Rosa - Beauty and Bravery

by Whitney Bird in


 I have to admit that before Rosa's shoot, I was quite nervous.  I am always a little nervous/anxious for a shoot, and I honestly hope that never goes away, but I was even more nervous to shoot Rosa.  We had spoke on the phone, and through email, and she had shared some ideas she had for her shoot, while I brainstormed ideas of my own.  Rosa wanted the session to take place before her hair came back.  Because I had never taken photos of anyone fighting cancer, I was nervous and honored to have been asked, and very excited to do something different.  

If Rosa was nervous, she showed no signs.  She was so comfortable and easy to chat with.  In between poses we talked about her cancer, her treatment, her children and grandchildren, and recent travels.  She was so open and honest with me.  She was so upbeat, and optimistic.  Her strength, and courage left me in wonder.  Rosa left me feeling so fortunate to have gotten to spend some time with her, and full of so much gratitude that she allowed me to do this for her.  She is an incredible person battling such an awful disease but she does it with such grace, beauty, and bravery that I was left in awe.  

Rosa's story is not mine to tell.  However, she shares her journey beautifully in a video that you can watch 

Here

.  

Thank you Rosa for the amazing opportunity!  Enjoy the sneak peek!


Farmer Folkvord {Montana Lifestyle Photographer}

by Whitney Bird in ,


This shoot actually came about in a completely random way, and I am so happy that it all worked out!  I had a wedding to shoot in my hometown of Three Forks, and had come down a few days early to spend time with family and friends.  While visiting my friend, Hillary, her dad, Dean, asked if I would be available to take some photos of him for a magazine article.  He gave me the photo editor's email address and within a day, it all came together.  We didn't have an evening we could make work so we decided on about 6:15 in the morning.  I am not a morning person, but that light was enough to make me one for at least a day.  The location was already set for Wheat Montana Farms, and although I don't routinely shoot farmers, Dean was quite natural in front of the camera.  

The exciting part is that one of the photos will be in Progressive Farmer along with the article featuring Dean Folkvord.  I am actually somewhat familiar with Progressive Farmer as my husband is a subscriber,  but it will be me anxiously flipping through the pages when the September issue comes out.  Thanks Dean for putting a good word in for me, and getting me this gig! 


 If I was the one choosing the photo, I would probably choose the below photo to use.  I actually like that I am not the one who gets to decide.  It will be fun to see what they go with.