the kindle project | jen herem photography

last year i met a special little girl who changed my life. she made me a better person and helped me look beyond myself, my own struggles and put everything into perspective. i documented a special milestone in her journey and i'll never forget the feeling i had when i left. complete humility. i remember sitting at my computer sobbing as i did the edits from her sessions. my heart ached for what she was going through and how young she was to be fighting such a huge disease but in every image she was smiling or laughing despite how terrible she felt. cami is one of the happiest children i've ever met and being around cami just makes you feel happy. ive told her mom, cami does so much more for me than i could ever do for her. she is the inspiration behind  my new program, the kindle project. providing sick babies, children and their families with photographs to have and cherish forever to remember how hard they fought and how strong they are. i have been totally blessed in having this job and it's my calling to use it to better someone else's life. if any of you have been watching this last season of oprah, she frequently talks about finding your calling.. i feel like i have found mine. i love this quote from her. "We're all called. If you're here breathing, you have a contribution to make." i wholeheartedly believe everyone has something to give and that you will find pure joy in putting something or someone ahead of yourself.

the kindle project is a non-profit division of jen herem photography which will focus only on babies, children and their families who are fighting against life threatening diseases and disabilities. sessions will be offered complimentary in your home, on location, at clinics, in the nicu, etc. i will also be available for fundraisers.

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i met the most beautiful, strong, and inspiring children last week at a cancer group playdate. each of them is at a different place in their fight against cancer. thank you to all the mom's who allowed me to be there and meet their little rays of sunshine.

click on their name to learn more about their journey





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brinley
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koda
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ellie
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cami
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nathaniel
 
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carson
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millie
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izzy
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jenna
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apparently these 2 have a little fling going on. she just beamed as soon as carson ran over.
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17 comments:

Shawntae @ alittlekingandi said...

Amazing

Anonymous said...

i love your idea for your new program what a rewarding thing for both you and the amazing families you get to work with. those stories just touch your heart!

Colby and Steph Stringham said...

You rock Jen!!! xoxo

Jennie said...

Absolutely beautiful! I can't tell you how much it means that you came out to capture these amazing cancer fighting friends. Izzy has loved getting to know these sweet friends and enjoyed playing and laughing and not worrying about anything else.

Thank you Jen!

whitney holland. said...

what an amazing thing you are doing. just seeing these pictures I feel so much love for each of these kids! Love love love the Kindle project! Can't wait to see what is in store for you. xoxo

Jordan said...

This is awesome! I'm proud to call you one of my besties!

Amanda said...

Jen, you are amazing. Thank you for providing these memories for us. I cried looking through all the pictures. All these children are so strong and brave. They have seem more then a child ever should and have these beautiful pictures of some of the good times is priceless. Thank you. I love Millie's by the way!

Unknown said...

this is incredible! I love the whole idea and mission. you will do great things for these families I am proud to be your friend!

Chelsea said...

I am a blubbering mess after reading that! Jen, you are so amazing to do this for all of us. Your love and compassion shine through these photos. It is amazing to be a part of something that means so much to so many families. On behalf of all of us, thank you a million times.

Oh- and the pictures are BEAUTIFUL!!! You are so incredibly talented. These strong kids are each amazing. It is so fun to see their bright lights shining through such gorgeous pictures.

Thank you! I love you!

Cody & Brittany Hawkes said...

Wow! these kids have been through a lot. I think what you're doing is definitely something they'll remember forever and so will you. Your photos are gorgeous and truly show their personalities :) hope you're having a great week

H and E said...

This post brings tears to my eyes, what a neat project you are doing. You are so talented and you are bringing such joy to these families!

Alexis Blackner said...

I am a blubbering mess. I can't imagine how hard this might be for a family or for the child. I am so amazed by ALL of their strengths. AND Jen, you are so selfless and I am so happy you are doing this.

Unknown said...

What an awesome thing you're doing Jen. Love it.

Kristin said...

OH Jen, I am just sitting here crying. What a beautiful post, and the pictures turned out absolutely amazing. I hope you don't mind me putting a link on my facebook and blog. YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN. Thank you a million times for doing this. And your project will touch so many lives in so many ways.

di said...

These beautiful children are truly inspirational, as are you!
~ Diane

Hailey Smoot Kandell said...

precious... let me know if you ever need anything for your non profit. Eric and I are always happy to help businesses that are giving back... no better use of your time and talents than selfless service.

Heather said...

It is amazing. What a great thing to do. Pictures are so great to have and you do such good ones. What a great way to help these families in their hard times.