On February 12, 2012, my grandfather, Glen Hatch, passed away after an illness. He was an amazing man and whom I adored. I regret not spending more time with him. However, the memories I carry with me will last forever.

And so will the photographs.

At my grandfather’s funeral service, my cousins compiled photographs gathered from all of the family and created a fitting memorial for my Grampie. The two posters brought comfort (and a few laughs) to an otherwise downhearted event. They also made a slideshow that played while folks mingled and waited for the service to begin.

You might ask why I didn’t do that. To be honest, it was too much for me. But my cousins, angels in disguise, helped the family rejoice in the life that has passed.

That struck a chord in me. As a professional photographer, I know how true it is that we should celebrate life while our loved ones are with us. Unfortunately, several of my brides and grooms have suffered the loss of a loved one shortly after their wedding.

That’s why it’s so important to update not only the regular photo album, but plan for generation photos as part of the family formal portraits after the ceremony. That means working with your photographer to accommodate elderly relatives needs. If it’s a hot day, or they need to get to the reception early, plan on doing a whole family photo with them first.

A good wedding photographer will discuss with you any special needs and work with you to develop the best timelines for photography. Don’t always assume that you’ll just “get the shot” at the reception. With the excitement and joy of receptions, it’s often hard to get the family shot. If you can plan on doing it before (or after) the ceremony, DO IT!

For any elderly family (or pet), a good photograph will live on after the living have departed. How often have you caught yourself saying “I wish” (like I did for my Grampie).

Make “I wish” into “I’m glad”.

I’m here to help. In April, I'll be unveiling a new line of products centered around honoring loved ones, present and past. Keep an eye out for how my design and photography skills can help you honor your loved ones.

For today, get out and tell your family (human and furry) how much you love them.

Early in the year, Finely Sorted owner Kim Corey approached me about working together on a project for a publication she was writing an article for. The premise was simple, I'd use her services to organize a problem area in my home (my paper). In return, I'd provide her with photographic services and photograph the before and after.

After waiting anxiously to see the article (it's fabulous), it's now in print! Check out the newest issue of Maine Seniors magazine (view it online here).

For those of you who are even thinking about either hiring (or coming up with ways NOT TO) an organizer, I'd TOTALLY recommend that you talk with Kim. I am embarrassed about the fact that my paperwork gets away from me. I get overwhelmed with the amount of it and put it in piles. Thus, twice a year, I end up doing a week-long organizing blitz.

2012 is the year I take back control of my home (and business) from clutter.

The space we worked in is my new office. Our home remodel is complete and thus I get my own space (YAY). And what better way than to make it an organized sanctuary.

Kim was amazing. She gently led me through the process of sorting and filing. We developed a system based on my needs and she gave me an action list of "to dos." At the end of it, I have a space that's all mine, although sometimes shared with the husband (something about it having beautiful acoustics... a likely excuse from a professional musician!).

So check it out and show Kim some love too. She's worth every penny!

I can't believe I'm even writing this post. I'm so excited. This year, one lucky couple will become my 50th wedding couple and they'll get a golden ticket worth a very special prize. But mum's the word until that couple books!

From my first wedding in 2003 — before I became an "official" business — featuring the love of my brother-in-law Carl Osgood and his beloved Tina Curtis to this year's crop of loving couples, it's ALWAYS an honor to photograph love being realized.

Not all of my wedding clients have been full-coverage weddings either. I recognize that even a simple ceremony or straight reception coverage sometimes is the name of the game. Every couple deserves to have special coverage of their Big Day(s). That's why I tailor packages to meet my couple's needs.

So here's to you, my beloved wedding clients:

1. Tina Curtis and Carl Osgood, October 19, 2003, Kingman/Mattawamkeag

2. Maggi Powning and Peter Jahreis, October 23, 2004, The Little Brown Church/Anchor Inn

3. Geizette Voisine and Thomas Witherly, May 20, 2006, Apostolic Bible Church/American Legion Hall (May Tom rest in peace)

4. Nicole and Ryan Stevens, October 2006, Bangor Elk's Lodge

5. Valerie Bates and Todd Cotier, July 7, 2007, Bar Harbor Campground

6. Lori Hanson and Shaun Smith, July 21, 2007, Spectacular Events Center

7. Shannon Opperman and Thomas Bourbon, July 28, 2007, family home

8. Nicole Libby and JP Seeber, August 11, 2007, St. Matthews Catholic Church/Spectacular Events Center

9. Sierra Coad and Dana Jackson, September 1, 2007, Church of God/Shriner's Club

10. Maren Watkins and Kevin Calzia, September 2, 2007, Fort Madison/Manor Inn

11. Jessie Poulin and John Buckley, June 21, 2008, Kimball Terrace Inn

12. Abby and Craig Glass, July 5, 2008, Four Points by Sheraton (reception only)

13. Alicia Crandall and Douglass Rodgerson Jr., August 2, 2008, County Road Baptist Church/Crandall home

14. Lindsay Young and Ben MacDonald, August 9, 2008, Holbrook Island Sanctuary/Brooksville Community Center

15. Robyn Bourbon and Thomas Sockbeson, August 16, 2008, William K. Arey Hall (Bucksport)

16. Emily Prescott and Terence Hamilton, September 6, 2008, Spectacular Event Center

17. Carey Bell and Ian Scott, September 27, 2008, St. Mary's Catholic Church/Jeff's Catering

18. Kayla Nicholson and Douglas Noddin, October 11, 2008, Grace Church (Dedham)/White Birches

19. Samantha Coon and Gerald Levesque, October 25, 2008, Hampden Highlands UMC/Lucerne Inn

20. Doug and Linda Warren, November 29, 2008, family home

21. Tristine Currier and Barry Currie, Feb. 28, 2009, Brewer UMC

22. Nicole Carney and Corry Lawson, May 30, 2009, Messiah Baptist Church/Meadowbrook

23. Adrienne Myers and Tyler Dunn, Aug. 1, 2009, Notre Dame De Lourdes Catholic Church in Skowhegan/Grandeur Sun

24. Ambrosia Billings and Nick Spann, Aug. 22, 2009, Lucerne Inn

25. Gaylen Clarke and Christopher Jones, September 5, 2009, Children's Chapel/MV Monhegan

26. Derek Wood and Laurie Martin, Sept. 12, 2009, Lucerne Inn

27. Monica Higgins and Jeffrey Paul, Nov. 6-7, 2009, First Congregational Church in Brewer/Spectacular Events Center

28. Flo McCartney and David Hannan, April 17, 2010, Lucerne Inn

29. Katie Nadeau and Wade Schwanda, May 23, 2010, Orono UMC/Camp Jefferson

30. Susan Moore and Christopher Cerini, May 29, 2010, Union Street Brick Church/Jeff's Catering

31. Sheri Butler and Craig Worcester, July 16, 2010, Hammond Street Baptist Church/PVCC

32. Vicky Davis and Deron Smith, August 6, 2010, Lucerne Inn

33. Sarah McDarby and Christopher Osgood, August 9, 2010, Portland Head Light/Holiday Inn Express

34. Ashley Alley and Drew Stapelman, August 14, 2010, Isleford

35. Anne McGreevy and Jim Tyler, August 21, 2010, North Brewer/Eddington UMC/couple's camp in Clifton

36. Hillary Roberts and Michael Johnson, September 4, 2010, YMCA Camp of Maine

37. Mary Catherine Healey and Jim Christiano, September 25, 2010, St. Peter's in Southwest Harbor/Atlantic Oceanside

38. Darren Nadeau and RoAnne Brown, November 27, 2010, Lucerne Inn

39. Sarah Wallace and Adam Canales, July 2, 2011, Houlton church/Hogdon Elementary School

40. William Jewell and Cindy Nguyen, July 16, 2011, Seventh Day Adventist Church/Muddy Rudder

41. Elisabeth Stuckey and James Jecker, July 29, 2011, Catholic Church/Castine Golf Club

42. Katie McGary and Kevin Mania, August 6, 2011, family home/Shiretown Motor Inn

43. Erin Quimby and Greg Knerr, August 13, 2011, Lucerne Inn

44. Erika Stratton and Mark "Strate" Richardson, September 23, 2011, Cascade Park (ceremony only)

45. Jennifer Case and Mitch Munson, September 30, 2011, Schooner in Bar Harbor

46. Sasha Bogdan and Jeremy Miller, October 1, 2011, Lucerne Inn

47. Eileen Broderick and Reg Arnold, October 8, 2011, Lucerne Inn

48. Sharon and Wayne, May 12, 2012, Sea Dog (reception only)

49. Emily Shalhoob and Joe Britelli, May 26, 2011, St. Mary's Catholic Church/PVCC

50. WHO WILL BE NUMBER 50?!

Want more information? Make sure you contact me and we'll chat about your needs and develop a package perfect for you!

Warmly!

Deb Bell, owner

Today I started a journey that I believe was put in front of me by the Lord. I started reading a fellow photographer's brand new book "Prosper". This book, guided by a divine hand, has inspired me to look deeper within myself and to develop my faith further. (Want to know more about this book? Visit here: http://www.prospercommunity.com)

When I was younger, as I was starting to get excited about the world of photography, I had a welcoming and supportive church family. They didn't care about politics and what I could do for them. In my United Methodist Church, they wanted to do what could help me grow. I wish I could transplant them here in the Bangor area. I miss the family I grew up with.

That's part of growing up.

Whenever I work with a client, especially a wedding client, I like to know what church (if there is one) that they'll be getting married in. I feel blessed that even though I'm working, I can follow along in prayer and I truly believe that my faith has drawn me to weddings because of the closeness with God.

My relationship with Him, though, doesn't require that I go to a building to believe. While I loved my church family, I love the fact that the institution doesn't make the relationship. Daily thoughtfulness and faith does.

I was pushed to write this blog as part of my "Prosper" Journey. I was nervous about doing it because my relationship with Him is so personal. It cannot be shaken by those who feel that if you don't go to church every Sunday, you're not a "real" Christian; They're entitled to that belief.

However, I believe that a spiritual relationship is more than just found in an institution. It's about love. It's about knowing there is support, even when it doesn't seem like it.

But most of all, it's about Beauty.

We are blessed in Maine to be surrounded by beauty. It's found in the ocean. It's found in the trees. It's found in the beautiful colors year round.

And it's in the people who make up this state.

I believe that there is something larger than myself. He is guiding me through my career and helping me push my photography business further. He has provided me with friends and colleagues who believe. He has provided me with a talent and an intelligence that makes me grateful to be able to help bring beauty home to my clients and their families.

He is going to help me "Prosper".

And for that, I am grateful.

When I was growing up, I was a proud Girl Scout. In 2012, Girl Scouting is in its 100th year and through that time its mission has remained the same: to empower girls to be good leaders, good stewards, and all around good people.

What Girl Scouting also taught me was the power, and importance, of giving back.

Every year, I work on several pro-bono projects. These projects all provide help to organizations, people, or pets who need a boost. And I do it not only because it's important to provide support to those who need it, but also because it's a good thing to do. I don't do it for the notoriety or because it's a tax write off. I do it because I believe that it's important to give back. Karma doesn't have to be a.... well, you know... It can be beautiful.

Here is a look at some of the projects I supported last year and continue to support:

Maine Greyhound Placement Service: I provide editorial guidance to the Maine Greyhound Placement Service through their calendar, the newsletter, and outreach for the group via meet and greets and annual events. I design both the calendar and the newsletter (flexing the "design" portion of my business). In addition, I provide fun pet oriented photography sessions at the group's annual open house and holiday open house. A portion of the proceeds from each session at the open houses goes back to the group.

Furry Friends Food Bank: The Furry Friends Food Bank is near and dear to my heart. Located at Eastern Area Agency on Aging (www.eaaa.org), the food bank provides pet food and pet supplies to seniors and people with disabilities to enable them to keep their pet at home. Many of these people will give up part of their meal to keep their pet fed. That's not healthy for either party. By donating money raised through my annual Pet Portrait event at Green Acres Kennel Shop, my clients help me provide financial support. Last year we donated over $300 to the food bank.

Champion the Cure Challenge: The Champion the Cure Challenge (www.ctcchallenge.org) is a fundraising arm of the CancerCare Center of Maine. This center not only treats patients, but also does groundbreaking research into cancer and finding ways of diagnosing, treating, and ultimately eradicating cancer. I have had several family members touched by cancer and it's a terrible disease. Because this organization keeps 100% of the funds in the state of Maine, when I was asked to provide photographic coverage services I said "yes". Last year, the August 18 event brought in over $225,000. That's no small feat and it's due largely to the support of people throughout Maine.

The L Factor's "Man Up To Cancer Calendar": In 2011, I was asked to be one of four photographers who tackled the L Factor's first calendar. The calendar is being sold at the L Factor Salon, 258 State Street in Brewer, Maine, and features local men who are survivors, co-survivors, or supporters of those with cancer. This project, spearheaded by co-owner Regina Leonard, was an honor to be part of and I can't wait to tackle it again for the 2014 calendar. To order a calendar you can go there or call (207) 989-5515.

Other causes I've supported in the past have included Operation Smile (provides surgical support for children with cleft lips and cleft palates in the United States and abroad), the Mabel Wadsworth Women's Health Center in Bangor, Spruce Run Women's Shelter, the UMaine Alumni Association, and the Bangor Humane Society. I wish I had the money and time to support all the wonderful causes out there.

So what have you done to make a difference in your community?