Who is Iron Rose Photography

Like most professionals, I started out taking photos of my kids. After others asking me to do theirs, it blossomed into getting paid for my work. That was about 7 years ago. Its been a journey of learning, classes, meeting other photographers and trial and error. I worked a job outside doing photography and didn't really start making it real until last year when I became licensed. I had the opportunity to work in my home, so I turned my extra bedroom into my studio. I am loving it!

I pride myself on offering my services to those in need. Yes I give away free photos at times! Some other photographers would frown on this, I find it rewarding and not a flaw in who I am in my work. For others, I strive to keep my prices reasonable not because I am no good, or because I want to cut-throat my competition, its because I understand that these days, most people can not afford a good photographer, so they choose to shoot their own photos and avoid the high cost. Its knowing the economy and what these people are wanting, and adjusting to accommodate.

I love to just do photos for no reason. What I mean is, I will seek out a client just for the fun of it. One, it helps to have something new in my portfolio, but more importantly its a new experience. It doesn't define me as a photographer, it merely keeps me interested and engaging. I love to broaden my work to all areas that I find interesting, and for that reason, I do many types of work. What I find interesting and fun comes natural to me, and I have always been a creative person so I seek out these types of photo sessions. I even spend my time creating props for my clients with my own hands, just because I love it.

Many professional photographers spend their time worrying about whose doing what within other photographers business. Some will downright bad mouth other photographers in what they do or how they do it, trying to make themselves look better. You wont find that with me! I am not going to preach about how other photographers lack skill or knowledge or just don't know what they are doing because they do things different then me. Each photographer has their best work, and their worse work! Remember that when searching for yours!

I spend my time always learning and searching for new ideas and seek out those of high caliber to teach me what I need to learn. Those few professional photographers are on the top of my list when it comes to knowledge. When you stop learning or searching, you become stagnant and stuck in one thing. I am always looking for a way to be unique and offer unique services that will be useful to my clients. I want them to be who they are! I am always asking my clients what "they" like, what "they" want to portray. With their input and mine we can create something they will love for years to come. If for any reason I can not do your photos, I would suggest another photographer as an alternative. I have great confidence in a very few who are local to me based on their experience and most importantly their character. Those select few are the ones I would only use for a backup. For instance, I don't do weddings, but I have names of those who do and do it well.

Above all, I am a professional business person and I try and conduct myself that way. As most of you know, its not always easy to deal with others in "ANY" business, but I will go above and beyond to make your experience a happy one, or else I do your photos over again. I offer top notch quality in my products from the paper your precious photos are printed on, to canvases and specialty items. But if you are not the type to spend extravagantly on photos for you family, or you are a family with low income or special circumstance that prevent you from ever having nice photos, you will find that I can accommodate everyone.

Sincerely,

Iron Rose Photography

Human Emotions and my Lens

Sometimes as a photographer I want to express my own feelings through my lens. It doesn't always come out as planned, but I try. If only I could with one click tell a story of my pains or fears, by visualizing what is in my head to a print. I am forever trying to figure out how to do that! I think its easier at to photograph others emotions because they are unaware of what their faces show on a daily bases. For me to show my feelings, my pain, I have to recreate it on my own. But like most people, my pain is hidden with a smile or laughter, its suppose to be that way right? 

There are times that life turns a direction that you never thought it would go. You sit back and wonder if anyone is noticing how that direction has influenced life to all. Did they notice the shift, do they care? Or is that shift or direction make things better for them? Or are they walking around with a smiling pretending nothing has changed? We can't always hide our feelings, our insecurities, our pains, because those that are closest notice....or should notice! But we all have these feelings at some point in our lives, and we try and hide them until there's a point we have to release. Then that is when those feelings are all over ones face. Our faces are designed that way...to express whats inside. 

Through my lens, I try and capture those instant expressions that come to surface. Mostly they are happy times, or those fake smiles that come across ones face when you say "cheese". But we have those photos to look back on as happy times, they help us remember past days, past lives, good times. But what about the sad? Do I ignore them as a photographer? If only I could capture that instant frown, that one tear running down the cheek of a betrayed lover, or the pain one feels after loosing their parent. Those emotions are real, just as real as the smile, but often never captured. Do we not want to see it or remember it? But isn't that what makes us human and truly know we are alive? They ARE just as important! 

If only through my own lens I could capture my hidden tears, the pain I feel when I am hurt. Would those around me understand me more? Would they love me more? Would I matter more? I will be forever trying to figure out how to do that. But I suppose until then, you would have to ask me how I feel, and trust that not  only with a smile there is a frown, and not only where there is laughter there are tears. 

Themes and Reasons

 Its been quite a while since I blogged. So much to get caught up on. I want to try and remain faithful to this, but we will have to see  how it goes.

One of the biggest changes is that I am no longer working with the elderly. Although I really miss it, the ache in my heart from loosing those you have been so close to is hard to shake.  So for my much needed break, I decide to go full force with my photography and get licensed and open up a home studio. Its been time consuming and always a learning experience, as I fumble my way around trying to figure out where I fit in.

I am quite proud of the fact that I offer many services for free. Not that I am rich by all means, sometimes its quite  hard to have the money to take care of others needs. But like working with the elderly, I find this equally as rewarding. I offer sessions to the terminally ill, those who have disabilities and teens who otherwise can not afford special 
photographs. But let me say this, I don't offer all my sessions for free, I do want to make SOME money. I am finding working with infants really fun and working with teens on what I call my "theme" sessions. I pick out a theme and then brainstorm to bring it all together. I showed a couple photos here in this blog. One is a Cotton Candy theme, the other is my Susie Snowflake theme. I enjoy these, it lets me be creative and crafty. I pull together teens that want to participate, some who know makeup and hair and some who want to  model and we just have at it. The kids love it, I love it what more can you want?  

 So with blogging you will be able to see some of what I do, ramblings,things to keep updated on, and general things about me. Feel free to leave me a message or comment as well or if you see anything you like. I have a facebook page Iron Rose Facebook and also a web page that has more information about my business.http://www.ironrosephotos.com/
                                                               

I Feel

Its amazing after the years of doing the line of work I do, that I somehow haven't grown tired yet. The people I encounter, the lives I can touch... its ever changing, yet not easy. Some come into your life you least expect to, you care for them, bathe them, change them, they become an intricate part in your life. In an instant you bound, nurture and love. You watch them have strength and then slowly loose the parts that make the body work, perform and think. I want to be God at that point and take away all the pain emotionally and physically. I suffer along with them, its what I do. This is my job. When one suffers, so do I. I take with me the aches and pains, the headaches, the mental confusion...I take it all home with me. I Feel!

Since I last wrote, I have lost a very good close client four months ago. He was like my Dad. I deeply regret how I couldn't be there at his final passing. It was late, I wasn't working. I couldn't be there to hold his hand and let him know it was OK to travel to his next destination. I couldn't tell him the angels were waiting at the gates for him. But I have however moved on from that regret, and am now left to care for his beloved wife. Shes like my Mother. Her process to another destination is much slower for now. Dementia and Alzheimer's are taking their toll. She may not know me one day. So each day is a treasure to me when she smiles and I greet her first thing in the morning. I know she recognizes me and welcomes me into her home. Some days are full of laughter and silly conversations(what little she can say). Other days are scary to watch and makes my heart break. Shes lonely and misses her beloved husband of 75 years. I cant imagine what it must feel like to suddenly be alone after 75 years. Again, as my job always does, I imagine her loneliness and it makes me sad too.

The one thing I hold on to each day as I walk through the doors of my work is how I am there because I WANT to be. Not because I HAVE to be. I walk in knowing that I am doing what I love for people, and for those that NEED me. Its also a learning time for me as well. Each day I learn something new. It can be from something in my performance, or something I hear from someone about the days of their youth, their smiles as they recall their childhood, their courtships, their families, their lives. I do what I do because I will be there too one day. Give love and love returns. I truly believe this!

So for now, I watch and listen to the people around me. The people that fill my life each work day. I watch, because it helps me grow as a person. My heart is full, my life is full at that moment. Nothing is greater than a smile that someone gives me who has no one to smile to. Nothing is better than holding the hand, combing the hair, bathing the ones that can no longer care for themselves. I am truly the one blessed by having them in my life. Surely there has to be some lessons for me, because watching these same love ones hurt, and die can not be without lessons.

Its not easy, because "I feel"

The Sweater

Her hands fidgit and strain to make their impression on the sweater of confusion.

She gently fingers the holes, in which more likely, were given to someone else in mind.

The buttons large and unmatched to her ability.

She concentrates.

Her hunched over body so frail and unaware, yet so sure of her endevours. So sure she can accomplish this simple task.

Her hair neat and in place as if arranged there by angels delicate hands.

Did she accomplish"this"on her own?

A pause to look up from her task to see the bustle of the room, and without a care she darts her head back down to resume her difficult knitted wonder.

This process is repeated over and over again.

Like the patience of a thousand seeds in the earth waiting to grow.

She struggles alone

With one gesture of kindness from a nearby stranger, "shall I help you with that?"

Her reply, " No, it gives me something to do"

So simple is the moment, so complex is the meaning. So intricate the parts that some may find frustrating and resort to anger. She is all there ever should be in a person who has lived a long long life. She holds strength, patience, determination, and the meaning of hard work. When theres nothing to do, she seeks something to keep her mind occupied. She wants to do it on her own. Independantly strong.

What A Beautiful Sweater

Empty Nest

Leaving so soon? Its hard to imagine her gone. Shes 18 almost 19 and heading out into the world to experience real life. I wonder if I have done everything right? Did I teach her the things that will make her a great person, friend, coworker and citizen? One side of me is so excited for her, the other side cries inside as if its a loss. I have only 2 months to finish any thoughts I might have, or to start conversations that need to be said. Will she need me any more? Shes my friend, my best friend. She has no idea how hard this is for me, as I am sure it is for her.

I know it will pass, and it all will be something to look back upon. But I dread the day I leave her at the College Dorms, no one to know, only experiences that will last a lifetime. I know its a good thing, but she is and always will be my baby. I cry now at the very thought. I know shes not going far, I know I will see her, but why does it seem so hard? I can only hope and pray that she will live a full life of love, and be all she can be. I am so proud of her.

I know for now I am getting closer to feeling the "empty nest" thing. But I know, one day, there will be grandchildren and phone calls asking to watch the kids, and I will be willing with open arms. I know, that as the house clears itself of noises and footsteps, that it also opens a door for myself and my husband to have a closer time together. Maybe "we" can experience things together again? Its a hard positions to be in. Happiness and Sadness all swarming together in the same place.... my heart.

Its the Circle of Life. Its going to happen. I just need to experience my life journey like so many others had to do, and knowing one day she will too.

Does she know how much she means to me? As she grows and matures in her new world, so shall I.

Elderly Love

I have the honor of having the most wonderful job in the world. At least that's what I think. I spend my days taking care of those in need, mostly the elderly. So far my clients have been well into their 90's. One turning 100 in February. I never knew that I would be guided to this position in life. I never knew I would love it so much. Who would right? Here's what some of my days are filled with.

I help a man who had polio as a child, then lost his hip to an infection and hasn't walked in many years. He needs help with his bed sores, dressing and showering. He's 85 years old. I learned you can't be shy when your old. You have to bend over and allow some stranger to take care of your wounds. You have to allow someone to see you in your birthday suit. You have to allow this same stranger to wipe your bottom and remind you each day of your medicine. You depend on this individual to keep you going. You have to try and ignore the smells that come with ageing.

Some days I have clients who simply need to get out. They cant drive no more because they lost their eyesight to diseases. So you wait until you can have your driver to take you to the store, to Walgreens, and out to eat at McDonalds. What a special treat that is! How simple that is right? Not really that simple though if you work my job.

There are two of them, man and wife, happily married for 75 or so years. They walk slowly... so slowly, so carefully, so determined to carry on with life as if nothing has changed. You watch one, then the other to make sure they never fall. He wants to help his wife as well, cause the love of course is still there after all these years. You let them DO what they can, but only with close by supervision. They need help to see labels in stores and help counting money. Most people would be frustrated by this time when dealing with these situations.

Then there is the woman with brain cancer, at 97 years old. She is frail, cant get out of bed. Surgeries and chemo has taken its toll. You have to bath her in her bed, being ever so careful not to tear her skin. You have to be respectful of her privacy knowing full well you have to wash every inch of her in places she probably never thought she would have someone go. You cover her up as you wash each area. You talk, you distract. You listen to her say things unusual because the tumor makes her see people. She thinks someone is eating her food and she thinks she sees them in the reflection of the glass. You try to find humor with a caring heart. Its a difficult task.

In some of these cases you walk away with tears, at least I do. But I feel good knowing that I made a difference in someones life. I walk away with knowledge of their life; past, present and their wishes for the future. You sometimes have to hear things over and over again and pretend its new.

But you know, you learn from the elderly. You learn about the world, life, love and happiness. You learn about how life was simpler way back then. You learn that we all are the same in our journey. You learn that even the hardest individual wants to believe their is a God and Heaven. You learn that at 98 you want to go there... this place called Heaven. You are not shy to say, "I just need to leave now" and you know they mean they want to die.

How can I express how happy it makes me feel to be apart of this journey these clients have given me. With each one I have grown! Each one, is my Grandma, my Grandpa, my Friend. Not many people can say they love their job. But I do! And one day when I am 98, I hope someone loves me enough to be by my side and take care of me with that much love.