I was wondering what was wrong with baby Ryker. Why was this precious little baby hooked up on all these machines that seem to be maintaining her life? Turns out, this sweet angel had a tumor the size of an adult fist in her abdomen. Doctors quickly operated and then the waiting game began. She fought for a long and hard 5 days and then she went on home. When I found out, I broke down and cried so much. I felt so much pain for Dwain and Keeli, these new parents had to deal with the biggest nightmare in the world, a pain that I don’t think anyone could describe. 

  Dwain and Keeli mourned for their daughter, but what makes these 2 parents different than most, is that instead of grieving for their own loss, they have quickly put on brave, powerful faces and comfort other parents who have children in the NICU. Ryker’s passing gave them the power to do something bigger than themselves, they choose to live for Ryker and honor her memory by rallying and collecting money for recorders and videos for each nicu bed. Personally, I have watched Keeli read to her daughter and it was the most heart felt moment ever. These 2 are the most unselfish people I know, and I have never even met them in person. I would like to share a message that Dwain has written to people who have left their condolensces:

 I dont even know where to begin. First, our daughter Ryker is in heaven smiling down at Keeli and I. She is also smiling down at all of you who have been touched by her. Saying thank you to our family, friends and even total strangers who have offered support does not come close to doing it justice. From the bot…tom of our hearts I give you all ultimate thanks for your prayers and support. Our daughter who lived 5 days touched more people in her brief life than I have touched my 32 years. She caused people to come together, to pray, and to grow closer to not only one another but to Christ. Keeli and I are not sad. We are excited and happy!! Ryker changed Keeli and I beyond measure. She became a Mommy and I became a Daddy and that will never change. Our daughter will always be with us. I would like to challenge everyone who offered support and prayers to continue to pray, continue to grow closer to your loved ones, your children, and your friends. Life is so precious and short. Life is fragile, so dont waste time with the crap that brings you down. Love your spouse, love your children, love your family, love your friends!! Let our Ryker always be in your spirit to remind you of these things. May you always rember the impact a small little girl, who was alive for just 5 days had on people all over the world. Do not be sad for Keeli and I, be happy, because we are new parents. Be happy because we just got to spend 5 wonderful days with our daughter. It was five amazing days that we would not trade for anything. In the NICU they say that babies leave as either miracles or angels. Ryker was an exception to this saying. She left as both a miracle and an angel. We are going to have a celebration service sometime in the near future and I would like to invite anyone who was touched by our Ryker to come and celebrate with us. God Bless!!

I’ve been trying to think of what to say to these 2 amazing people for such a long time, but instead of talking, I would like to help. They have 77 NICU beds to go, and I would like to announce the RYKER WALLER/NICU SPECIAL PACKAGE.

In order to help Keeli and Dwain,  I will be donating 50% to Ryker’s memory for video recorders, voice recorders, everything they need in that NICU.

This special is  160.00

this includes:

 2-3 hour photo session

2-3 outfit change

20-30 edits

premium color edits

black and white edits

HIGH res CD

A BEAUTIFUL 11X14 ON A MATBOARD PRINT

and a thank you note personally from me for helping the Waller family and my quest to fulfill their dream.

P.S. I WILL TRY TO GET PICTURES FROM DWAIN AND KEELI OF THEIR BEAUTIFUL BABY. I’m asking permission before any are posted.

It’s been awhile hasn’t it? After the holiday rush, I needed some time to take care of family and rejuvenate….. now, I am back!!!

I know I’ve been saying for awhile that Ann Easterling Photography is getting a facelift.. but guess what, It’s going to happen!!!!! I’m in the works of putting some great touches to my site and I’m full of creative and innovative ideas for shoots that will knock your socks off. I have been purchasing new equipment, and I’ve been in negotiations with important people. 

It seems like I have abandoned my blog, but really, I’ve just been laying low for awhile .  I will be posting some photos this weekend/next week.

Let’s make this a spectacular year, full of great memories, love and full of life!!!  I’m enthusiastic to be a photographer, and I have new referral specials as well as a January/Feb special.

email me for details..    

There will also be new galleries and new ideas posted. I’m starting a trash the dress shoot, a highschool senior program, boudoir, and birth photography.

I’m taking all of this head on, so hold on to your socks, because I promise they will be rocked!!!!  Book soon!

I am now officially closed for the rest of the year to spend time with my family, and marketing! I have a brand new logo, I’m working on some A M A Z I N G new products, new web design, new galleries and new photos. I will be re-opening in January with style. On that note, I would also like to offer some free photo shoots. If you qualify, please shoot me an email – anneasterling1@yahoo.com

I’m looking for some beauties!!! I am pleased to announce that I will be collaborating with a gorgeous San Diego Chargers cheerleader, and we are going to do a trash the dress shoot!
if any of you would like to do a funky, urban, tranquil, or serene trash the dress or fashion shoot, I am offering a free shoot.

I’m also currently looking for: (starting January 2010)     (EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS)

newborns!! – I have new props ready to use in my San Diego home studio, please drop me a line! Newborns must be under 2 weeks old. -email me-

maternity- If you feel beautiful during your pregnancy, lets do a funky urban maternity shoot! I’m also giving away a free studio maternity shoot. There are also some materials I need the mommy to be to bring, such as wraps, scarves, and flowing dresses. -email me-

couples- I need 2 couples, that are fit, in shape, happy go lucky, and aren’t afraid to be intimate… don’t worry we aren’t talking nude, but sultry, seductive, and fun!!! I want to make art and some amazing ideas.  -email me-

children- preferably ages 3 and up. I need children who are attentive and are willing to give me a good hour or two. Parents, I need you to bring a trunk full of funky colorful clothes.

                       ************ if you quality or KNOW someone who qualifies,  let them and I know. If you refer somebody, you will qualify for 1/2 off photoshoot and a free 11×14, and who knows, maybe i’ll throw in a free shoot.************

She is slowly getting better, and we recently found out that she developed an ear infection as well. I hope it goes away soon. She still isn’t sleeping. Jon and I find ourselves feeling like we have a newborn all over again! The only way I’ve been getting my sweetheart to sleep is if she is sleeping on my stomach on the couch… no idea why.

Nonetheless, I am so very thankful to have my little girl fighting through this and happy that she’s beginning to look and feel like herself again. Special thanks to my clients who have stood by my side through this matter and have patiently waited for their photos, and to my clients who rescheduled without a hitch and was understandably wonderful.

Take care, and of each other,
Ann

Sneek peeks

 Tuey

 Pate

Skylar

Varol

I’ll be working very hard to get your posts up!

-Ann