When I was in college I belonged to the best sorority ever, Delta Zeta, and was able to be part of some amazing philanthropic opportunities. Since graduating I have been searching for a way to give back to the community again. I wanted to find something that I would not only be good at but also would fit into my unpredictable schedule. That's when I found Red Thread Sessions.
Red Thread Sessions is a company that believes in the Chinese proverb that says, "An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch to tangle, but will never break." The proverb signifies the bond that an adoptive child has with their adoptive family before they ever meet. The company unites photographers who are willing to donate a session fee to a family who has recently adopted. These sessions are usually within the first 6 months of having the child in the new home or even a session at the airport meeting the family for the first time! When I found this company I knew it was something I HAD to be part of. It isn't easy to be part of this company because they want only reputable, professional photographers to recommend to their adoptive families. After nearly a year of building my portfolio and applying I was accepted!
I came to find out quickly that Red Thread Sessions aren't as popular in my city of Charlotte which was a major bummer to me. But, I waited patiently. After nearly a year of being part of this great organization I booked my first session through Red Thread.
Meet Elliott and his mom Colleen. Elliott was born in India and is a bright, bubbly 2 year old boy adjusting to life in America. Colleen patiently waited for just the right child to become part of her life.
Colleen wanted to celebrate Elliott and his past by starting the session out with traditional Indian attire and even an Indian flag. He will appreciate and cherish this act of love later in life.
Colleen brought a rocking chair that was hers as a little girl that she wanted to pass down to her son. The chair was just the right size for little Elliott. & how handsome does he look in those glasses?!
As expected for a little boy that does not know English yet, Elliott was a little shy at times. His mom did a great job comforting him when he was nervous and making him smile for the camera.
Colleen is a 4th grade teacher with the patience of a saint! She made an adorable book for Elliott that had pictures of his new family and even his new doggies. When she would ask him to find the dogs in the book, his face would light up and he would point right to them.
The canvas of baby Elliott and his bouncy curls is the first photo that Colleen saw of her son. She flew all the way to India to bring him home without ever having met him in person, remarkable.
Their bond was unbreakable. It seemed as if they had been together since his birth, not just a few months.
How stinkin adorable is little Elliott though?! Those glasses are too much. He is going to make such a handsome young man. The ladies better watch out.
Colleen is down in the Carolinas alone, her family lives in Buffalo NY. I loved little E's overalls as they are the true mark of a southern child.
These last few images are some of my favorites. I was able to break through Elliott's wall and relate to him by showing him the pictures of himself on the back of the camera. I think I have a little budding photographer on my hands!
Colleen is so excited to have Elliott as her son & he is so lucky to have her as his mom. I am blessed they chose me to capture these first moments together as a family. I can't wait to watch little Elliott grow.
