Reflecting on Loss and Cherishing Life's Moments- as a photographer

Creating magic with my friend Ashley, was something magical. Look at the memories we made together!

Reflecting on Loss and Cherishing Life's Moments

These last few months have been eye-opening to me. My friend tragically passed away in July. I miss her greatly, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about her. Anytime someone passes that you are close with, there's a ripple/wave effect. It helps you to reflect and look around and see what you have. It makes you try to cherish each moment even a little more. Being on this earth at any second is no guarantee, and it is up to us to make the best of it.

Good ol’ Drifter and this beautiful little lady. All smiles with her “pet” unicorn in the magical forest.

The Impact of Loss

Life can beat you down. Especially when losing someone, you will never get over the loss. Time doesn't necessarily heal all wounds, but it's also time that you know you need to be blessed to have. It's that hug you want to hold on tighter and not let go.

There's also regret when someone passes. I regret not thanking her more. I regret not getting her glammed up and doing a fancy photo shoot with her and her unicorn. I regret not doing professional photos of her daughter and her together (I have a few of them separately).

A Blessed Calling

All smiles for this darling little lady. Love the florals and the softness of the scenery for some beautiful magic.

I love what I do, and I am blessed to be able to do this job. It's the memories I love making for all my families. For the babies, the kiddos, teens, moms-to-be, grandparents, and even getting the cousins and grandkids together. This is about making memories for entire families' lives. Isn't that incredible?

This little lady was all in with her unicorn for the day. She wanted to take him home.

The Ripple Effect of Loss

When my friend passed away, it was as though the world had dimmed a little. Her laughter, her smile, her warm presence—it was all gone in an instant. Her absence created a void in my life that can never be filled. But amidst the grief, I realized something profound. Her passing sent ripples through my life, awakening me to the fragility of existence and the importance of cherishing every moment.

The truth is, life is unpredictable. We often take our time on this earth for granted, assuming that there will always be another day to express our love and gratitude. But my friend's departure shattered that illusion. It reminded me that each moment is a gift, and we must embrace it with open arms.

We always need to get those cheesy smiles in too!

Embracing Life's Imperfections

Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. It can be challenging, painful, and unfair. Losing someone you care deeply about is a wound that never truly heals. Time may dull the ache, but the scars remain as a reminder of what once was. Yet, it's precisely these scars that teach us the value of the time we have left.

As I navigate the waves of grief, I hold onto the memories of my friend tightly. I cherish the moments we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the love we exchanged. I'm reminded of the hugs we shared and how I wish I could have held onto them just a little longer.

Walking her pet unicorn.

Regrets and Lessons

Regret is a bitter companion in the wake of loss. I regret not expressing my appreciation to my friend more often. I wish I had taken the time to create beautiful memories, like that fancy photoshoot with her and her unicorn. I regret not capturing more precious moments with her and her daughter together.

But through these regrets, I've learned a valuable lesson. Life is a delicate tapestry of moments, and we have the power to shape it into something beautiful. It's a reminder that we should never wait to express our love and gratitude to those we care about. Tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Creating Lasting Memories

All smiles again. Pink is a great color on her!

In the midst of sorrow, I find solace in my work. I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to create memories for families. From capturing the innocence of babies to freezing the exuberance of teens, from documenting the glow of expectant mothers to bringing generations together for photos, it's a privilege to be part of these moments.

This work is about more than just photographs. It's about freezing time, encapsulating emotions, and preserving memories that will last a lifetime. It's about crafting a legacy that future generations can treasure.

Conclusion: Embracing Life's Beauty

In the face of loss, I've learned to appreciate life's beauty even more. My friend's passing taught me that every moment is precious, every hug should be held a little tighter, and every expression of love should be shared without hesitation. We may never completely heal from the wounds of loss, but we can find strength in the memories we create and the love we share.

Life is a gift, and it's up to us to make the most of it. Let us not wait for tragedy to remind us of this truth. Instead, let us celebrate life's imperfections, cherish our loved ones, and continue to create beautiful memories that will live on long after we're gone.

Until then… Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee Giumetti