I am having a difficult time finding words to express my feelings about the senseless tragedy that occurred in Wayland. Lauren Astley and Nate Fujita were two clients this past year.
Lauren arrived with her mom for her senior portrait session, full of energy and lots of clothes! She was adorable and bubbly and very sweet. She wanted to be perfect and was tense at first but then, within minutes was at ease and we talked and worked for two hours. It was a totally memorable session. Lauren’s mom, Mary did not stay for the entire session but she returned before the session was over and after Lauren and I knew we had captured her perfect senior portrait. Following the session, Lauren’s dad and I communicated often as they selected their favorite images.
Similarly, Nate arrived with his mom for his session. It was a cloudy, almost rainy day and it immediately was a fun session. He’s a boy and let me know that the session would be fast. His mom, Beth, waited on the farmer’s porch, reading, while her son’s senior portrait session was shot. He was quiet, but seemed confident and got a kick out me and my comments. We worked until his images felt right.
Last month, Beth came to my studio to select additional prints from Nate’s session. She is a delightful person. Most parents to not come to sessions, but both Lauren and Nate’s parents did. They were devoted to their kids and very involved with their sessions.
I enjoyed both of these kids. And now, I’m so confused as to how and why this horrible tragedy has taken place. As it was time to send out my annual marketing cards, I sent the cards to LSRHS over the holiday weekend. Tragedy. They are due to arrive tomorrow. Nate’s photo is on the card. When I designed the card, I look for portraits that reveal the variety of my work. For a change in marketing strategy, I decided to wait a few days until I mailed the WHS cards. Now, I’m just glad I waited.
I will redesign the WHS card out of respect for Lauren. Nate was a stand out of the kids I shot and it breaks my heart that he became so disturbed. It devastates me that Lauren was a victim. I am angry that Nate seems to have snapped. I simply cannot understand how this has happened. To be honest, I want to wake up from this nightmare and learn that it never happened.
Two families changed forever. My thoughts and prayers to them, Malcolm and Mary, Beth and Tomo.
Lauren, rest in peace, sweet one.
{additional images added July 20th, 2011}
+ - 11 comments
Laura - Thank you for posting your blog — your exquisite photos have been so prominently displayed throughout this story that you undoubtedly have strong feelings about what happened. I can not imagine knowing the kids involved and capturing them with the sensitivity that you did and then trying to understand what happened.
I will remember your studio as my kids approach their graduating years.
Beth Barovick - Janet, your portraits beautifully captured a gorgeous girl. Lauren’s family and the rest of us will treasure them.
Steve Robb - Janet, thank you for sharing your perspective. I’m sure you are struggling with this event, as well as seeing your beautiful photography displayed for such an awful reason. It’s true that we do often get to know our subjects during a photo session, and their parents as well during the whole process. This is so painful to so many.
Amy - Janet, Thank you for posting the pictures you captured of Lauren. It makes me smile knowing I can look on your blog and see her smiling face again.
I love you Lauren Rest in peace my Angel
Julia - Thank you, Janet for posting your thoughts and photos of Lauren. I look at this page every day. It means so much to see her smiling face. Please keep this post as long as you can.
Rest in peace LDA, Best respects to those who knew her well.
admin - Thank you Julia and all who have commented. I can’t make sense of any part of this tragedy. I will keep these photos up for a long time. I will go back to her photo shoot and add more photos. Perhaps later today. In memory of this beautiful girl and for all of us who want to see her smiling face and eyes.
admin - I added a few new photos from Lauren’s photo shoot today. I can’t explain how I feel. I look at them and smile but then I’m overwhelmed with sadness.
Lex Thomas - A beautiful tribute.
barbara - This is a lovely tribute to Lauren! she was and still is so beautiful! it is a shame what happened! Your photography captures her so well. she is very pretty! She will be missed by so many people!
Connie - Janet, You did an excellent job capturing the essence of a very beautiful young girl. These pictures are truly a gift for her family and friends.
admin - Thank you Connie. I have to tell you that not a day goes by when I don’t think about you, Dan, your family and of all the kids who miss him. I also remember how helpful he was the day he moved furniture for me. Seems like yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss.
I hope in some way, these images, and so many more, will be of some comfort for Malcolm and Mary. I just can’t imagine their pain. Thank you for your comment.