Veronica Ponce Photography & Design

I Guess It's A Good Sign When...

...you enjoy each photo session more than the last. I swear, each time I finish one I think, "This one is my favorite." But then another one comes along and it becomes my favorite and so on... So that means I still love what I do which is soooo important!

I've come to realize that I really enjoy photographing all sorts of different things...from people to objects to still life...with the exception of studio work. But there is something about photographing a child...I can't explain it...but it's still something that thrills me...especially when I see the end result.

It is truly my pleasure to be able to capture these little moments in their lives...and that's not a sales pitch -- I mean it. I feel so honored that they trust ME because these years will fly by and they will always look back and remember this time based on the pictures I took. I think that's a big deal!

So, thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to share a little piece of your lives. I hope you realize how seriously I take the responsibility and how much I love doing it!!!!

I hope the end result shows how much joy I get from my job. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! :) :) :)

She Looks Up To Me?

I did something recently that I haven't done in a long time...

I designed something "just for fun."

I was in the middle of an assignment when I stumbled across this picture and I knew instantly that I had to document it. You see, Sienna is going through a stage lately where she wants to be just like me. It's so cute because she decided she wanted to have her own camera so she could take pictures "like mom." She takes it everywhere and she loves being a photographer...

It got me to thinking, of course, about the day that she starts thinking I'm not so cool anymore or doesn't want to hang around with me. I know that eventually (hopefully) she'll outgrow that stage and we'll be closer than ever, but it's going to be hard to go through...especially since I'm enjoying this one so much. She and Savannah both are constantly saying that I'm their "best friend." They love to hang out with me and go on mommy/daughter outings. Sienna wants to work out like I do, take pictures like I do...you name it...she wants it. It's such an awesome time in our relationship and I really hope that I'm planting those seeds well for the future so that even when they realize I'm not actually that "cool," they'll still love to hang out with me!!!

I posted this page over at the digital gallery in Two Peas and I want to give credit to my girls Kate Teague and Cherie Mask who designed the background paper ("Adelaide" kit) and the little birdie brush ("Spring Wings 'N Things" Brush Set). You can pick up these little goodies over at the Two Peas Digital Section if you're interested in them!

Anyway...play time is over for now. Back to work!!! Thanks for indulging me on this little detour...

A Reason, A Season or a Lifetime...

On Friday I was hired to cover a "Gallery Night" event. Many artists had their work on display (and for sale). I was given the task of photographing some of the artwork in addition to the guests at the event. The challenge for me was finding unique and interesting angles on the pieces and capturing what each one was meant to represent according to the artists' original vision. That seems like a large task...and it was. In fact, it was even a bit daunting.

You see, as many of you probably realize, no matter what anyone says, art is completely subjective.

I don't know if I'm the one who is completely ignorant or if others just pretend to know. It reminds me of the story of "The Emperor's New Coat." Nobody wanted to be the one to say that they couldn't "see it" so they all made fools out of themselves and the emperor. To me, art is like that. Everyone likes different pieces for different reasons and although there is a general consensus about certain types of art, you truly have to have a special eye to appreciate what the artist's original vision may have been. I think the same can be said about wine and even about relationships.

Yes, for some reason, Friday night I got to thinking about relationships.

Whether we're talking about platonic friendships, or romantic encounters, I believe that in some way we are attracted to people that represent something within the inner fluctuations of our own personalities. As life evolves, and we grow and learn about ourselves and the inner workings of our soul, people step in that fill some kind of need at that particular moment. I think we can all remember friends we once loved but no longer keep in touch with. Or that one person that we thought was "the one." The fact that these relationships may have ended, doesn't negate their importance. It just means that they represented a part of you that may or may not exist anymore.

What attracts people to each other, both physically and emotionally, is often completely unexplainable. That's part of the beauty of allowing yourself to feel the emotion. Sometimes it just happens and you have no idea why or how. But it happens and inevitably people end up falling for people, or becoming best friends, for no logical reason...except for the feeling they get and the energy that flows between them.

It can be confusing...

It can even be disturbing.

But it happens.

If any of you have been in this situation, you know what I'm talking about.

Can we explain every relationship we've ever had? The only logical explanation would probably be to analyze what that person represented at a particular time. Of course, there are some relationships that endure but I'm talking about those people who have stepped in and out of your life. Can you always explain why? When going through it, you probably can't. But in hindsight...you can see it clearer.

A long time ago, I received the following essay via email. I'll admit that when I first read it, I didn't completely understand it. But as time has passed, I have seen it come to fruition in my own experiences. I'm not sure who the original author is so please forgive me for not giving proper credit. But I felt compelled to share it tonight. I hope you enjoy it and appreciate its message...

***

A Reason, Season or a Lifetime

People always come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, or to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or even spiritually. They may seem like a godsend to you, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrong doing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they just walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season. And like Spring turns to Summer and Summer to Fall, the season eventually ends.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas in your life.

***

I think this essay is bittersweet. Understanding and accepting its message means letting go of some relationship that we may be clinging to. Or it may mean accepting something new that we never knew we even wanted or needed.

Whatever you gather from it, I hope it helps you, as it has helped me, understand some of the people who have walked in on my life and my heart and some of the people who have left, and even some of the people who have come back after a period of absence. They are all somehow completely related to who I am and who I will become and I am thankful for every experience I've shared with them...even the painful ones.

Everybody Wants To Be Loved

The other day I was at the gym and in between sets I sat back and did some people watching.

I do that a lot.

I don't know if it's a bad habit...I hope people don't notice me staring. But I like to imagine what's going on in people's minds and lives sometimes. I find people fascinating and that's probably why I like photography so much.

Getting a glimpse into someone's mind is so interesting to me -- what makes them tick and why the behave the way they do -- well it's just amazing. I consider myself to be a "pretty" good judge of character. I thank God for one gift he has given me...and that is, seeing what someone can be and not always what they are at that moment. It's almost like I can see someone's potential and what they are capable of becoming and I love that! Sometimes (and please bear with me on this one), but sometimes I actually feel that I can see a person's heart. I love when that happens -- when I notice something that has escaped someone else. It's difficult to explain but I'm sure many of you have had the same experience. The sad part is when you see more potential in a person than they see in themself. How do you get them to see it? Is that even possible?

It's so easy for us to pass judgment sometimes on the things we deem as "right" or "wrong." But ultimately, even people who are doing the "wrong thing" often have good reasons for it. Desolation. Desparation. Pain. These things can drive anyone to do things that are out of character. But mostly we do these things for love...or rather -- to be loved.

Sometimes we find love in unexpected places or in unexpected people and we fight it because it's not necessarily "right" but it just feels right to us. I've learned to be compassionate to the pain people feel in this regard because so many people in this life are hurting -- or have been hurt -- who are we to say anything about them? What gives us the right to even have an opinion?

Ultimately, I believe, we are all seeking the same thing. Isn't that our ultimate quest at some point in our lives? For some people it comes sooner, for others later, but even people who never plan to get married are seeking some sort of validation and gratification, even if it's temporary. There is nothing quite like "feeling" loved by someone. Romantic love is special -- that's for sure. It is so deep and uncontrollable. And more often than not, the vulnerability takes over us. We can't always explain it. Sometimes it's chemical. Sometimes it's emotional. Sometimes it's both or more. And sometimes we're wrong because we are blinded by the good feeling we get. But the bottom line is, love feels good and that's why we are so weak to it.

As I sat there, I tried seeing everyone with different eyes. I envisioned people the way they wanted to be seen; the way they wanted to be treated. And looking around at every person in the room I realized that every single one of them, in one way or another, was after the same thing...love.

So what I'm saying I guess is this. Don't try to understand love. It's probably impossible. It means different things to different people. Everyone has different criteria, things they're looking for, things they can live with and can't live with, things they want and don't want. But when it's fresh and new, it should feel fresh and new. Enjoy it. Relish it. Live the moment and take it for what it's worth. Because it is something special and beautiful to behold and to experience.

These two -- Becky and Marty -- are getting married in one week. I've been married for almost 12 years now and because I got married so young, I never got the full "depth" of the commitment. It's just always been this way for me. But now, seeing it through different eyes (meaning now that I'm in my thirties) , I "appreciate" what love is more than ever. I've seen so many people, love and lose and then love again.

I won't pretend to have answers or even advice for people going through a rough time relationally. But I do want to say one thing...if you love someone...give your love away to them. Give it away freely. Don't hold back because you don't know what will happen tomorrow. Be good to that person. Give all of yourself without losing yourself. Stand up for what's important to you but don't be too proud to do what's important for someone else. Recognize that love brings pain as well as joy. But most of all...cherish the "beginning," because life will get back to normal and it will try to get in the way of what you feel right now.

Seeing people about to get married is awesome on so many levels. There is so much hope in them. Two open hearts giving and loving and wanting the same thing. For some people it changes, unfortunately. They lose each other in the road of life. I pray that never happens to either one of these two...and that they always look at each other, the way they do today because Becky and Marty...

...well...

they just deserve to have a "Happily Ever After."

It's a Slow Fade...

There's a song by the Casting Crowns with this title. Every time I hear it, I get very emotional. The lyrics say what I would like for my kids -- and all kids -- to realize about life and about growing up.

It's getting harder and harder to keep our kids safe -- danger and exposure are so accessible nowadays. I pray that Alejandra is able to retain the inner beauty of her childhood as she makes her way through life. Already I see a maturity in her eyes that I did not have when I was 10 years old. She will see things that I never had to and she will live in a world that will battle to destroy her essence every day. I pray that she is able to remain strong and steadfast.

Today I want to dedicate this song and say a special prayer for all of the parents out there who are "swimming against the current."

You can't say it much clearer than this:

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Be careful little eyes what you see,
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made,
A price will be paid when you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, It's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises leave broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made,
A price will be paid when you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, It's a slow fade

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made,
A price will be paid when you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

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The video below I found on You Tube. It's not the "official" video for the song but it has some pretty powerful photos to go along with the song. If you're viewing this blog via your iphone, click here to see the video.

Shadows...

Here's a little irony for you...

As I was editing these pictures I was trying to find a quote that would go with the whole concept of shadows. I stumbled across this one which I think is perfect on so many levels:

"Don't be afraid of shadows...they just tell us there's a light nearby."

At first I didn't think much of it but then I realized how appropriate that statement actually is for these pictures. You see, Dominick is the fourth baby in his family. His birth was not exactly "planned" and, at first the whole idea of another pregnancy was difficult for his mom -- not because he wasn't wanted -- but because he wasn't part of the plan...or so it seemed.

But like every child that is conceived and eventually born, he is part of a great plan. He was meant to be and he came for a reason. His birth wasn't a random coincidence. Although at first going through another pregnancy and delivery seemed like a dark shadow on her personally, I know for a fact that he is a light in Jeanette's life. She knew it then and she definitely knows it and appreciates it now.

I think there's a lesson in there for all of us.

Shadows are a great metaphor for those times in our lives that seem dark. When our plans fall through, when people let us down, when sadness or pain invades -- those are our daily "shadows." But, in truth, shadows just signify that there is a light somewhere nearby. If we look for it, we can usually find it. It may be in the people we love, or it may be in the lesson we learn from the experience, even if we only see it in hindsight.

So often things work out differently than we plan. That's okay. If you're anything like me, the hardest thing is just letting life run its course and not trying to "control" every factor around us. We can't change circumstances and we certainly can't change people. We can't make people love us or even like us for that matter. And we can't stop everything from happening just because we think we are making the right choices.

I guess the lesson is this: When things don't work out or happen the way we want or plan it may just actually be for the better. What we want is not always the best thing. Sometimes the best thing is actually in that shadow waiting for us to discover it -- just like Dominick in these pictures. :) :) :)