Stillwater, MN Family Photographer | 2013 Sunlit Photography Giveback {a division of Project Molly’s Eyes}

I have been incredibly blessed to call photography my career and for my images to be embraced as they have.  I think I have even resorted to gently pinching myself once or twice.  It’s pretty great.

About two years ago a decided to begin a personal photography project entitled Project Molly’s Eyes, named after my stunning daughter who was born with a cleft lip & palate like me.  I have been humbled by the experience of being captivating Miss Molly’s mom and grateful for all that I (we) have.  It’s not easy but undoubtedly worthwhile to know struggles and thus feel magnificent triumphs in life.  Life, the way we react to it, is relative.

Project Molly’s Eyes has been rewarding.  I have been fortunate to meet other beautiful children in the MN area as well as their wonderful parents.  I have also had the opportunity to communicate with a few parents from across the U.S.  We’ve shared stories and reflected like only a parent to a parent in similar shoes can.  I treasure that.  It’s not easy for all parents to reach out or to have their child with a birth “defect” photographed.  It’s a lot to take in.  By no means do images from PME need to be shown online or anywhere but in privacy, but I personally love blasting them to the world when I have a chance.  I’ve been told, mostly privately, time and time again how my images or words resonated to someone, and for that, I am forever grateful.  So, if you know of someone who would qualify for a free PME session or would like a friend who gets it, please send them my way.

Here’s a current Molly image.

At the end of 2012 I decided I wanted to say, “thank you!” to all of my photography and life supports both past and present.  I wasn’t sure how to do that until I dreamt up Sunlit’s Giveback: a Division of Project Molly’s Eyes.  Project Molly’s Eye’s premise is clear.  It’s about education, love, raw beauty and giving back.  It doesn’t have to be only about CL&P.  So… what I devised was to do a few mini sessions for special people who fit these distinct categories: Angel on Earth, Been through Hell and Special Needs.  Granted many people can easily fit all three categories.  I received many remarkable nominations, and knew I was not capable of personally selecting who I gave a shoot to.  If I could, I’d include everybody!  So, I drew names.  🙂  Please enjoy the recipients images and stories as they are completed throughout the next couple of months.  I plan to run a similar event at the end of 2013.

Meet The Maxwells: Angel on Earth Category

Amanda and Brandon are a tremendous husband and wife team with a sweet little boy in tow.  Both have backgrounds and roots in education and clearly have a love for teaching and enriching the lives of children and people alike.  Since 2006 they have dedication much of their time and resources to making Madala Village in Africa a better place to live.

Amanda writes:

It has impacted our lives in ways that can’t be explained.  This community is part of our hearts and our family.  We have been blessed with so much and we feel like the small ways we can give back here make a huge difference in their lives.

 

Image above not taken by Sunlit Photography but posted with permission.

Amanda and Brandon have created an annual run, entitled Run for Hope 5K, to raise money for the village at Como Park.  It’s the perfect fun way to give back.  I know a lot of you out there enjoy your 5Ks, and this one is extra special!  It’s on Saturday, May 25th this year, so you better get going!

Please visit the Madala Village website to read more about the story and to aid in helping the Maxwells on their journey to enhance the lives of the Madalan people.

Amanda’s sister is the person who nominated the Maxwells for the Angel on Earth category.  Since Amanda is so focused on helping and always giving, she of course wanted the mini session to be for her mom of all of the grandkids.  Her son is included with his five cousins.  Here’s an image from that session:

Meet Austin: Special Needs Category

Austin.  I knew I wanted to meet this baby as soon as I read a bit about his story.  He and his family are the real definition of amazing and strength.  I enjoyed my time conversing with Austin’s mom and we rolled through his session.  The clock seemed to stand still as I clicked away.  I knew I was capturing something extra special on that day.  It’s the feeling I get with images that move me to a more profound level.  The feeling that I am not really creating the images but just lucky enough to be there to be the one pressing the shutter.  Austin and his mom made these, and I am fortunate to have been able to preserve them.

A note from Austin’s Mother:

Oh our sweet Austin. Austin goes by many names, as do the really special people in the world. He’s know as Super A, Mr. Man, Austie, and Stud. A little guy with this much fight deserves all the names so many have lovingly given him.

After an uneventful pregnancy Austin was born on July 12, 2012. The delivery was a breeze. Mom and dad say the delivery was so easy in order to prepare us for what we discovered when Austin was born. Austin was born with what’s called Port Wine Stain birthmarks covering much of his body. 12 days after birth Austin began having uncontrollable seizures. At 13 days old Austin was diagnosed with the extremely rare and incurable Sturge-Weber syndrome. Which is an over abundance of blood vessels on the brain. The brain itself is normal, but the surrounding blood vessels irritate the brain and cause many complications. In addition to Sturge-Weber Austin is battling glaucoma in both eyes, breathing and aspiration issues. All of these things Austin HAPPENS to have. These things ARE NOT Austin.

Austin is a calm and gentle soul, much like his father. Austin loves his sister and seems to look at her more than anyone else. Austin sleeps the best while snuggled next to mom. Austin has the most beautiful gummy smile which, even though is rare, can put the sun to shame. Austin is a warrior. Austin has taught us to be a warrior. We no longer ask “Why?” We believe everything in our lives has prepared us to care for Austin. Austin is a miracle and gift from God. If only people knew how lucky we are.

Please pray for our HERO. Add Austin as a friend onfacebook.com/Austin.friesz or follow his journey atcaringbridge.org/visit/austinfriesz