I first heard of OpLove in the middle of my own deployment.  I had picked photography back up, with the intent to do more than just have fun a few years prior.  Another Soldier who knew that my best friend and I were interested in photography approached us with the album he had just received. He was so excited, and he outlined the program for us.  When I got home a few months later I started building my portfolio with the strict intention of turning this into a business when I came off my active duty orders. I contacted a photographer in my area that I looked up to and asked to shadow her.  She also happened to be the OpLove regional coordinator, and had the confidence in me when I applied to provide this service to my fellow Soldiers.  I know just how priceless mail is, how priceless those images are when you are downrange, so far away and disconnected from your life. The title for this blog comes from the pride I have in not only being a Soldier, and a photographer-but being an OpLove photographer.  The images we provide to these clients, are 

My last OpLove session is especially near and dear to my heart.  I will forever consider 1ID to be "my (active duty) unit"  I gave them 5 years of my life, I am very proud to wear that patch.  This session is for a fellow 1ID Soldier, working in the same office I spent so much time in.  I felt this week was appropriate to highlight them, as I watch my fellow BRO Soldiers go back down range.  It feels so odd to not be preparing to pack up and head out myself.  My heart goes out to their families.  They're going to kick butt and rock out the mission like they do every day!! 

This my friend, and comrade enjoying some time with her boys!

It was a bright day, mildly windy day-the week before mother nature decided we were skipping a full spring :)

Janet's pride and Joy

And the love of her life and now Fiance! 

Sometimes being mom also means being the glue that holds and ties the family together. 

And these boys defiantly love "mom"!

I can't wait for this family to be whole again.....and to watch them grow as I shoot their wedding!

Keep your head down girlie, and send me those "goodie" request :) 

Next blog post will feature my first Senior Rep of 2013, followed by a visual aid as to why "bigger is better" in print size!