Alex Hooton is a gorgeous, stylish, beautiful little four year old boy. And he has an INCREDIBLE mother who gives the world for him. Alex is only four... yet he has been through far more than what many of us have. He is a trooper through and through.
Alex's beautiful Mum, Katie, emailed me saying she really needed photos taken of her darling boy, as he was about to begin an extreme high dose of steriods (5 times the normal adult dose), in an attempt to stop him having many seizures a day. The effects of the steroids would be extreme fluid retention, and she was desperate to have something to hold onto of her gorgeous boy, without all the side effects of the drugs. Alex was born with autism and West Syndrome - a catastrophic type of childhood epilepsy that was diagnosed at 12 weeks of age. My heart sunk and tears rolled down my cheeks as I read Katie's email about what she and Alex go through on a daily basis.
This is why I do what I do. Photographs are more than a piece of paper, or something to brighten up our computer screens. Photographs are a way to hold onto something that once was, or to capture real personality and mannerisms. They tell the story of someone's life - with memories to be passed down generations. For Katie, these photographs serve as a very precious reminders of her wee boy, before the side effects hit.
When I met Alex, Katie, and Sue (Alex's grandma), on the day he began his first dose of intense steriods, I was blown away by the strength they have, and how perfect Alex is in so many ways. He is such good looking wee boy, with gorgeous shaggy hair, soft skin and a wee round face that tugs at your heart strings.
Alex's beautiful Mum, Katie, emailed me saying she really needed photos taken of her darling boy, as he was about to begin an extreme high dose of steriods (5 times the normal adult dose), in an attempt to stop him having many seizures a day. The effects of the steroids would be extreme fluid retention, and she was desperate to have something to hold onto of her gorgeous boy, without all the side effects of the drugs. Alex was born with autism and West Syndrome - a catastrophic type of childhood epilepsy that was diagnosed at 12 weeks of age. My heart sunk and tears rolled down my cheeks as I read Katie's email about what she and Alex go through on a daily basis.
This is why I do what I do. Photographs are more than a piece of paper, or something to brighten up our computer screens. Photographs are a way to hold onto something that once was, or to capture real personality and mannerisms. They tell the story of someone's life - with memories to be passed down generations. For Katie, these photographs serve as a very precious reminders of her wee boy, before the side effects hit.
When I met Alex, Katie, and Sue (Alex's grandma), on the day he began his first dose of intense steriods, I was blown away by the strength they have, and how perfect Alex is in so many ways. He is such good looking wee boy, with gorgeous shaggy hair, soft skin and a wee round face that tugs at your heart strings.
His health may be far from perfect, but as a beautiful, loving little boy... he is perfect. He is inquisitive and delightful. He loves exploring and running (...away from the camera...!), and he also loves cars and tractors! Katie has to be in the running for the world's greatest mother, she does such a great job.
Alex is such a sweetie, and Katie is so proud of him. She loves him more than anything - and his sweet wee laugh and the way he looks at her, is testament to how much he loves her back. Things are definitely not easy though. Alex spends his days going in and out of hospital, getting therapy, treatments, medications and he still suffers from many seizures, sleepness nights, and a heap of other side effects.
I love that no matter what the circumstances, the bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable and unconditional.
After running around the playground and fields, Alex found a small creek which he loved throwing stones into. It wasn't long before he was in the water in his shoes... and falling into the creek fully clothed!
A few wardrobe changes later, and Alex slowed down a bit as his energy faded a little. This was a perfect time for me to grab some 2 second shots of him and his adoring mother.
I totally love the next three portraits.
Alex calls Sue "Mema Chickens", because she has free range chickens at her house, that Alex adores! I think that is the cutest thing ever. Sue was so great to have on the photo shoot too - her energy and beauty was awesome. It was really special that Sue could be down from Christchurch for the shoot, because Alex just thinks she is the bees knees!
Talking with Katie since this shoot has really taught me a lot. Her strength and positivity, amongst what is a really difficult lifestyle and situation, is hugely admirable. She is so smitten with her wee boy, and rightly so! Yet poor wee Alex goes through so much more than what I can ever imagine, and the steroids have only had negative side effects so far. I have been reminded to take time to be thankful for what I have, and to take life's small curveballs in my stride. There are so many people dealing with so many difficult issues, who still smile, love and bless others hugely. Katie and Alex have been a big blessing to me in the past month or so since I have met them. They are both amazing people with huge hearts, and I just hope that you will join with me to pray for a miracle for wee Alex as they try to find a suitable treatment and medication for him.
Thanks so much Alex, Katie and Sue, for playing with me that afternoon! My thoughts and prayers are with you all xoxox
Thanks so much Alex, Katie and Sue, for playing with me that afternoon! My thoughts and prayers are with you all xoxox
