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11/30/2004 02:47:21 AM · #1 |
Greetings all,
Please take a few minutes and read something that really puts perspective on what this site has accomplished:
Today marked the second major milestone for me that is 100% the end result of this site and it's members.
For anyone remembering back a bit, I put up a post:
Sharing Something regarding the life-long memory my Niece and her family will have, seeing hanging on their wall:
(She is so jazzed with that shot BTW)
Well today, I had the pleasure of completion of another similar experience:
A friend & his wife (also customers at the shop) were expecting their first child in October. They were at the shop picking up their car, and found out she was due any minute. One thing led to another, and I found they never had any shots taken of her late in her pregnancy.
They both know my hobby/passion and agreed to allow me to take a few shots of her. She was a bit reluctant due to being very self-consious of her dark stretch marks. I assured her I can edit them out, and took a few shots, in my office, with essentially no setup.
About 2 weeks ago they stopped by for service on their other car and showed them the pics I did, along with the final, DPCPrints-approved version of one:
They could hardly pull themselves away from the monitor.
What they didn't know, was I already had the print approved,and ordered a copy. We framed it in a similar 2-stepped mat as I did for my Niece's picture, and had it in the office "waiting" for one or both of them to show up to pay their bill [i](which I intentionally had not finished the paperwork before in order to get to come back to the shop without being suspicious).
Today was the day. Joe came to pay his bill, with no clue what was about to happen:
I distracted him by calling attention to a car that "fell off a lift across the driveway" (wasn't really, but knew he would look for a few seconds), as I put the framed print on the desk in front of him. When Joe turned around and saw that, he literally froze. I thought he was going to break out in tears, and suspect he was very close, as he had difficulty talking. He said it was the the greatest gift anyone gave them and will be a "Forever Memory".
That Ladies & Gentleman is the true value of this site and it's members, and had it not been for what I have learned here, these "Forever Memories" would never have been.
A HUGE Thank You goes out to all members here, for allowing me the opportunity to make such a difference in a few lives. The rewards go light-years beyond this site's virtual ribbons.
Forever Memories...
Best Wishes and Season's Greetings All - Thank You Again!!
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11/30/2004 06:04:57 AM · #2 |
hi BradP,
stories like this means more to me than you can ever imagine. apart from your great work you show humanity in realizing life is actually about people, not things. thank for teaching me something new today. |
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11/30/2004 08:15:11 AM · #3 |
Absolutely touching story Brad. Thanks for sharing.
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11/30/2004 08:18:53 AM · #4 |
Another benefit at this site is meeting so many great people, both online & in real life. Talking photography, and sharing tips/tricks makes us all better. For me, that's the most important feature of this site, the community.
PS: Except All you b**tards that post political crap in the Rant forums! ;)
Terje
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11/30/2004 08:27:05 AM · #5 |
Brad, you are dead on with this. it only takes moments to take something so simple as a photograph, and be able to do something so impactful with it.
i know exactly what you mean by the experience. when i took my shot for Poverty, i found Sean hanging out in front of an upscale restaurant in downtown Richmond, hustling for change. when i asked if i could take his photograph, he simply stated, "if you don't mind, could you bring me a copy the next time you're around. i can't remember the last time i had my picture taken."
back in september, i was lucky enough to have the time to go to the Virginia State Fair off and on for a number of days. after a while you start to recognize people, and they start to recognize you. early on, during the course of simple conversation, the corn dog vendor offered me dinner. on the last day of the fair, i presented him with an 8x10 and a 5x7 of these. it turns out, his whole family was working there, and they didn't have any photos of their dad. i know exactly how you felt, Brad, when you are able to put something so simple in someone else's hands.
 
thanks for sharing your story.
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11/30/2004 08:27:36 AM · #6 |
Brad,
Thanks, you made my morning! I was just musing on the way to work today on what a unique and wonderful community this is. This story exemplifies what this site is all about.
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11/30/2004 09:57:20 AM · #7 |
Time for a good karma bumpity bump.
I find my real value here in the insights that others, like Brad, share. The photos and conversations on DPC often make my otherwise dull days brighter. Here there are challenges for the mind and soul alike--always something to keep me enthused about the rest of the world. Thanks, Brad, for reminding me of what keeps me coming back.
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11/30/2004 10:11:25 AM · #8 |
Brad, thanks for that humbling account, I now feel the urge to do something similar, to somehow bring happiness to someone's life through photography, it's by far the greatest reward.
Please don't think that this excludes you from having something big and heavy thrown at yourself as a result of your recent challenge results ;)
Darren
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11/30/2004 10:47:52 AM · #9 |
WOW! That'S what life is all about. It's always a joy to put this essence back in perspective. Thanks for sharing!
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11/30/2004 11:03:13 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by colda:
Brad, thanks for that humbling account, I now feel the urge to do something similar, to somehow bring happiness to someone's life through photography, it's by far the greatest reward.
Please don't think that this excludes you from having something big and heavy thrown at yourself as a result of your recent challenge results ;) |
I totally agree... to BOTH points! ;-)
I've had several similar experiences and I'm sure there are many more among the members. It's a good feeling. |
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11/30/2004 05:52:15 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
Originally posted by colda:
Please don't think that this excludes you from having something big and heavy thrown at yourself as a result of your recent challenge results ;) |
I totally agree... to BOTH points! ;-) |
Oh thems sound like fightin' wurdz.
Better get a bunch of your friends together, as it's gonna' take a lot more than you could throw at me to put a damper on being a 
ROFL
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11/30/2004 07:43:59 PM · #12 |
Terrific post everyone. I get a little frustrated and fed up with some of the things about DPC, but I always end up coming back for the COMMUNITY. A few people have entered my life and heart from here that I hope I get to keep for a long time to come.
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11/30/2004 07:57:56 PM · #13 |
That is such a wonderful gesture Brad.
Great story and fantastic print for your friends. |
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