Virginia Reese Photography

It's that time of year! I just created my Fall Mini calendar and the sign up is linked below. The description explains where each location is (it'll be changing depending on the date.) If you have any questions or conflicts but still want to sign up just reach out. Thanks and please feel free to share!

https://calendly.com/virginiareese_photography/fall-mini-sessions-2023
A few things to note when choosing your location.

* pets are allowed in all locations except Woodlands Garden
* Arabia Mountain will be in full bloom with the yellow daisies (it's magical and worth the drive!

Life giving.

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Just a sweet moment between a father and his child. I tend to share a lot more of the mama's on my page so I thought I would change it up a little.
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A few more from this garden maternity session.

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I've only got 4 spots left so grab one if you've been considering it! They are perfect for holiday cards or if you've always wanted pictures but don't love getting your picture taken. These are quick, painless and fun! All of the info is in the link.
https://calendly.com/virginiareese_photography/fall-mini-sessions-2020

Here is the sign up link for my fall mini sessions. Looking forward to seeing you all! https://calendly.com/virginiareese_photography/fall-mini-sessions-2020

More from the series shot through the window. These have been a lot of fun, mainly because of the process of shooting through glass. It is nothing like a regular photoshoot and I really enjoy the challenge and how each one differs so drastically. I think i'll continue adding these into in-home shoots, even once I can go back indoors with them. One day I hope to put these all together as a cohesive story that helps document these strange times.

Window portrait series. A look on the inside during isolation. Here are Maggies words

Window portrait series. A look on the inside during isolation.
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Window portraits, a look on the inside during isolation. Here is one of my first from this series. I am asking everyone I shoot to share a little of their thoughts on this experience so I can share their words along with the images. Here are her powerful words.
"We were supposed to be on a plane to Spain the week school ended. Just my son and I. We were going to meet my husband and parents on the El Camino and join them in finishing the 500 mile pilgrimage. We had all been training and buying gear for the last year in anticipation of walking in memory of my brother who passed in 2018. It was another form of celebrating his life and we were all going to do it together. Instead we were quarantined on both the anniversary of my brother's passing and his birthday, leaving us to grieve those days on our own. Having to watch my son experience losing his favorite uncle was heartbreaking but having to tell him that we are now cut off from the world was on another level. A whole different type of grief. He's a great kid and never gives me much trouble but he's also an empath, so he feels what we feel and then some. We talk a lot about gratitude and recognize that we are lucky that both my husband and I are still able to work and that gratitude helps us through the rough days at home. We have found a rhythm to quarantine life and a lot of that is thanks to my husband who always finds a way to make us feel safe. My son doesn't want to leave the house as much these days because he is still confused and scared of the virus but he still dreams and talks of a day he can. I've been wondering if it will become just as difficult for him to go into the world without fear as it was to keep him from it. It seems like everybody is experiencing all stages of grief right now but for us, I guess I just figure if we can find something to laugh about everyday we will be ok, that's what my brother would have done."
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These times are tough but also worth remembering. If you are looking for a way to look back on your life during quarantine, I am offering a series of portraits. These are going to be a little different from traditional porch pictures, I want these to be as candid as possible. I will shoot through a doorway and through a window to glimpse your life on the inside, what it really looks like to be in quarantine in your home. It doesn't have to be "pretty," you don't have to have kids, it can be anything you want it to be. My suggested price is around $60 for 5 images but I understand these times are hard so if you'd like a portrait and don't have the funds that is ok too. Please don't hesitate reaching out because of cost or you think you're not what I am looking for. If you live outside of the Atlanta area we can discuss that as well. I want all people, all ages, all ways of life. Please share if you think you know anyone who'd like to be involved.
Photos are samples of images shot through a window and through an open door.
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I met Leila through the storybook world of Instagram. Connections happen easily but seldom do they turn into a tangible friendship. She discovered my work and messaged me, a few days later we were meeting at a coffee shop over Shakshuka and hot tea. She immigrated here from Morocco where she is now a wellness practitioner. She wanted photos of herself and her mother, something that captured their heritage and strength. We set up the shoot for the following week, a week later she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She told me the news and asked me to come along on her journey, wanting to capture the truth of what was to come. She is open, she is brave, she is powerful.

She invited me to gather with her closest women friends at her home to ceremoniously shave her head, some of whom have had similar experiences. She lives minutes from my house, I had driven by hundreds of times, life is funny like that. I was greeted at the door by an enthusiastic boxer named Mitra, and an older woman sitting in her chair by the entryway, a walker in her lap, she seemed confused but smiled nonetheless. I greeted her then quickly realized she couldn't hear so I bent down close to her face so she could see me mouthing my hello. I learned she owns the home and Lelia lives here with her, helping out and keeping her company. Farther into the room women gathered in a circle, everyone sitting in recliners and on folding chairs. I took a seat on the couch, sinking down deeper than I had expected. TV trays balanced precariously on the thick carpet with all sorts of treats just waiting to be eaten. Mitra rested by my side, watching closely as I scooped a big dollop of hummus onto a carrot. Homemade sangria was on the dresser, sweet, red and delicious. Next to it an old transistor radio buzzed lightly. Moroccan spices filled the air with garlic and cumin. Tajine was simmering on the stove. We talked and shared stories, each of us from various parts of Leila's life. Some having known her for years, others like myself had just met, all destined to be here together to share this sacred evening. In the kitchen was a table covered in dishes, most of which I couldn't name, I tried every single thing. We served ourselves then sat again in the living room, plates balancing on our knees, Mitra waiting for the spill. Her mother cooked the main dishes and kept refilling our plates until we were stuffed. The perfect host. She spoke very little English but we understood each other perfectly.

After we had eaten we all squeezed into the bathroom for the ceremony we had all come for. I hovered over the toilet with my camera, everyone illuminated under the flouresent lights. Her mother by her side, her dog by her feet and each of these women gathered around. Everyone took turns with the clippers, with each buzz her hair slid to the floor. She closed her eyes, she smiled, she laughed and cried. We all did. Emotions flooding into the room, so many different ones coming in waves, no way to control them, they pulled us in and out with force. Hands on her head and her shoulders, we radiated energy from each of us to her.
She danced in the mirror, she tried on all her wigs, spinning and twirling, laughter was heard on the streets. The occasion felt joyous, like a celebration. She is a warrior.

Here are some images from our first shoot (cancer unknown) and then to her head shaving ceremony.

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