Welcome Home, Marine! | Military Homecoming Photography | Twentynine Palms, California

What better day than Veterans Day to share my most recent Military Homecoming? (Although, any day is good...because there's not much that compares to seeing loved ones reunited!)

Amanda reached out to me to find out if I was available to photograph the return of her husband, John, and what she said made it impossible for me to turn her down! She said she had been checking out a few photographers, and I was her first choice. Add into the equation Penelope (John and Amanda's dog, who was super excited for the return of her dad!), and I couldn't say no! I've photographed homecomings for service members being reunited with their wives, parents, children (even meeting their baby for the first time!), but this was the first with a dog. Anyone who knows me, knows I love dogs. So, naturally, I was excited to be a part of this!

It was a beautiful day out at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base, one of those you could just stay outside all afternoon. While we anxiously waited around, we chatted, and watched Penelope perform her tricks. Once the van that held the returning Marines pulled up, Penelope was let off her leash, and didn't miss a beat, rushing over to John. She was SO excited! After Penelope said her hellos, Amanda finally got to hug her husband after several long months. We were able to fit in a little mini portrait session for them, which of course made me happy! Thanks to Edi, my friend and fellow photographer, for tagging along for the long drive, and capturing some different angles!

Here's a look into this very special military homecoming!

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Special Moments | Military Goodbye | St. Louis Airport

Sometimes there are moments that remind us why we do what we do, and why we love it.    

          A month ago, I was in at Lambert International Airport, in St. Louis, MO, exhausted after an amazing couple days at Shutterfest with fellow photographers (more on that in a future blog!) and frustrated with the situation of delayed flights.  I was going to miss my connection, and be stuck in Denver.  I just wanted to get home, and sleep in my own bed.  
          Then, things started lining up.  My airline changed my flight, putting me on a nonstop flight to Denver, where my connection would be waiting for the couple of us who would be running a little behind.  I moved myself and my belongings to the new gate, and sat down to wait to finally get on a plane and get closer to home.   
          I called my mom, to update her on what was going on, and in front of me I see a woman in her military dress uniform, saying goodbye to her two young sons. I mentioned what I was seeing to my mom, and she immediately said, “Take pictures!”  Honestly, I was so tired that I forgot I even had my camera on me.  I told my mom I’d call her back, nearly hanging up on her.  I approached the family, and asked if they wanted a few photographs taken.  It didn’t take but a couple minutes of my time to capture a few moments for this family, and it warmed my heart to be able to do so.  The photos are simple, totally on the spot and in the moment, but it was something so special, and helped put things into perspective.   
          It’s interesting how things work out sometimes. Had my flight not been delayed, then changed, I wouldn’t have been there to capture these moments for this family.  Military families hold a special place in my heart, and I love photographing Military Homecomings (this was a little different, being a goodbye, but still so beautiful)! I’m glad I was able to give these few images to this beautiful family.  Turns out, they even live local, in Southern California! Small world! Moments like these don't happen too often, and sometimes it's easy to bypass them without even realizing. This was a great nudge, refreshing my mind with why I love being a photographer.

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Welcome Home, Marine! | Military Homecoming | Twentynine Palms, California

Time to change it up a little bit with these blogs! I wanted to share some photos (okay, a lot of photos!) from this awesome military homecoming welcoming home Unites States Marine Will! My husband is a Marine Veteran, so this was definitely close to home, and brought back memories being back on a military base. This was my first time photographing a military homecoming, and while the event itself was definitely emotional (I mean, seriously, how could you not be moved by the energy of the crowd when the buses come into sight, or a wife embracing her husband for the first time in several months, or a mother and father seeing their son after such a long time apart?!), I think I shed more tears during editing! 

Those who are familiar with the military, know that homecomings can be unpredictable. Times are estimates, and can change at the drop of a hat (which seemed to happen multiple times within this day!). This homecoming took place at Twentynine Palms Marine Corp base in the desert of Southern California. I was lucky to be able to spend the day with Will’s lovely wife, Amy, and his wonderful parents, Emily and Grant. Though they were all anxiously awaiting Will’s arrival, they were great company and I enjoyed the conversations so much!

A little side note: Congratulations to Amy and Will, who are expecting their first child! Wishing you two all the best, and more!

Let’s get to the good stuff… the photos!

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