The Gutierrez Family

by Lisa Richmond

As a photographer, I spend much of my time capturing young families and early family milestones: from Brides and Grooms, to pregnancies and births and those exciting years as children grow. All too often, however, families stop seriously documenting once their children are grown.

Yet, every now and again, something comes along that makes you realize the importance of this moment, your family as it is right now, in all its generations of experience and love and legacy … For me, that moment was when my father was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Right away, the photographer in me wanted to schedule a family photo shoot, to mark the time and have something tangible I could see and hold, to remember my father as alive and vital… and with us. My mother, however, wanted to wait until my father was feeling better. But I already felt like too much time had passed and too many opportunities had been missed, so I persisted, and we took the photos. I’m glad I did. My father, unfortunately, never did feel better and passed on last year and I am so thankful I have those images to remember him by.

Recently, I was speaking with Leslie, the front desk “traffic cop” at the Boys & Girls club my daughters attend, and learned that her husband, Kenny, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I was immediately moved to donate a session to her family and so glad that they accepted.

For obvious reasons, this was a very emotional session for me and I thank my assistant, Jerri, for keeping me “in the moment” and focused on the photography. I know these images will be treasured by this family forever and that Leslie would join me in encouraging you not to wait to document your family at any time and all the time, no matter what the year, no matter how small the milestone.

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9 comments

Robert Ford, Jr. March 2, 2013 - 11:57 pm

I sure enjoyed looking at these pictures! They capture the three of you with happiness showing through these digital portraits. Though it’s been nearly 30 years, these have allowed me to “catch up” on such a wonderful family and stir up many great memories of times past. Thank you for opening up and letting us into your lives once again!!!

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Charlie Ferris March 2, 2013 - 10:33 am

Lisa,
As always, thank you. Kenny, Leslie, and Michaela, you know my heart is with you.
Charlie

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Kelly Potter February 28, 2013 - 11:25 pm

Hi Lisa, Wow, talk about paying it forward …your gift of all those beautiful family pictures to the Gutierrez family is so incredible!With the moutains of medical bills piling up, theres no way they could ever afford those beautiful pictures!!!!Possible to get a discount so those of us that are close to them can get any prints?His Birthday is Friday 59 years young.Strange how I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer,you yours and soon Michaela will. :(I know she will cherish your gift of memories.Thankyou for being such a giving compassionate woman!!!!hugs Kelly

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Leslie Roy February 28, 2013 - 12:44 pm

Lisa,
Thank you for these beautiful pictures! The Gutierrez family means so much to so many us especially their extended family.
Love Rob, Leslie, Makenna & Lauryn

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Joan Davis February 27, 2013 - 5:31 pm

What a Delightful Surprise to open to these Wonderful Family Photos.
So Good to see the three of you! Truly a Treasure to cherish.
Thank you for sharing them with Friends – to Enjoy your love for one another and see you in this beautiful setting. So Glad you did this! God Bless You So Much!
Joan

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NANCY CATHEY February 27, 2013 - 5:10 pm

What a beautiful family. You look as beautiful as I remember you, but Michaela is no longer the baby I knew. A beautiful young lady, the picture of both loving parents. You are in my prayers.

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RhondaLynn Linger February 27, 2013 - 4:42 pm

Beautiful captures! Thank you for doing this for this beautiful, giving, and specialy family. Love them! continual prayers!

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Adrienne Cobbs February 27, 2013 - 2:01 pm

Love these pics! Love Ken’s smile! Michaela, You are as beautiful as your mom! Love you all!

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Liz February 27, 2013 - 12:29 pm

These captured moments mean so much. Savor these times together. You are in our family’s prayers.

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