Helen Joy’s Photographer Blog

Helen Joy George 9/9/20 Helen Joy George 9/9/20

addy | senior portraits

“The earth has music for those who listen.” -Shakespeare

One day this summer I was feeling dry creatively, and kind of sad I didn’t have anything lined up to photograph. That exact day I got a message from a mother…”I'd love to talk with you about Sr pics for one of my girls. She's my fairy spirit hippie violinist. I think hopefully a good fit for your style.” And then I jumped up and down and closed my eyes real tight because I was smiling so much. You see…I myself am a fairy spirit hippie violinist and I couldn’t wait to capture her in this inhale before adulthood.

When I met Addy I was drawn in instantly by her warmth. It was so genuine and had such depth, something I don’t usually see in girls her age. I loved her instantly, as I think everyone who meets her does.

We spent the afternoon skipping around the forest just letting Addy explore and play her beautiful, soulful music. On top of Black Balsam it echoed through the mountains and in the river it was accompanied by the sound of the water trickling over the rocks. I nestled her in the roots of the big tree I love, her fresh face so bright in contrast to the weathered bark and the twisted up roots. It felt like a dance, it felt like a song, it felt like a part of my heart being given new life.

Helen Joy George 10/30/15 Helen Joy George 10/30/15

my little darling | portraits of a curious soul

Born the baby of 5 girls, I will never forget the day I found out about you. We were all sat up on the bed in an Arizona motel like little stair steps and one by one our parents relayed how blessed they were by each of us, and then then finished and we all looked at the blank piece of bed and knew a new baby would be there soon. And we all cried bad tears. Oh but you were oh so very needed. You were born into a time of extreme turmoil and pain in our lives and you my darling sister could have very well been burnt up in the fire but you have instead come out a diamond.

Your sweetness and love for those around you is a beautiful thing to behold. You choose to smile even when things aren't worth smiling about. You are a scrappy little thing, always proving that you belong with the big sisters.

Senior portraits are always a little hokey to me. Awkward and forced and in limbo...just like that time of life is. But I knew it wouldn't be like that with you. Your curious little soul shone so bright and your eyes sparkled with a genuine, unforced love of life. Feminine but so very brave.

I love you.

My heart bursts with pride of you, my little darling.