I’m sure I could entertain you with stories of each of these families that pull at your heartstrings, make you giggle, and fall in love. My Fort Worth clients have been with me many years. They have patiently, with great encouragement, watched me grow into my own as a mother and artist. They are students, they are friends, they are more than I deserve.
I once prepared a presentation for a photography conference that gave specific bullet points for how to create the "perfect" client questionnaire that had the "perfect" questions that would make your clients magically open up, giving you "perfect" pictures.
I ultimately scrapped that because it was too dry for me, and because it's total bull crap. I had bought the lie and I was about to start spreading it.
Some of the clients I shot this weekend in DFW have been with me since 2012. They trusted a 23 year old girl with their maternity or newborn pictures and we've been together ever since. We have watched each other grow into Parenthood, celebrated additions, mourned losses. The connection formed between us was made through vulnerability, trust, and a diligent commitment to improve the quality of my art and business year after year.
This kind of business plan isn't for everyone, and it isn't necessarily stable, and I don't know that I can fill any kind of presentations about it, but it is fulfilling in a way that is rare and beautiful.
Keri is a dear friend of mine.
She's the first person I met when I moved to Fort Worth when I was 18.
She was a roommate, in my bridal party, a confidant, a blesser, a bs-caller-outter, a shoulder to cry on, and a whole lot more.
She introduced me to her mother, a visionary in the birth community who shaped me as a woman and was with me when I birthed two of my daughters. Her passing last year was a loss I was not prepared for. When Keri confided in me that she was pregnant, I looked at my husband in outright joy followed by immediate and complete heart break - because Ann wouldn't be there.
From afar I've watched this amazing woman grow physically and spiritually in ways I didn't even know were possible. I was over-the-moon excited when we hatched a plan to sneak away this weekend to shoot at a location very near to her, her honeymoon getaway.
Since 2011, Keri has been a muse and encourages me in my creative efforts like few can or do. I'm thankful for her friendship and am FREAKING OUT over the fact that a little baby boy Duckett will soon be joining the world.
2013
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Here are some words from Keri
“This pregnancy has been a whirlwind of love, joy, grief, excitement, and transition. The boy I’m carrying was created just 6 months or so after the most devastating loss I had experienced. I’ve travelled this pregnancy without my Mom, who was my midwife, my deepest friend, and the best Grammy to all of my kids. My son has journeyed with me in the closest of ways as I have navigated through grief, learning to live and love and drink deeply again of the joys that life offers. While he is not the source of my healing, his nearness growing inside of me and the tenderness of knowing there is new life happening has forever changed me as a woman.”
“The photos Mae captured are more than just a pretty location or the right accessories. She captured the story. The feelings. I find it especially interesting how she captured the contrast even in the lighting. Darkness and shadows intertwining with the glow of warm sun on my face. This, this is what this pregnancy has been. Beautiful and deep and meaningful. This is more than just photography, and I’m more grateful than ever to have it. ”
Thank you again, friend, for traveling so far while there's a bowling ball on your bladder to see me and catch up. I love you!
Are you in the Austin area? I'll be shooting there at the end of November and Mid-December.
I will also be in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area the first weekend of December
(to see this precious new babe!) and to photograph more of my favorite DFW people.
If you are interested in a session, please visit the shop or email me at hello@maeburke.com