Not long after I posted about my cancer diagnosis, I found out that my beautiful friend Kristen from Kristen Clapham Portraits Had been diagnosed with breast cancer. After riding the roller coaster of shock, fear, sadness, & isolation, it was decided that a double mastectomy was the best course of action for Kristen. It reduced her chances of the cancer returning from 85% to less than 5%. So, for her, it was a no brainer about what she would do. I didn't know what I could do to help her.. but I know the fear that you may not come out of the operation. So, I suggested we take some photos, before her breasts are taken early next month. I knew my greenhouse would be the perfect setting. The fragility & strength of the glass, especially symbolic for any cancer patients state of mind.. strong, but fragile. The butterfly wings, a transformation after her metamorphosis. She will be just as amazing, even after her body changes. For a woman the breasts are such a powerful symbol of our maternal & feminine selves. To lose that part of yourself, is something any woman would mourn... even when she knows she is doing it to save her life. I spent some time with Kristen capturing some beautiful whimsical portraits to celebrate her body before it changes. Then later some pics with her beautiful family. I hoped this distraction would at the very least give her an afternoon of some fun, & creative inspiration.
