massage therapist | photographer

Posts Tagged ‘family’

Sisters

In Children, Family Portrait, Photography, Portrait, senior, Uncategorized on October 25, 2016 at 9:41 AM

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Had a wonderful time photographing these beautiful sisters recently. They were fun and playful and our hour together flew by.  Mom realized that her chances of getting them together were getting slimmer as one is in college and another a senior in high school. Along with doing a senior photo and some shots of the girls together and individually we also did a few family photos that included mom – which she said hasn’t happened in many years.  It’s so important to exist in photos for your friends and family and I’m so glad I got to capture a few moments for them.

Birth Photographer | Makeshift Doula

In Family Portrait, Newborn, Photography, story, Uncategorized on September 7, 2016 at 5:14 PM

A few weeks back I had the honor of being asked to photograph a birth –  AND  – as my other career hat is as a massage therapist – be the stand in doula. What an experience!  I met the couple at the hospital and photographed the experience from hours after the water broke ’til 30 hours later when a c-section had to be performed – alternating between taking a few pictures and then doing a back rub with some essential oil infused lotions I’d brought along.  This photo-journalistic / documentary style is a departure from the usual head shots and portraits I do and I really enjoyed witnessing and capturing the untouched, non-staged, real life moments.

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The hospital staff were kind and accommodating and even allowed me in the operating room to capture a few images of babies first breath [as mom had hoped for] when we found out the c-section was necessary.

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I’ve got a few goofy photos of me and dad in scrubs, along with some beautiful shots of the raw reality of bringing life into this world. [What our bodies can do is amazing!!]

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But for today’s sharing just a few cute shots of this beautiful blessing.

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Congratulations to the new mom and dad and thank you for trusting me to be part of the experience with you!

 

Twin Boys

In Children, Family Portrait, Photography, Portrait, Uncategorized on June 28, 2016 at 12:05 PM

That moment when you are photographing twin boys and you ask them to pretend to like each other.  Young boxer in training. ;) Love how this joking moment shows their affection for one another.

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14 things I’ve learned since leaving massage school : #14

In Massage, Uncategorized on April 8, 2016 at 3:39 PM

#14  A good majority of people still think taking care of themselves is an indulgence.

It’s true. With all the busyness of life, feeling 10 steps behind yourself in the day, taking the time for a health break can often feel like a poor use of time. When some days the time to brush your teeth or your hair feels like a negotiation, how can you justify an hour for a massage? Or even a 10 minute meditation break?

With the cumulative effects of stress on the body, how can you not? Not managing the pressures of your life can decrease your health both mentally & physically. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, been moody, had a hard time quieting your mind, felt depressed or are finding yourself isolating from others – you may be experiencing some symptoms of unmanaged stress. I was astonished to learn in massage school that upwards of 75% of all doctor’s visits are stress related. If you are sleeping less, have headaches, muscle aches, high blood pressure, etc. as a result of something that you have the power to reverse naturally, why wouldn’t you?

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A few of the many ways massage can support your health and well-being? It gives you a mental break and helps you remember how to let go. It is calming to the nervous system, increases the flexibility of joints, eases muscle aches and can help you sleep better. It can increase circulation and help boost the immune system and decrease the stress hormone cortisol.  It can also increase serotonin leaving you feeling lighter and more at peace. All of this without taking any medications and with the added bonus that it just plain feels good.

Being “selfish” is actually one of the most selfless things you can do. By taking care of you – body, mind and soul – you’ll have more to offer your loved ones now and in the future.

14 things I’ve learned since leaving massage school : #5

In CT, Indulge, Manchester, Massage, self care, Uncategorized on March 22, 2016 at 5:44 PM

(March 15th marked 14 years since my first day of massage school out in Port Townsend, WA. I spent a little time reflecting on what I’ve learned from having my hands on countless bodies of all different shapes, sizes, and levels of health over the years.  In random order here are some of my observations and things I wish my clients knew.)

#5  It’s an honor to work with you.

Back when I started my first practice in CT, over 12 years ago now, I had a client come to me to receive massage while she went through her treatment for cancer. I felt unqualified and a little bit nervous to lay my hands on this beautiful soul. At the time I was still fairly fresh out of school and I hadn’t done any long term work with anyone battling that disease. For various reasons, at that time there was still some lingering debate going on about whether or not it was even OK to do certain types of bodywork while a patient was receiving treatment.  [The landscape has changed a lot since then.]

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Needless to say we proceeded mindfully and with approval from her doctor. We were intentional about communication, not doing work that was too deep for her to be able to process, etc.  As the months went by we were doing less physical bodywork and more laying on of hands and energy work because that was all she could handle. My client was losing her battle with cancer and continued to come see me week after week because she needed a safe place to be. She needed to be witnessed. She needed a place to fall apart before she went back to her husband and children at home.  The simple, but powerful art of therapeutic touch gave her comfort and helped fill her spirit just enough to get through a few more hours.

I was heartbroken when I heard she lost her battle with cancer. All these years later I am still awed that she choose me and trusted me to share those sacred moments with her. I consider myself lucky to have spent that time with her and I still feel that way today any time a new client chooses to trust me with their well-being for an hour or so. It is an honor to work with you. ♥

Family Photography | Manchester, CT

In Family Portrait, Photography, Uncategorized on January 22, 2016 at 10:16 AM

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So much fun photographing this growing family in their home this summer. I love the laughter and connection that comes through in the spontaneous moments.

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Small Business Saturday 11-28-15

In Indulge, Massage, Open House, self care, Specials, Uncategorized on November 23, 2015 at 5:51 PM

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Mamma To Be | Maternity Portrait | Manchester, CT

In Children, Photography, Portrait on December 13, 2014 at 3:33 PM

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Glowing mommy to be came to visit the studio. :)

Holiday Mini Goofiness

In Children, Family Portrait, Photography on November 16, 2014 at 5:57 PM

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I ran a Holiday Mini special in the studio recently. It was a first for me and trying to get everyone to give me that “perfect smile” in a 20 minute session proved to be a difficult task – but a fun one. Love this family, all dressed so beautifully – kicking back and just having a blast. In the end I  think the experience of joy is so much more important than the perfectly polished pose.

Day In The Life Portrait Photographer | Manchester, CT

In Children, Family Portrait, Photography, Portrait on September 18, 2014 at 5:47 PM

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One thing I love about doing “Day In The Life” portrait sessions …. catching real life moments like these. Jacob was considering climbing the stairs for the first time while I was there photographing the family. The next shot was of his bum …. from behind … as he traversed the lower three steps. Priceless moment.