These pictures will always have special meaning to me. I captured these images just before these sweet faces couldn’t run into their teacher’s arms in the morning anymore. They couldn’t play with friends anymore, and hug each other goodbye at the end of a joyful morning of preschool. When they were allowed to squirm in chairs close to one another for their class photo. They could hold their teacher’s hand if they were nervous.
It was just before we all realized that this virus we kept hearing about would change our lives in a way I never imagined. But these faces also give me great hope that we will return to those days. We’ll be stronger and more appreciative than before for the simple gift of face to face community.
I’m so glad I was able to photograph this school before the shutdown. As I saw them on my screen while the outside world seemed to be changing every hour, I felt grounded in the hopeful beauty and innocence of a child. As always, a few parents have allowed me to share their children’s photos. I’m thrilled to share their hope and joy with you.
As I enter into our 7th week since our county’s schools closed, it’s easy to get weary. But when I see these faces again, I have great hope that the times of joyful play with friends and family will come back. I smile when I think of their happiness when they can see their beloved teachers. When they can simply play dolls or trucks with their classmates.
When that time comes, I think we will all know in a deeper and better way that face to face community is a gift. I hope these beautiful faces have given you a bit more hope today as well.
I already partner with schools across Northern Virginia – in Fairfax, Arlington, Chantilly, Reston, Leesburg and McLean. These schools share my vision for school portraits. Would you like to bring classic, beautiful, fine art portraits to your school? View my information page on schools. Fill out the inquiry form on that page to book your school’s fall or spring portraits! I work with schools in Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington Counties. Schools in Northern Virginia outside these counties are evaluated on a case by case basis.
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