Do you need a hug right now?  I would give anything to be able to hug my daughter, parents, siblings, friends... basically everyone I love who is not living in my house right now.  That need for social connection is inherent in all of us.  When we are not able to make those connections in a physical sense, we need to find other avenues that can help us to feel close.  Often, pictures come to our rescue as a tangible tool that can take us back to that time when we were together.  They can invoke the emotional connection that we feel and create a sense of their presence. 

During this time of crisis, I have opened myself up to new sources of information and resources.  Watching Governor DeWine and Dr. Amy Acton give their briefings have become a daily ritual and my podcast library has doubled.  While expanding my horizons, I have embraced some valuable lessons from Gretchen Rubin.  In case you are not familiar, Gretchen Rubin is an accomplished author, speaker, blogger, podcaster and explorer of human nature.  One of her most recognized books is The Happiness Project.  

One of Gretchen's blog posts that particularly intrigued me was from January 16, 2013, long before our world was disrupted by COVID-19.  The title of the entry is 7 Reasons Why Photographs Can Boost Your Happiness and I am struck by how applicable her perspective is on today's situation.  Her blog post is linked to the title, and I think it is worth your time to read.

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So, it isn't surprising that in the midst of a task, I find myself taking a mental vacation to scroll through some of my favorite portraits.  I can use my Photo Moments app on my phone or visit my website on my laptop and allow those faces that I love so much to fill my vision and warm my heart.  I find myself breathing a little slower and smiling a little brighter.

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I do not intend to restate Gretchen's astute observations as I could never explain the connection of photographs to happiness as well as she does.  However, I will remind you that your own gallery on my website is still there for you to share and enjoy.  The Photo Moments App is available to you, and if you would like for me to resend you your customized link, just let me know.  If you need to find your gallery on my website, just find the search bar in the footer of my website and search for your gallery name.  

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I encourage you to use your app to share your beautiful images with family and friends as they will surely gain happiness from your kind effort.  If you desire to use full resolution digital forms of your images for digital scrapbooking, as a screen saver or desktop picture, or to print them on your own, you can purchase a print license release at any time.  This gives you the legal right to use your images in these ways and makes them downloadable from your gallery.  Just let me know and we can make that happen remotely.

As much as I wish I could take away the threat of COVID-19, I can offer my love and support to all of you.  I am happy to help you connect with your loved ones through your images.  I hope that you take advantage of the joy that they can bring and appreciate how their value has so greatly increased. 

Take care of each other and stay healthy.  I can't wait for the opportunity to work with all of you again.

Putting the people you love in portraits to preserve your priceless memories.

Love and Smiles,

Laura