WOW, what an amazing experience. Ty Pennington and Extreme Makover, Home Edition, came to Mystic CT to the home of the Girard Family. Susan Stripling and I were honored to have been chosen to photograph the portraits of this family that will be displayed in their new home. Our time and energy was donated and I'd do it again in a heartbeat to help another worthy family. It was an incredibly long, cold, frenzied, and remarkably rewarding day. Now, I'm not the kind of person that ever watches reality shows. In fact, I'd never seen the show until recently. I can honestly say that the passion, sincerity, and good will of the people involved with this show is impossible to surpass.
Most of all, I was moved to tears by the Girard family. I wont begin to tell this tragic story because there's no possible way I could do this story justice with a simple blog post. I'll blog more images asap and elaborate on what happened to this incredible family. In the meantime, I wanted to post an image from the day. Susan and I were able to spend a bit of time with the family in order to provide them with art to be displayed in their new home. The show's design team will make those decisions, but here is my favorite moment of the day. Coincidentally, Susan shot the identical moment from a different angle and blogged this as well. Special thanks to my friends Jeff and Julia Woods who referred us to ABC's crew and were responsible for our involvement.
Most of all, I was moved to tears by the Girard family. I wont begin to tell this tragic story because there's no possible way I could do this story justice with a simple blog post. I'll blog more images asap and elaborate on what happened to this incredible family. In the meantime, I wanted to post an image from the day. Susan and I were able to spend a bit of time with the family in order to provide them with art to be displayed in their new home. The show's design team will make those decisions, but here is my favorite moment of the day. Coincidentally, Susan shot the identical moment from a different angle and blogged this as well. Special thanks to my friends Jeff and Julia Woods who referred us to ABC's crew and were responsible for our involvement.
I saw that Susan had taken part in this on her Facebook. How exciting for both of you to be able to help this family. My husband and I used to watch this show every Sunday night and I was always crying by the end of it. But usually by the beginning. :)
Posted by: Judy | December 05, 2008 at 01:17 AM
WOW, Mystic CT!?! That's crazy. I have been following your blog for a while now but have stayed a quiet admirer thus far. I am from South Eastern Connecticut and worked Doyles Pub, 41 North on Main St. for 3 years. It's always nice to hear mention of my home from time to time. Fantastic shot, anxious to see more!
Posted by: kirsten | December 05, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Oh! I can't wait to see this show. I love watching Extreme Home Makeover. Also I can't wait to see the photos you captured. I love your work.
Posted by: Regina White | December 05, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Terrific shot!! How cool that you were able to do this for them! It's a great show with a good heart. I'm also really looking forward to seeing additional pics.
Posted by: Bill Bishop | December 05, 2008 at 11:25 AM
What an amazing experience this must have been! Congrats on the opportunity; I know this family will treasure their portraits. And how crazy--that is practically the exact some photo that Susan got!
Posted by: Amy Clifton | December 05, 2008 at 05:25 PM
first all what a kind gesture. they look like an amazing family. Secondly, that picture is priceless and will be cherished for many lifetimes.
Posted by: jenberry | December 07, 2008 at 10:46 AM
This must have been a very special experience. Congrats and beautiful picture.
Posted by: Alan Nielsen | December 08, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Nice way to pay it forward. Good on you both~lorenz
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Posted by: help with dissertation | December 22, 2008 at 05:43 AM
Cliff,
Nice image and it was a great story to read about up here. However, wasn't the home make over in Voluntown, CT? The family had a truly tragic year, and they have been in the news here following the series of events, but having friends who had family involved in the rebuilding of the home, I know they are quite proud of their community in Voluntown.
I'm sure the family and the producers loved the images you created.
-Fish
(who lives down the street from Mystic)
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