Tavia and James: Pensacola Portrait Photography

As much as it pains me to admit it, I wasn’t the greatest student when it came to History…or Math…or Biology…but we’re gonna just focus on History for the moment so that I don’t feel so bad about my educational achievements! I did love History, learning about different cultures and the anthropology aspects of history, but I hated war. I hated learning the details of all the different points in our history when so many lives were lost. It wasn’t for being ignorant or childish, it just hurt my soul knowing the evils that occurred and made me feel sick to think of all the pain so many went through. To this day I can’t stomach movies recounting the many wars our country has been a apart of. The movie Glory was the last one I watching…on the couch with my father, hand over my mouth, my body screaming out to leave the room.

My father was a military man most of his life. I was raised a military brat, moving from place to place nearly every three years, being integrated into different military bases, walking through countless museums. I’m not a stranger to the requirements of those who defend our country and I will never lose respect for all they’ve done and continue to do.

Today is the fourth of July – Independence Day. And while our country will most likely be spending today around grills, family and friends, and watch fireworks high in the sky, I wanted to take today to remember all that it took to get our country to it’s freedom. In freedom there is tremendous cost, and at the risk of sounding like a comic book superhero, also great responsibility.

Tavia and James both serve our country. They spend many of their days apart in order that you and I can enjoy those patriotic ice-creams. Okay so the ice-cream probably wasn’t their intent! But as I photographed this session, I found myself growing increasingly more thankful for our military and for the spouses that support them and sacrifice for them.

I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation, under God with liberty and justice for all.

Happy 4th of July everyone!