April 5, 2010

Remember how yesterday was Easter?


{music by Micah Dahl}

Do yourself a favor and click on the video that will take you to the youtube page and then watch it in 720p.

She can describe this way more eloquently than I ever could.

This was the hardest thing I've ever photographed. How do you approach photographing death? How can you even consider what your photos will say? At one point I thought I was dry. I had cried all I could cry. Then Richie gave a speech/talk during the funeral ceremony and it was niagra all over again. I am telling you this right now, if I when I grow up can be 1/1000000 of what Richie is as a Dad and husband, I win forever. He is amazing.

I did everything I could to stay true to what was really happening. Yes, it was EXCRUCIATINGLY painful at time. But this day was a whirlwind of emotions. We would be crying, then laughing, then somber, then crying and then laughing all over again.

Easter means a lot to me as a person. It is hope, it is the resurrection, it is life, it is a renewal, and to me, it is everything this shoot emulates and was about, the knowledge that families are forever.

I can't thank Natalie and all of her family enough for sharing this intimate experience.

I'm going to stop writing/talking now as I am WAY better at telling the story through images, than words.

Happy Belated Easter everyone.

21 comments:

Heather said...

Thank you SO much for posting this, Jon. Truly. What an AMAZING, wonderful, beautiful treasure to have in the family. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

-Heather (Richie's sister)

Tiffany Anderson said...

These shots are amazing. So heart breaking and uplifting at the same time. My favorite shot is with Natalie and her husband hugging their 3 boys at the gravesite, it shows such hope and love.

Jason Weaver said...

Your an evil genius. That was beautiful....

cary said...

the juxtaposition of joy and sorrow here is sort of mind melting. i'm not sure I know anyone else to cover this sort of situation. im glad they have you, man.

Melinda said...

Thank you for sharing this. Although it was sad, it was also very hopeful.

Veeda said...

This is so beautiful. Micah's music captures the feeling so perfectly too.

Kjrsten said...

beautiful Jonathan.

Bryan said...

That was so elegantly done.

StephRue said...

You are a true gift.

Leslie said...

there are no words.

Laura said...

You gave the Norton family a gift that they will cherish forever. I sat captivated, watching the images roll across my computer screen. It was like I was there. Thank you for your talent and for sharing it with us here.

rachel thurston said...

Beautiful Jon. Beautiful.

What an amazing gift you have given them to help supplement their memory of that day.

I'm still crying.

AND Micah?! That guys has skills!!

stef j. said...

so beautiful! i am a friend of natalie's and haven't had a good cry over it in a couple weeks. this was good... cleansing. your work is exquisite! thank you!

Truly Silkes said...

So much love in these pictures! I admire your work :-)

Unknown said...

I think that I felt all of those emotions you described just through your pictures. I am left in tears. Thank you for that story of the real Easter meaning. I happened to be holding my 8th month baby as I watch this. I am more thankful for my many blessings. You really are just sooo amazing!

Kristin said...

I just came from Natalie's blog to tell you that your work for them was amazing. What an experience. You are so talented. It is a beautiful memory you gave them in those photographs.

your testimony is strong. Thank you for sharing it.

Paul Gero said...

Wow. That was powerful and amazing and heartbreaking, all at once.

Unknown said...

so beautiful Jonathan.

OMI said...

Jon...I just saw the images. ABSOLUTELY.. beautiful beyond words. You are an angel! Thank YOU!

emlizalmo said...

perfect.

Keri Bryant said...

Also came from Natalie's blog to say that my eyes are still wet from that video. so so beautiful and inspiring. who knew a testimony can be shared like that in pictures?? I think it was the sincere smiles on faces, amidst the pain. Especially Natalie's.
From one BYU grad (1996) and photographer (in my dreams...)to another, you rock. especially that you stick to film then scan. still in shock about that.
and P.S. your workshops?? look amazing. like your work. keep it up and congrats on a profession and life full of passion!