Terri Gillis Photography

Cancer sucks.  I sat here and tried to think of a nicer way to write that and then realized when there were a few other choice words, that WAS the nice way of saying it.

I know several people that are in the battles of their lives fighting this dreadful disease and although I can make a meal for them, or just offer support I never feel like I’m doing enough to help fight this war.  The first time I attended Relay for Life in Rockford 4 years ago I was impressed by the outpouring of support in our community.  I didn’t realize how many people could fit on the track at North Rockford Middle school.  It’s an amazing experience, a great cause, I love being a part of it and I’m excited to parter with Sable Homes for this fundraiser. As many of you know I’m not a studio photographer due to the fact that I most enjoy working in a variety of settings (and I get tired of my backdrops very easily!).   These model homes are beautifully decorated and offer several unique settings for these portrait sessions.  Sessions are for everyone!  Join us in our fundraising efforts and if you’ve been putting off updating your photos, wait no longer! You will love this.

I go waaaaayy back with this family.  I have a history with them.  I knew them before they were a family, shooting an engagement session and then their wedding several years ago.  A few years later I grieved for them when their first son was stillborn and was thrilled for them when they were expecting Brennan.  I witnessed how tenderly they cared for him after he was born and how thankful they were for his little life.  Last summer I went back to their home after Ruby was born.  Life was different with a busy toddler and a newborn daughter.  Although exhausted, it was obvious that they were loving every minute of it.  Last week during our session I saw them learning to negotiate with a busy 2 year old (as long as you have a snack, it is possible!) and how they look at their precious daughter with adoration (she’s so smiley and cute I can’t stand it!!!). I witnessed them laughing, still loving each other and embracing family life.  This is hands down the BEST part of my job! I work with a LOT of families, but I don’t always know the whole story.   I won’t pretend to know all the details of their day to day life but I feel privileged to have been a part of some of  their most precious memories.  I love that they trust me with their children, that when we’re together we laugh and feel like we’re old friends. Like everyone, I have my fair share of days where I am uncertain about this path in life, questioning if it’s still working, still worth it, still right for me? When families return to me time and time again I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the connections I’ve made, the moments I’ve witnessed and for the opportunity to take photos of these sweet faces.