Last week, I ran into this little lady while shopping, and she promptly said to me, "Are you coming to my First Communion this coming week?" I told her I didn't know if I would make it, but I was so excited for her. 

So, as purpose would have it, I find myself in the very beautiful Cathedral of Christ the King, and surrounded with families all dressed up so lovely in anticipation of their children's first moments of Communion.  It was reminiscent of photographing a Wedding for me, but I got to sit down and actually watch much of the events unfold.

After the Communion, I was able to find Miss C. and when she saw me, her eyes got wide and she smiled. I had indeed made her important day. I realize now, that photographing children is much like my time teaching Head Start. They understand and know so well when a person has and does pay attention to them. Being "seen" is so important. Each time I show up in someone little's life, be it to photograph Easter clothes or a new sibling, I have "seen" them all over again. And if I accomplish nothing else, I want them to know I have and do pay attention to who they are and are becoming. 

I loved walking with her in the Chapel and seeing these valuable moments in her life, along with our conversation about it. She gave me a hug at the end of our time and thanked me for coming. My goodness, those kinds of hugs from a child fill up your heart. See, I don't merely come to take a picture. And I think at this point in my business, most all of my clients understand that. You know the little guys :-)

Here are some images from that day, and my particular favorite is Miss C. having a conversation with the Father about this special day. 

"Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowlege or reason." - Pope Francis