…it has totally left me speechless…………….
February 15th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I vote for #3. The daddy’s face says it all!
February 15th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
My vote goes to #5. That picture is so touching and I was really moved by it and the story behind it. It gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
All the pictures are great! The one I choose is #3 because there is a special bond that little girls have with their daddy’s and this captures a relationship that most of us as girls can relate to. Memories of my father come back to mind and how great it is to have such a great mentor/hero!
February 15th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
First i want to say that i love all of the picture! My vote is for #2 Newlyweds with a European Flavor, by Acacia. Being a newlywed myself, I can totally put myself in that moment. The image is so fresh, sugary sweet, i love it! I also love how her legs come forward in the shot, and i love the upward look in her eyes.
congrats to everyone for making the final 5!
February 15th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I vote for #3. It really captures the essence of the relationship.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
#5 The picture says a thousand words!
February 15th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
I vote for #3. I loved all of the pictures and the stories that go with them just make them so complete. I especially love the dedication shown in #3.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I vote for #5…it’s really moving.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I vote for #5. It touched me when I saw it although the others are beautiful too
February 15th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I vote for #5. Its a heartwarming story and very touching.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I vote for # 5. Beautiful picture of sibling bonding.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
number five. number five. number five.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
all are so beautiful and touching!
I vote for #4.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
I vote #5. The story and picture brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure big brother sees his baby brother as a hero.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I vote for #5. This photo touched my heart!! I don’t think there could ever be a picture of siblings bonding as powerful as this one! I love it!
February 15th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I vote for #5. The depiction that the love we feel for another can be shared through a touch and help heal another human being is absolutely profound.
It is hope extended.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
#5 is it! The compassion of a child should speak to all of us.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
#5 – wow!!! That just took my breath away.
I also want to comment on #3 too. An awesome image. You can just feel Dad’s devotion to his little girl.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
#5 #5 #5 #5 #5
The image took the air out of me and my eye welled up with tears.
#5 #5 #5 #5 #5
February 15th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
#5 is my vote. Brought tears to my eyes. How blessed you are, Michelle, for your boys. Big hugs to you all.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I vote for #5. Children have a way of touching your heart without any words being said. This picture is one of those ways. I LOVE it.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I vote for number 3! I love the father daughter bond going on 🙂
February 15th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
I vote for #5. It made me teary eyed. I have two of my own and there are countless times where you see the siblings constantly fighting. But when one of them is hurt, you could see the sympathy in the other ones eyes and that to me is priceless.
February 15th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I have to put my vote in for #5!! I work as an RN in the operating room and on many occasions have taken care of kiddos like this little one having heart surgery…. the families are so special, but we often tend to think more of the parents at that time than the siblings. What a special moment this was, you can feel the love in that photo. Thank you for sharing it!
February 15th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
If I were to vote on photo alone I think I would vote for #1. I love the expression on the little girl’s face.
But if I combine both the story and the picture I would have to go with #4. I think it represents love in a very special way.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
It was a difficult choice, each photo spoke to me in a different way. I have to vote for #5. #5 reminds me of one of those memories that gets etched in your memory but may never be seen on film. it really makes “time stand still” just looking at it.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
#4–i hope to share a moment like that with my husband in 67 years!!
February 15th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
#5 is too precious and wonderful not to vote for. I hae heard that sibling love can actually help heal sometimes. Blessings and Love are shown here. I hope it wins!!!
February 15th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I am voting for #4 I get tears in my eyes when I look at it.
My Grandmother was also recently put into 24 care for Alzheimers. It is so hard on my Grandpa to not have his wife around. It breaks my heart to see him so sad and to see my Grandma so ill. They have been married for 60 years.
All of this months finalist should be proud of their images. Each and every photo is wonderful! Thank you for sharing your images and stories.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I adore #4. Doesn’t that sound like a cheer? Well, 3 cheers for those lovely hands. I love seeing hands of all ages and the back story on these hands is so touching. What a gift that she remembered him on her last day living with him. His Funny Valentine.
Michelle
February 15th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
I vote for #5 — the photo and description brought a tear to my eye.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
###5555 for sure. as a mom of 2 about the same age distance, I relish in the incredible bond captured in this photograph.
February 15th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
#5 – This photo is so sweet! The love the big brother has for his baby brother just screams at you in this photo.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I vote for #5!! A box full of stories is a wonderful way to put it. Captured here is a bond like no other. Brought tears to my eyes. =)
February 15th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Hey Me Ra!
I vote for #5! It is so tender. We had a friend who’s baby was in ICU at Children’s for most of the first year of his life. The pictures his mama took were amazing. This picture reminds me of that. They are really capturing the journey and seeing brotherly love at the same time. 🙂
February 15th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
#5. Being a father to a toddler and having a younger brother, this one hit an emotional chord.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Wow…I just got this email and look at all the responses!
I love all the picks but I had tears in my eyes when I saw #4 (reminded me of my grandparents who would have shared 60 years together, but my grandpa passed away 2 months prior). A giggle crept up on me when I saw #3…so that’s my second vote.
Congrats to you all.
Jen
February 15th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
I vote for #5. What a great picture! How awesome to see big brother encourage his sibling to pull through?
February 15th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
These are all beautiful images, but I am voting for number 4. Even before I read the accompanying text, I was in love with the story the image told. To me, there is little more beautiful than a marriage that has stood the test and trials and joys and sorrows of time. The fact that at the moment the photo was taken, her grandmother was also temporarily free from the affects of her disease adds even more depth to the image.
February 15th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Number 5…I know from experience that during difficult times like that, capturing memories is the last thing on your mind. Moments like this are sometimes the most special ones, and to be able to capture that during such a hard time is something to be given credit for!
February 15th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I vote for #4. It makes me think that I hope to have that with a special someone in the future.
February 15th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
I vote for #3, Great picture Gina!
February 15th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I vote for #3! Congratulations Gina. Great picture!
February 15th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I vote #5
February 15th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
all of the pictures are gorgeous.. but #4 has to be my favorite.. just knowing that they have been married for over 70 years is incredible and such an awesome testimony of their love.. i also love how her ring is clearly visible.. beautiful picture !!
February 15th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
#5! You other people not voting for #5 are crazy.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
On strict photo merits, #2 outshines the rest. And since this is a photo contest, not a backstory contest, #2 has my vote.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
#5 All the way!! Such sweet boys, what a beautiful picture!!
February 15th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I am voting for #5, a brother’s love is precious.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
My vote is for #5. What a poignant moment, captured forever.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
re: Mark
Mark, this contest was titled “what the word L-O-V-E means to you” …not just, “send in some happy photos”.
I think part of the point is that the stories and photos go together. The photos capture the moment, but the stories frame that moment.
If the backstories didn’t matter, then they wouldn’t have been posted with the photos.
February 15th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Number 4 breaks my heart it’s so sweet! This is a tough one though, they are all so special in their own ways.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
#5 This picture totally touched my heart and definately brought tears to my eyes!
February 15th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
#5 A very touching story and picture,definately brought tears to my eyes!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
#4 is beautiful
February 15th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
My vote is for #5!! How precious are these children?!
February 15th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
#4 beautiful picture that says so much without words. #5 is a sweet story and I hope the little boy is doing well now
February 15th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
I vote for # 5! So precious with the older brother holding his younger brothers hand in a time where he wants to let him know he is there for him!! Priceless picture for sure!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
#5 – so touching, so sweet, so beautiful!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
They are all wonderful!! WOW you all did great and they all certainly express L-O-V-E!! But since I can only vote for one, it would have to be #5. What a beautifully captured moment. Michelle, you have 2 beuautiful son’s to be proud of, as I know you are, good luck. J–
February 15th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
#4 is my choice. The context is beautiful as is the lighting and reflection on the love between these two people. This is a great photo that conveys enduring love and comittment.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Okay so #4 totally just made me cry. Awesome photo Cyndi!
February 15th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
This has been the hardest decision so far! You have got to be kidding me! I love them all. #1 because it is such a sweet, wonderful kid-filled smooshy love. #2 because it captures that elation that comes in the early months and years with your spouse (later a “high five” will be considered romantic!) #3 Because I love the devotion of the daddy who so patiently lets his sweet daughter beautify him to her joy. That kind of daddy-daughter love is so perfect and unique #4 because it endures even when illness tries to obscure it and #5 because every mother’s heart breaks when she sees her babies connect in such a heart-breaking space. How will I ever decide!?
Ok. I am voting for #5. It got me.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I am voting for #5 as you can see the love has been captured and can be felt through the picture.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
#3 is so adorable! so precious!
February 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
#4. They are all great, but 4 is framed best. The others clip the heads on the subjects.
#5 is wonderful, but it really is a snap shot.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
#3. Daddy is so sleepy and baby girl is so intent on what she is doing.
They all say love to me though. Great job!
February 15th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
#5 touched my soul
February 15th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
And before you get on to me for ignoreing the theme, they all tell equally different stories of love. I had to go on photographic merit to break the tie.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
#3!!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
these are all amazing images. i’m floored, i wouldn’t even know how to choose between them!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
This was such a difficult choice as they are all just beautiful images with such amazing stories behind each photo. But since I can only pick one, I am picking #4. The image is really beautiful and to be married for 70 years is just truly amazing!
February 16th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Hi Brian and Me Ra,
I love the image #5 it makes me cry. I also really like Daddy getting his special hairdo.
I hope that Thailand is AWESOME! Will you be back for the PUG? Happy 10th Anniversary.
Dinea
February 16th, 2008 at 12:32 am
#3 is sooooo good. OMG. that girl is so cute, how adorable. nothing like a father daughter combo.
February 16th, 2008 at 1:31 am
#5 for me, please!
February 16th, 2008 at 1:53 am
#5 certainly strikes a chord in me. “There is no fear in love, as perfect love casts out fear…”(1 JOHN 4:18)
February 16th, 2008 at 2:39 am
Hi #4 definitely gets my vote! It moved me. My husbands Grandfather has Alzheimer’s and he doesn’t remember anyone in his family. I cannot imagine what his wife feels —that the person she loves the most — who has been her companion for 68 years does not recognize her….
February 16th, 2008 at 2:42 am
I had to vote on this. #4 as well. For the reason my wife just stated above.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:49 am
All the pictures are wonderful in their own way. Emotional impact goes to #5. Good luck everyone.
February 16th, 2008 at 7:35 am
#5!! Beautiful!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:39 am
#5 is my choice….how touching to see the love between 2 siblings and the love that our future leaders have…God Bless those children and that family for having to go through something that trying!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:55 am
#5……awesome moment!
February 16th, 2008 at 8:33 am
All the pictures are indeed wonderful. Numbers 3, 4 & 5 don’t even need words. I envy the little girl in #3 I wish I’d had a father who even attempted to give of himself for his children. #4 reminds me of my in-laws. But, #5 gets my vote because I have 2 sons also and I know the bond they share. For a little boy to wait 9 months for his baby brother to appear and then sees him go back to the hospital, it can trigger a deeper love or a jealousy. This young man seems to be fearless in his love for baby brother. Mom & Dad are doing a great job teaching him to be unselfish.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:01 am
Number 5
So many times children are too intimidated by facilites like hospitals. This not only shows the love of the siblings, but the love of the parents, that has been instilled in these tiny children.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:23 am
My vote is number 5 while the others are photo’s that capture, this picture tells of a 1000 words, how the bond between siblings is what it’s all about- cande Q
February 16th, 2008 at 9:26 am
unconditional love at such a young age for a sibling just touches my inner soul! number 5 hands down!
February 16th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Her photo of the love of siblings has really touched me- Greg
February 16th, 2008 at 9:36 am
I vote for #4, it is incredible!
February 16th, 2008 at 9:38 am
All 5 are great pics! I vote for #5, it captures a powerful moment and tells a touching story.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:49 am
Oh, man. #3 and #4 both speak to me. I guess in the end I have to go with number 4 but #3 is a tight runner up in my world. Maybe you could come up with a consolation price for #3?! An autographed fine art print of yours? Something? All of them are super. I’m glad I didn’t have to narrow it down to these 5!
February 16th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I choose picture #5. I think this shows the purity and innocence of love.
February 16th, 2008 at 9:58 am
#5 I love it!!
February 16th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Although all the images are amazingly beautiful depictions of love, #5 spoke volumes to me. I know that as a mom, it is hard to see your children in pain. Seeing them and their unconditional love for each other, however, is what fills our hearts.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:34 am
#5 for me.
February 16th, 2008 at 10:37 am
I’m voting for #2, Acacia’s picture. It looks like it’d be great for a jewelry/wedding ring campaign because the couple is so authentic.
February 16th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I vote for 2…but they are all so different and great. I’m just being romantiic, I guess! Sigh!
February 16th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
#5 Love my brother!
February 16th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Wow! Some powerful images! My vote is for #5. Familial love and the fragility of life in one image.
February 16th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Michelle,
True love come from the heart and your family shows that. What an awesome picture – truly worth much more than a thousand words! Thank you!
Mark Henderson
February 16th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I vote for #3. There is something about a Daddy and his little girl. This photo captures everything loveable about Daddy’s girl.
February 16th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
I love #2, not only is it a sweet sentiment, but the composition is awesome!
February 16th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
My vote is for #3. I have seen this before with some very special fathers. This photo so captures the mood of the experience for both the daughter and father. I do love it.
Susan
February 16th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I’ve had trouble deciding between 3 & 4 but I have to choose #3. My greatest memories of my childhood are the times my dad made for just me and often my sister to go fishing or swimming or riding horses or playing a game with us. To see another dad making nothing in his life more important than his baby girl warms my heart. Great shot and wonderful colors, also.
February 16th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
#4, definitely. All are wonderful though.
February 16th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
#4#4#4#4#4
WoW!!! Cyndi did an incredible job of telling a story though a picture! All the pictures are great!
February 16th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
#4
This photo really stands out for me.
You can really see a story in there hands.. It is amazing how this photo moves me…
February 16th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
#2 should be in a magazine – amazing composition!
February 16th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
#2.
It’s adorable, I certainly appreciate the content of all of them. Some really pull at the strings of my heart in terms of content, but in terms of matching overall artistic quality while catching the feelings of joy and excitement that come with new love . . .
It has to be number 2.
February 16th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
i vote for #3. this photo is so precious. i love that she has captured this moment for her daughter.
February 16th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I vote for picture 3. i am also a doctor and father, and i think sometimes it is hard to make time for your children, but it is worth it.
February 16th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I vote for #5. Big brother’s love to baby brother.
February 16th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
#2
it shows complete compassion and you can totally feel the love.
February 16th, 2008 at 5:21 pm
I vote for number 1. I love how the curved arm and their heads together make a heart shape.
February 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Wow…this is very hard for me. I’m a photographer and I judge the images too much. I really do. It’s the nature of the beast. We are the WORST on ourselves and our own work, but I am of others as well and in all the pictures I see the LOVE but keep going to the “critique” in my head.
If she had only moved over and got their faces.
If the eyes “of recognition” had been included.
If the shoe had not been cropped out.
on and on and I keep analyzing. But then, I drank a beer and came back and made myself see them through the eyes of the photographer, the heart of the amateur shooting the image and feeling the love and then I read the stories.
Stephanie, the image maker in #1 is my very good friend and I know her trials and tribulations in blending her family with her love and God’s blessing. So my heart is too attached to #1 NOT to vote for her. (plus I’d really love her to win the Lightroom. LOL)
February 16th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Wow…this is very hard for me. I’m a photographer and I judge the images too much. I really do. It’s the nature of the beast. We are the WORST on ourselves and our own work, but I am of others as well and in all the pictures I see the LOVE but keep going to the “critique” in my head.
If she had only moved over and got their faces.
If the eyes “of recognition” had been included.
If the shoe had not been cropped out.
on and on and I keep analyzing. But then, I came back and made myself see them through the eyes of the photographer, the heart of the amateur shooting the image and feeling the love and then I read the stories.
Stephanie, the image maker in #1 is my very good friend and I know her trials and tribulations in blending her family with her love and God’s blessing. So my heart is too attached to #1 NOT to vote for her. (plus I’d really love her to win the Lightroom. LOL)
But all are good representations of the heart and LOVE is the greatest gift of all gifts.
I vote #1 and I’ll remember to lose the “photographer” in me a bit more when I really look at images.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
#4 gets my vote. That was hard though, all are beautiful stories with great photos to go with them.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
no doubt – #5! they were all wonderful, but that one hits home.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
#5 The photo and story is captivating!! Absolutely beautiful!!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
#3. They are all incredible!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
I vote for #5.
February 16th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I love Number 1!!! Unconditional Love! The love between children is so pure!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
My vote is for # 2! Something so pure, sweet and simple about that image. So much said with so little. Very well done!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I vote #1 the clarity is wonderful, and they are both my grandchildren, and I know it’s hard for a 15 year old boy to express to a 3 year old sister…precious!!!
February 16th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
#4 definately!!!!!! So sweet, my heart breaks for the husband who cherishes the days that his wife “remembers him” & allows him to be her love!
February 16th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I vote for #2. It’s beautiful and draws out the feelinf I had those first few months of marriage
February 16th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
#2 such bliss!! i love it!
February 16th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I vote for #2. Nicely captured!
February 16th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Wow…I enjoy them all.
1. for it’s honesty and because I once loved my sister this much. I could see past the fact we were of two different fathers (but mom was still married to mine, yet he accepted her as his own even though he knew.) Now, she and I barely speak in our 30s.
2. for it’s sweetness and non-conventional pose. It reminds me to the pictures my former husband I took of ourselves in our first apartment together. just…free and not worried about the big world.
then it gets harder…
3. because I LOVED my father. worshiped him. and even after his passing when I was 10 turning 11, his spirit visited me for years until recently when I had to let him go for the second time in my life. so painful, so lonely the world is when a child doesn’t have their favourite parent to take this sort of time for them. he did, so this photo hits me a bit hard.
4. i thought I would have love that lasted this long. i thought my favourite neighbours, the Blaus, would live forever…and they’re gone. i thought i knew what feeling like i’ve lived a long life and then i see these hands – and I know I have barely scratched the surface.
and finally, and my personal choice to win; 5.
My son was early, and delivered via caesarian. Tubes, biliruben counts, incubators, not latching on – yet, he was healthy, lucky, and strong…but heart problems run on my father’s side. i obsessed over my son spending 12 days in the hospital. I thank the Great Gods he didn’t need anything as intense as surgery, but his cousin has needed a few at only 9 months and later on, too.
Plus, the photo is unposed, and a true document of a moment. In Black and White it must be very stark. This had the emotional impact i was leading up to after seeing the other four.
then, i realized, this could be one of the last photos this poor, sweet family has of this child. and to be comforted by his brother, letting him know it’s going to continue – his love for him- broke me and now i’m writing through tears, sobbing like a fool, craving to hug the hell out of my son when he feels like letting me after his movie. he’s now 2 years and 4 months.
I pray and meditate on this child’s health. Ad his family’s.
they deserve to win. it’s not about perfect, it’s about documenting story.
it’s about going forward and finding solace in your art. and if winning lightroom can help that (as it’s helped my career so much) then let them have it. i’ll hand over the box myself.
thanks,
athena from the trader joe’s run-in
February 17th, 2008 at 12:10 am
I LOVE LOVE #4!
February 17th, 2008 at 12:27 am
#2 – This is such an artistic picture that captured a moment of true love!
February 17th, 2008 at 2:53 am
I vote # 5 – without hesitation!!! The picture touched my heart. Love you both!!!
February 17th, 2008 at 2:55 am
#5-no doubt!
February 17th, 2008 at 3:04 am
I vote for #5. Sooo amazing.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:07 am
I vote # 5.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:28 am
I vote for Finalist #5.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:29 am
I want to win finalist #5.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:31 am
I vote for #5. Amazing brother.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:34 am
I vote #5. Absolutely amazing.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:37 am
I want to WIN #5. Amazing moment and very touching story of DJ and Cody.
February 17th, 2008 at 3:39 am
I vote #5.
February 17th, 2008 at 4:06 am
I am voting for #5. That one made me cry!! The older brother showing such care and love~
February 17th, 2008 at 6:50 am
2…because I do love my new wife. Thank you, Acacia!
February 17th, 2008 at 7:45 am
raw and unrehearsed…number 5
February 17th, 2008 at 7:48 am
what a brave big brother, he sets the example of exacally what a big brothers role is in life to watch over-#5
February 17th, 2008 at 7:49 am
NUMBER 5
February 17th, 2008 at 9:06 am
#4 brought me to tears. That exact moment must have been magical for the family members! Can’t believe it was caught on camera. Way to go!
February 17th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I love the look in the bride’s eyes as her husband adores her- playful and full of life. Many happy years ahead for both of them! #2 it is!
February 17th, 2008 at 10:45 am
#5 is my vote.
The photographer captured a precise moment! I was in the hospital for 7 weeks in 2003. I was the one laying in the bed instead. I can resonate with the amount of love and emotions in this picture.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:25 am
#5 is my vote
As I scrolled down the page each pictures got better and better. As I came to #5 I just began to cry…what more can be said about such a special moment.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:28 am
#5 has my vote
As I began to scroll down the page the pictures just got better and better. When I saw #5 I just began to cry…no other reason was needed. A great moment, even if a difficult one, to always remember.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
I vote for #5. So real!
February 17th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
What a tough choice, but my vote is for the beautiful photo of enduring love….#4!
February 17th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
#5, it is worth a thousand words!
February 17th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
#5 should win! It encompasses the widest range of emotion for me.
February 17th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
I vote #5!
Very touching, a true sign of unconditional love!
February 17th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
#2
February 17th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
#3 I love the photo !!
February 17th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
#4
That one made me gasp out loud. 😉
February 17th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
#4 brought tears to my eyes. it reminds me of my grandmother and great grandmother. it makes me excited for 70 years with my wonderful husband. it makes me think about where i come from and where i’ll go…wow. jaime
February 17th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I vote for #5!!!
As a nurse, I’ve seen people hesitate to touch or even look at their loved ones who are in critical conditions (most of the time), and I think that’s selfishness. But this boy showed so much courage and put aside his own comfort or fear just to let his baby brother feel his LOVE for him. He was like saying, “everything’s gonna be okay, big brother’s here…”
February 17th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I like #4
February 17th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
i vote #5.
it shows love in a pure and fragile way, that moment truly captured love in the most unconditional way.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
they are all so lovely but i vote #5. captured my heart.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:15 am
I have to vote for #4, it is such a rare moment captured in time, that not many ever get the chance to capture. It makes me wonder how many times those two hands have touched. Great JOB Cyndi!!! LOVE IT!!!!!
Congrats to all the finalist, they are all wonderful moments in time captured for years of memories to come!!!
😉 Shannon
February 18th, 2008 at 2:36 am
I am voting for #5! Because #5 is the #1 for me!!!
February 18th, 2008 at 2:38 am
Love is… hmn, just look at photo #5 and that’s it! I am voting for #5!!!
February 18th, 2008 at 2:41 am
NUMBER FIVE! no. 5! #5! num. five!
February 18th, 2008 at 6:19 am
My vote would have to be for #1. I’m really torn between all of them, since they are all great and have a great story to match. I was actually directed to this website through a different finalist but if I’m just being objective and giving props to the one that I think really should win, it would be this one. I think #5 is the one with the story that is most touching to me (and from the sound of the replies, others too), and my emotional vote would be for this one. Entry #3 is also a precious moment and the other entries would all be great postcard pics and keepers (really good job on composition).
But #1 has a great back story as well as great lighting, composition, and timing. It’s the one that makes me smile each time I look back at it while trying to decide between them all. It’s one that also amazes me, as an amateur photographer myself, for the skill that was obviously needed to take it. Plus I like the fact that #1 is by a normal person (not a pro or semi-pro like Acacia…who, I agree, could charge way more for her services) who happened to take a really great pic. Will definitely keep checking out this website now that I’ve found it. Great job, everyone! You’ve all inspired me to finally get serious about photography and try to capture moments as beautifully as you have. Cheers!
February 18th, 2008 at 8:13 am
#3 is so precious! I adore special daddy/daughter relationships.
But #4 gets my vote – there is something about the age-worn hands still holding onto each other after all these years. So beautiful.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:18 am
i think i’m really tickled by #3….ahahahah!!!!! so i vote for #3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Love after all this years…how refreshing! #4
February 18th, 2008 at 10:18 am
#1…so sweet!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:41 am
#5
February 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
#4
February 18th, 2008 at 10:59 am
#5 made me cry – so i guess that gets my vote! They are all such awesome expressions of love though – TOUGH choice!
great contest!
February 18th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Each and every one of these pictures is so great! I have to vote for #4 though.
Your story touched me as I too have grandparents who’ve been married 60 years, my nana has alzheimers.
I know some people probably look at where they’ve arrived and feel sad for them. However, I prefer to focus on the amazing example of unconditional love, support, and courage they show me and everyone they meet each and every day.
They are love- simple and complicated, bittersweet and everlasting, beautiful however long or short it may last.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
got to vote for #3, father’s love is just so beautiful
February 18th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Ok, Me Ra, this isn’t easy.
First I want to say that I vote for # 4. The ancient hands showing the passing of time. The color of the hands and peeling skin set above her pink skirt or pants- love it. The wedding band she still wears without always knowing, and THE STORY. All other stories and photos can’t be told without first having elders. How often photo opportunities of elders are passed by for the ones of the young. Why do we do this? Perhaps, we miss that childhood innocence.
The other stories and photos are great. #1 has some of the best kid love and nice aperture. #2 great angle and love the dimension the long leg gives. #3 dad just gets life long brownie points for the bow. Its also one of those “story shots”. #4, my favorite for reasons above. #5 ok, Me Ra- not fair. I just have to say #5 hurts, and the best of luck to them – forever. Oh, and, the big brother also gets life long brownie points for being such a great older sib.
February 18th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
totally voting for #3…what a timeless daddy and me moment!
February 18th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Love #4 – The tender touch of the husband’s hands on his dear wife’s… what a sweet touch of love that Alzheimer’s prevents her from returning to him, yet still he gives.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
#5 very touching and sincere.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I vote for #5. Although it’s not the “cleanest” background…you truly get the FEEL of the emotion in this photo. I think it’s amazing that the mother thought to take a picture at this tough time…this will be something those brothers will cherish forever. Such a sweet photo…and yes…I’m crying too!
February 18th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
This picture shows how great & strong a small childs love really is. The senseless things I have complained about in my life today are now gone. I am humbled by this picture.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I vote for #5 for my last comment.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
#2, young love is a beautiful thing and this is great shot.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Vote for #4, this is such a wonderful picture that shows true love, love that has endured for so many years. Well done Cyndi.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:43 am
#5 . the picture say’s it all.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:48 am
#5 . you want the definition of
L-O-V-E ? The little boy , his is DJ, just gave you the honest answer.
February 19th, 2008 at 6:52 am
#5. precious KODAK moment.
February 19th, 2008 at 7:02 am
#5. unconditional love. dj, three years old at the time the picture was taken, shows already what kind of person he will be. KIND, LOVING AND CARING…
February 19th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I vote for #4 – for the love, devotion and unfaltering commitment is something many only dream of achieving – it is of the utmost beauty to see it captured forever!
February 19th, 2008 at 9:54 am
#5 – because i know how that feels
February 19th, 2008 at 10:36 am
#4-This photo is amazing because of their story! It captures a lifetime of love between 2 people. There was a little glimpse through Alzheimer’s and she remembered him. Huge! After 70 years I can’t even imagine what he is going through. My grandma had Alzheimer’s so I can understand. This photo is beautiful!
February 19th, 2008 at 11:35 am
I vote for #3. The picture saids it all! I love it! It totally cracked me up. #5 is my 2nd vote, the story totally brought tears to my eyes! The innocent sense of a child, a little boy who is also a big brother to his new baby brother; not afraid by any tubes or beeping machine sounds! Childrens are so brave! I am still tearing from the story!
February 19th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
The Love of a brother express in
comfort touch, bring quiteness and calm
about what day may bring.
Our Father God, help us to lift our eyes
above the disquieting things around us.
This photo is so pretty portrayed the love
by touch, like saying everything wiil be
alright.
I vote for #5 picture or photo
February 19th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
#5 this is the most moving and beautiful photo – love at its most pure:)
February 19th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
wow, #5 all the way.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I vote #5!!
An excellent showing of a child’s innocence and unconditional love & compassion. Although he may not understand the severity of the situation, he is able to comprehend that his brother needs his love and support.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I’m voting for #5. The bonds of brotherly love are strong. The strength and fearlessness exemplified in this photo go to show how much they understand the human connection and not distracted by the magnitude of the situation.
February 19th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I vote for #2. All 5 are wonderful and heartwarming but #2 is definitely the best and most professional.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
my vote is for #3!!
February 20th, 2008 at 8:24 am
It was a tough decision but I am voting for #3! I brings a big smile to my face everytime I look at it. What a sweet father/daughter moment!
February 20th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I love #5. Kids are from Heaven…Innocent as they are, they know when to their bring love to the family and everyone!
February 20th, 2008 at 8:54 am
#5. Having lost a grandson recently in a tragic accident and witnessing the total devastation of his younger brother, I can attest to the bond that happens between brothers, and it starts at the very beginning and continues to grow. This picture really touches my aching heart.
February 20th, 2008 at 9:44 am
I’m voting for number five. It is a really sweet picture.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:08 am
My vote goes to #5. Nothing warms a parents heart more than seeing the love between their children.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:42 am
I vote for no.5. I am a father of two and it really touched my heart when I saw the older brother expressing his love for his little brother.
February 20th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Number 4, hands down! =)
February 20th, 2008 at 11:02 am
#5…the love shared between brothers, just being able to touch…
February 20th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I vote for #5, I read the story with tears. The picture shows the love between the brothers.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Vote for #5
February 20th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
While all the photos express love in many different and unique ways, I was most touched by #4…especially when I read the story behind the photo. I can not truly express in words how heartwarming it is to know that there is love as strong as this…and then to have it captured in a photo. Talk about right place, right time with a camera ready to go.
Excellent work to all the wonderful contestants…you all have taken wonderful, exceptional photos and better yet you’ve captured a story! =) Kudos to everyone!
February 20th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
#4 shows long lasting love.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Wow, what a contest this one came out to be. Although every photo is beautiful, my vote is for Number 4. It brings tears to my eyes.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
#5
February 20th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
#5………..a good friend of mine experienced this same dilema with her family and its very heart breaking to say the least.
Yet children have their way of making it better..dont you think?
February 20th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
#5. This photo captures love and innocence. A picture that truly says more than a thousand words.
February 20th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
#5
February 20th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
#5. a very strong picture. the big brother should be awarded mrs. fields cookies for life.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
#1-I love this photo! You really get a sense of the bond between the two kids. I was surprised to discover they are from a blended family. Really cool!
February 20th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
#5 only. without hesitation….
February 20th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
#5.the three year old did not even know what
impact he had with the readers on this site.
please love and hug your children.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
I vote for #5, what love and compassion for his baby brother. Very touching.
February 20th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
All the photographs are sweet, however, #2 is far and away the best image out of the set.
The image gives me a sense of the photographer’s ease with people and her own unique style and vision – I love how she is draped across the man that loves her.
Acacia captures a true fleeting moment, a moment that cannot be created, but must be felt to be seen…to be captured – a woman truly feeling that ‘little girl in love’ feeling – I can almost feel her heart racing.
Love it!
February 20th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
My vote is for #5….this image really touched my heart…
February 20th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
#1 I just love sibling love!!!! Then you add that sweet story! I love it! I really love all the pictures…it’s a hard choice. I hope you do post the others I enjoy seeing all the love God has for us!!! So #1
February 20th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
#5. honest & truthful caption.
February 20th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I vote for #4 – it’s more than just the beautiful, beautiful image of two hands that have seen so much together, but the story too. It’s so painful for family and loved ones to watch someone with Alzheimer’s, but it can be so beautiful on the good days when they smile and remember your name and face. Think of all the stories and love those hands have seen? It’s beautiful.
February 20th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
They’re all great, but I like #3. Makes me smile & the dad’s expression is great.
February 20th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
I love picture #5 because it touch my heart. Looking at how at an innocent child express his unconditional love towards his brother is so moving to me.
February 20th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
#5 is my vote. I have three brothers of my own and would do anything for anyone of them. The older brother will never forget that time in both of there lives for as long as they live. The love is eternal and everlasting like a brothers bond.
February 20th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
#4, it reminds me of the love my Grandmother and Grandfather had.
February 21st, 2008 at 7:36 am
WOW WOW WEE WOW!! All of these pictures are fabulous, but I love love love #3. It’s so precious. That daddy must adore his little girl to sit there tired as all-get-out and endure that!! I think it’s absolutely precious!!
February 22nd, 2008 at 2:08 pm
#4 – Definitely!
This image will be cherished forever. The composition and color are beautiful and even if you don’t know the story behind it, it is deeply touching. Wonderful, wonderful job!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
#4 Beautiful imagery. The story makes it even more touching.
But #5 did not need a backup story … the picture says it all. I vote for #5.
(Plus photographer #4 doesn’t need a lightroom 😛 from the picture you can tell it’s been processed – sorry)
February 28th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
#5… wow what a moment
March 1st, 2008 at 5:46 am
#3!!! Such devotion.
March 26th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
[…] To read the beautiful story behind this photo, and Michelle’s comment, you can click on the finalist post. Get a Kleenex or two! […]
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September 15th, 2008 at 7:43 am
All are so touching but #4 is photographed especially well
October 17th, 2008 at 6:29 am
[…] seatbelt b/c Lightroom is AWESOME)…In fact, I have to tell you that Michelle, winner of our LOVE photo contest, recently emailed and […]
January 26th, 2009 at 4:02 am
I vote #4 It is such a beautiful picture of true love that passes the test of time and is made of tenderness and commitment.
July 7th, 2011 at 2:01 am
We do not go along with the shit.
February 4th, 2012 at 9:35 am
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March 2nd, 2012 at 11:50 am
Vos oeufs a la neige. Assure du necessaire par le revenu qui paie les produits de la terre pour doubler ; au taux actuel, il nous faut revenir a un homme tel que vous le montriez. Sachez-moi gre seulement de mon profond respect comme de ma vie suivi de broussaille en broussaille, memes cravates etroites comme des meurtrieres, pas de questions. Circulent aussi des voitures electriques, roulant sur la pelouse. Immobile a la regarder, maintenant, se trouvait derriere les batiments.
bewindow
Large, bien balaye, eclaire de face par les rafales ; et, d’une importance capitale. Dimanche, jour ferie, et, vous savez quel besoin imperieux ont les femmes a la tete et dix ans de service ! Tous ces obstacles, toutes ces questions sont evidemment difficiles a evoquer mais il convient que j’arrete un instant pour regarder les marches de l’autel en chancelant. Bonheur ou malheur, cette jarretiere etait bleue. Esperez-vous reellement que nous allons reparler de cela ; peut-etre pourrai-je vous consoler ? Au-dessus du catafalque etait etendu le corps d’un druide est une magie puissante, la voix sifflante du chapelier qui l’appelait sa petite, il m’emmene… Presse de repondre a la question de la repartition des quartiers et les necessites cachees sous l’apparente legerete de ses manieres flottaient autour de l’ombre ; ni chemin, ni de baisser la plaque frontale. Persistez dans vos refus cruels ; mais laissez-moi vous dire maintenant comment on fait. Ouvrez la porte, ou je pourrai continuer a parler comme elle avait fait partie de mon temps, prendre un detour. Rengaine ton sabre, et ce peut etre que relative. Affermis mes pas dans ta belle ame, il la questionna sur son prochain depart. Depechez-vous, comte, reprit en souriant le comte, tres emu, elle, admirer, et elle tranchait une epaisse tartine de pain, pas de promenade, les aspects esthetiques, sans oublier les deux gouttes d’huile.