Roeckell Photography

Thursday I had the privilege of attending the gallery show and culmination of a very special project called Express Yourself. It started as a “What if we…” discussion about a year ago with the council of Barrington Area Special Voices and Thomas Balsamo of Portraits by Thomas. Thomas has been a huge inspiration to me personally and his work can be seen world wide. It was Thomas’ wish to create a program to inspire children with special needs to see the power of images and use photography as a creative form of expression.  He accomplished that and more.  28 young people with varying needs, ages 7 to 30 were given a basic photography lesson by Thomas.  (I had to giggle a bit thinking of all the professional photographers who would pay big bucks to be in the seats of these kids.)

It was a large undertaking with many people who helped along the way.  That’s where I come in.  I was honored to be asked to be one of the local photographers asked to be a “Photo Buddy”.  Essentially a mentor for a small group of participants to help, guide and instruct. It was inspiring to spend time with my “buddies”.  My gang was made up of two boys, 7 and 8 and one girl who is 11.  They brought a completely unique perspective to what they saw through the lens. The images they produced where motivated by themes from Thomas. Something that…is beautiful, makes me cry, I can’t live without, makes me laugh, and something that I love. They chose 6 favorites and then those were judged and together with Thomas they picked one final image that was framed and became part of a collective artful voice, the Express Yourself Gallery. The images where first judged by the board members of the Express Yourself committee and then again by peoples choice the evening of the show. The images and out takes of their shoots were printed in a book titled “Express Yourself the world through their eyes”.  My favorite part was that the kids were seated at a long table for a book signing and delighted in putting their signature on their image in the book.  You can get a copy of the book by visiting www.booksthattouch.com

I am proud to say of the 6 prizes awarded, two of my Buddies took home prizes.  It was bitter sweet though because they all did an amazing job. The pride on their faces and their exuberance was humbling.  I wish we could bottle it for the days later in life when it becomes easy to see extraordinary things as common place and worry so much about what others think that we forget to find beauty in what we see .

Here are just a few out takes from my buddies photo shoots. Many of my own images were printed in the book as out takes. Okay, I can’t lie, I’m super excited to be published in a book driven by Thomas Balsamo, I’m just sayin!  One of my out takes was full page photo of one of my buddies photographing reeds at a beach.  He thought he was pretty special, and he is in every good way.

Enjoy these images and for more information on Barrington Area Special Voices to learn about their advocacy, education, social growth opportunities and more go to www.BASV.info

Below are the final entries of my photo buddies.  You must check out the whole collection.

Watch for information on upcoming shows as the gallery moves around the area.  It is worth taking the time to see through their truly special eyes.

Can it be true?? Where has it gone? Does time really travel faster with each new year? I’m going to do my best to sloooww down and enjoy the last weeks before school supplies, new clothes, books and lunch boxes rule my world.  There is still plenty of time for Beach portraits at Illinois State Beach, Wilmette Beach or a location of your choice. There are so many moments to capture that will tell the story of your summer in 2011. Maybe your little one learned to tie his shoes or your daughter took her first steps.  Those are the images I would want on my walls. My new favorite is “underdog” My little one and her dad spending an afternoon that might go by forgotten if not for capturing the moment.  Let me recreate these moments or watch new ones unfold during your next photo session with Roeckell Photography. Take care!

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I’ve added a few of my old favorite summer shots.  Little miss C’s eyes caught the setting sun in such a way that she has no pupil, only my reflection.  Okay I wouldn’t mess with her, would you?

Sorry for this indulgent repeat, one of my favorite beach captures. We spent the whole day at the beach and I had brought this dress and crisp white shirts for my three boys to take photos as the sun set. All the little ones carefully changed in the beach house where the floor was covered in muddy sand and water.  They all managed to stay clean for maybe three portraits then the fun began.  My husband however, never made it into the portraits.  His crisp white shirt landed on the shower floor!??  I know, right?? Oh well I remember that day in a beautiful way.

Little S below marched into this puddle like she owned it while her big brother clung to Mom on dry land. Her reach for the sun makes me smile every time I see it.