On site location in Palatka Florida with JT Noir Studios serving Gainesiville Florida, Jacksonville Florida, St Augustine Florida and Surrounding areas.
I have always been a sucker for documentaries. I love watching them on TV, submerging myself in stories that shaped the person in the story.
When Tanner's mother Kathy approached me for a shoot with their horses in Palatka Florida, I was excited. I photographed Tanner when she was just old enough to hold her little birthday number sign. Now I was about to photograph this little lady on her horses but there was a twist.
The first part of this amazing shoot would be Tanner with her long, flowly curls that reminds you of a little girl. Then my makeup artist Devan Hodges would do something for her that would not only change Tanner, but a very special little girl she never met. Tanner was cutting off her long locks to donate them to another fellow child, who was suffering in ways children should never know. I followed her face as it changed from a little nervous cracked smile, to having fun holding those locks in her hand. Right up to that moment when she saw her new look for the first time - and she grinned so big I got teary eyed. For in that one instance you saw a child grow up in a small but significant moment in her life.
Tanner - always remember - every little moment that you selflessly give the way you do--you are changing this big world for the better. YOU ROCK!