My Special Project: Brock Homecoming

So, you remember my "special project" I was talking about a few days ago? Here it is!

One of my good friends up here, Jennifer, got back to New York a few weeks ago and had mentioned that she might steal me to take pictures at her husband's homecoming ceremony when he got back. I gladly accepted and said I would be more than happy to be there to capture that moment. As a spouse who's been in her shoes before, I completely understand wanting to have someone there to catch these precious moments during the first reunion after many, many long months apart. Like I said, I was more than willing to be that person. 

Her husband came home just a few days ago, which was awesome because he got to come home a month earlier than expected! I was ecstatic to see their adorable little family reunited and to see Jennifer look so over the moon and complete. Not to mention, too, to see their son finally have some good time with his dad. The last time they saw each other was when their son was 5 weeks old. 

Let me tell you, I have fallen in love with photographing homecoming's. This was an entirely unique experience for me, for two reasons. When James deploys and comes home, there's never a big group that comes back. We don't get these big ceremonies and it's usually not made out to be a big deal when they get back. To actually experience one and to feel that energy of excitement and camaraderie was just so incredible and I'm really glad I was able to actually see one. Secondly, this was my first time actually photographing an event. Up until then, I'd just been taking pictures of Morris and James. I'd been looking for something more to take pictures of, and I'd love to get into lifestyle type things and more portraiture, but I just haven't been able to put anything together. This was a huge step for me as a photographer, and I really don't think I could've picked a better one. 

I LOVED being able to be there and photograph this homecoming. I really hope I get the opportunity again, and if I ever get into the business and get to find a niche, I hope it's this. I know these photos mean a lot to the Brock family and I've been told thank you so many times, but I'm really the one who feels grateful and thankful. It was such a humbling and awesome experience that I am so pleased to have been asked to experience with them and photograph.

Anyway, welcome home, Brock! Thank you for your time and service over there! And to all of the Brock's, enjoy your time together as a whole family again!