Sunday, April 27, 2008

My Favorites

Lacey over at Lacey Lichi Photography posed a challenge:
"I'm going to ask you to post your favorite picture. Either one you've taken or one that just affects you."
I had a tough time deciding. I did not know whether to approach this from a photographer's standpoint or an observer. Although I would love to approach this as a photographer at some point, I opted for images that affect me. And I couldn't pick just one.


First I chose a picture from 1981. It was my sister's 18th birthday which made me 14 years old here. We had a dinner celebration at home and my dad came over. My parents were recently divorced but my dad still participated in family events for a while. I don't remember who shot this picture. My dad and I were asked to move together for a picture. Apparently we were just kind of sitting there and we were encouraged to smile. So my dad grabbed me and hammed it up. What we thought would be a goofy picture came out wonderfully. At this time my father was in the beginning of his physical downfall. Julianne had the image enlarged and framed for me and it is now on display in our hallway. I had a 3x5 copy of this picture in my pocket the day Julianne and I were married. I absolutely treasure this picture.



Two weekends ago, Julianne and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. This picture is hanging in our living room and it signifies the happiest day of my life. We had the most wonderful wedding day. And I have been blessed with the most wonderful of brides.



This is our first family picture. It was taken probably 10-15 minutes after we got Lily in the lobby of the civil affairs building in Jiangxi, China. Almost three years of waiting summed up in this moment. She has grown and changed so much in the 9 months since this picture was taken. I can't believe it's only been 9 months. We can't imagine life without her. God has truly blessed us with Lily. (I posted video of this moment on my previous post.)

I encourage you to participate in this photo challenge. I'd be interested to see what you would post as your favorites. I'll check Laci's blog often but you could also leave me a comment here telling me you posted your favorites.

9 comments:

Lacey Lichi said...

Wow. It amazes me how much emotion can be summed up in photos. I can see why you cherish these. Thanks so much for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Like the previous photo that I've mentioned, this is another photo that brings back lovely memories many years later down the road.

Also wishing you much more multiples of 11 years :)

karly said...

Robert, I think you chose very well. These photos are more than photos. They speak so much to your heart, I am sure. They certainly speak to mine.

Oh, and my goodness, Julianne had a BEAUTIFUL dress! Oh yeah, you were handsome, but that dress! Wow! :)

Carletta said...

These are wonderful - thank you so much for sharing these.
Lacey really had a wonderful idea. I can't decide which to choose so I haven't done it yet - maybe I'll take a tip from you and do more than one.

Laura said...

Wow. I think this is a great challenge. And what great photos to choose from! Thanks for sharing!

Shelly said...

I need to figure out how to work the scanner! This is such a wonderful post showing a father's love...one generation to the next.

Anonymous said...

Awwww *tears* those are great pictures. I think I just may participate!

Cris said...

What a beautiful feeling this brings in all of us. Congratulations, these photos are beautiful and tell so much about your story.

Anonymous said...

Here's a memory refresher for ya: I took that picture of you and dad! I wanted to take your pics, but guys needed some coercing. I said, "c'mon, guys, smile for me!" and dad grabbed you and hammed it up. Yes, you thought it would be funny, but see? Guess photography is in the genes! ha ha

~Ellen