“Zack has Down syndrome.”
Five years ago those words made my world stand still. I opened an email from my friend, Wendy, eager to see photos of her brand new baby boy who had been born only a few days earlier. I remember sitting in a dark room illuminated only by the glow of the computer screen, and those words swam before my eyes.
Wendy and her husband, Scott, emailed their closest friends and family to share the news and ask for support, love, and encouragement. We showered them in cards, baby gifts, hugs, and kisses for their baby boy. Their journey was a long one; I watched them go through shock, acceptance, education, normalcy, and advocacy for their son. You can read about their journey here: http://zee-family.com/down-syndrome/
Fast forward a few years. Zack is quite possibly my favorite 5-year old. He loves books, his little sister, and the movie Frozen. He's a whiz on the iPad, and he has the most infectious bubbly laugh that I've ever heard. He calls me "Auntie Gem," and he gives me the best drippy kisses on my cheeks. Oh yeah, and he has an extra 21st chromosome.
Eventually, those little words that originally made our world stand still became just that: two little words that did nothing to define Zack, his interests, his dreams, or his abilities.
My special connection with this family has always made me eager to do a project and donate my services to the Down syndrome community. I’m a natural light photographer with a studio in West Roxbury, and I specialize in newborn, baby & family photography. I love capturing magic on camera, and I believe that childhood truly is such a magical time. Because October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, this year I was so excited to offer complimentary portrait sessions to families who have a little one with DS.
When I reached out to this (not so little) community, I was amazed at the overwhelming response from families across Massachusetts and New Hampshire who got in touch with me. My inbox was flooded with heart-warming stories, and every single one brought happy tears. They opened their arms to me, welcoming me into their lives and sharing their stories with me. They allowed me to play with their children, capture their true personalities on camera, and let their little ones shine in the spotlight of my camera. We shared hugs, giggles, tickles, “peek-a-boo” games and “ready, set, go” races.
I am so grateful to these families for welcoming me into their lives to capture their little ones’ sparkling personalities on camera. These families poured their hearts out to me in the most touching stories, and allowed me to share these on my website and social media pages. Below are a few of my favorite quotes from their stories. View the full stories on my website here: http://nicolestarrphotography.com/2015/10/downsyndrome/
“The best part of having a sister like Audrey is the way she brings us and everyone that meets her so much happiness. I like having Audrey as a twin because it makes us unique.” -Audrey’s twin sister
“Drew has the ability to make people fall in love with him, his outgoing personality and endless expressions. His sense of humor, curiosity and attention to detail make me smile and fall in love with him even more, if that's possible. He loves to learn, and run around and will no doubt change the outdated perceptions of what it means to have Down syndrome.” -Drew’s mom
“The definition of the name 'Lucy' is 'light', and that's exactly what she is. When we found out that she had Down Syndrome, I can honestly say I was not scared. I have never feared for how her life would be. She's been through so much in her tiny little life, I have no doubt she can and will achieve whatever it is she wants to do. That extra chromosome is part of who she is and I would not give it back for the world. She is exactly the little girl I always knew she would be.” -Lucy’s mom
“I will forever be grateful for these first few hours when I was able to meet my son, hold him, and bond with him before I knew he had Down syndrome. I knew him as Liam first, before I knew he had a disability. He was my perfect, beautiful baby boy who I loved immediately and unconditionally. Learning he had Down syndrome did not change any of this.” -Liam’s mom
“I say a lot that I wish we could go back in time to when we first found out about all of this and tell ourselves "Don't worry. You'll love her like crazy and she'll be awesome." -Maeve’s mom
For more info on DS: www.ndss.org
Find Nicole Starr Photography at: www.nicolestarrphotography.com; https://instagram.com/nicolestarrphotography/; https://www.facebook.com/NicoleSchwalmPhotography
Email: nicolestarrphotography@gmail.com
