{Connected} Eli & Ava
It's truly amazing to me how the internet has changed they way we connect, communicate and network with others. Not too far in the distant past we lived in a world without cell phones, websites, social media and constant daily updates. Today we are continually connected with a flood of visual images, many which document the lives of others. As a portrait photographer these changes have allowed me the opportunity to reach clients I never dreamed would be accessible. With that being said, I wanted to tell a little story about Ava & Eli.
Marilyn recently reached out to me inquiring about a portrait session for her grandchildren. Based in Illinois, Marilyn planned to be in the Michigan area and wanted to capture some very specific images of her grandson Eli on the golf course. Our goal was to incorporate our session with photos of his sister as well. The date was set, the location selected and our plan was in motion. With little wiggle room for rescheduling I kept my fingers crossed for great weather.
Our session took place at Sandy Pines in Hopkins, MI. As we buzzed around the property I was able to learn a little bit more about Marilyn, Eli & Ava. Based in Illinois, Marilyn spent time at Sandy Pines. Her grandchildren Eli & Ava lived in Texas and throughout the summer Marilyn would fly to pick up her grandchildren, return to Michigan and spend time enjoying all the resort had to offer. Eli had a love for golf, Ava was silly and full of smiles. Our session was perfect. Both of them thought our August nights were a bit too cold, which is funny to hear when you live in Michigan.
As I drove away that evening I could not help but think about the chance of us meeting. There we were, three different states represented, a plan achieved through connecting strangers via the web. Marilyn found my website when searching local photographers. In the end I am truly thankful for the opportunity and reminded of how technology has impacted our ability to reach others. It left me thinking, what would life be like without the world wide web?
Crystal Snider is a portrait photographer based in Dorr, MI and servicing Western Michigan . Areas of service include but are not limited to Byron Center, Dorr, Hopkins, Wayland, Shelbyville, Allegan, Caledonia, Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Hudsonville, Grandville.
