Charles, Emma, Broc and Ebby want to wish Grandma Southall a
Happy Birthday!
It was a surprise to their mother for her birthday. Tracie Stokes and Crystal Hill thoughtfully planned a portrait session to surprise their mother, Sharon. Sharon had bought the dresses for the little girls not knowing that a beautiful portrait would be created using those same dresses.
Emma found it hard to keep the secret from her grandmother, but Friday is Grandma's birthday, so she gets to present her with her gift, their portrait!
Richard and I have know the Southall family for years. Crystal and I grew up together on the softball field and ended up graduating high school together when I transferred to CHS my junior year. Of course, Richard has known the Southall's from around the community as well, but can remember photographing Tracy and Crystal since they were toddlers. Crystal mentioned how people still comment on the family portrait hanging in the Southall home that was taken when she was 5 years of age. Now she and Tracie both have children of their own.
Its families like this one that Richard has watched grow up through the eye of his camera, its almost as though he's been a part of the family. He remembers stories from their childhood, and reminisces about portraits past...his favorite moment was one of the first portraits for the Southall family. Tracy was a toddler, he was photographing her in their front yard, and all of a sudden she pokes her head through the fence and gives a big happy smile. "She had the cutest blond hair!" he said. I'm sure Ms. Sharon still has that portrait, and I'm sure it brings as big of a smile to her face and as much love to her heart now, as it did then.
For Richard, it is such a joy to see Tracy and Crystal all grown up with babies of their own, Charles & Emma (Tracy's children) and Broc & Ebby (Crystal's children). It's such an honor that they have chosen him to produce such a special gift of portraiture for Mrs. Sharon on her birthday.
Happy Birthday, Ms. Sharon!