Show me the most special picture you have taken.

[PhotobearSam]

I don't want to see your best shot, I want to see the one that means the most to you that you have taken. I also want to know why it's so special.

The rules:

1. You had to have taken the picture.

2. Explain why it's special to you.

3. Make it personal.;)

Now here is mine...as of now and it could change.

Here is my DH (on the right) watching Wishes...It makes me really appreciate him. When we met, I thought he was a tough guy as he worked as a bouncer and airline cargo handler. I was so wrong. He is so sweet, kind, gentle, and he GETS Disney...What more do you want. When I see this shot, I realize that all my WISHES have come true and I really found my Prince Charming.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v322/Photobearsam/disney/MNSSHP/IMG_8932.jpg

[PhotobearSam]

You can add more of them as the days go by...

[bsmcneil]

i'll add one soon. but awwwwww!

[bsmcneil]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v146/bsmcneil/magickingdom-cinderellascastle36.jpg

This, too, is in the MK right before Wishes. A lot of people left because it rained but we stayed and had been grumpy and stuff and then got REALLY excited because of the fireworks and our time together. It's fairly indicative of the whole trip.

[Sha]

Hope it doesnt have to be a Disney pic LOL
This was my grandfathers barn in Syria, Virginia (north of Charlottesville). Its the oldest standing structure there, over 100 years. Has been restored. I remember saddling the horses there, watching Matt milk the cows, and playing in there. It reminds me of home... as it is home. The memories of horseback riding in the mountains, going up to Graves Mountain Lodge (family owned) to see the fireworks on the 4th of July, picnic shelter with all sort of cousins that I didnt quite remember who they were back then.... walking on the rocks in the river.... apples and peaches.... I miss it there! My heart has two homes... this is one.... the other is WDW. I just reside in FL.

http://believesinfairies.smugmug.com/photos/144064308-L.jpg

[photo_chick]

I have posted this one before. It was the first shot I took with my Rebel XT. It was not the first shot taken with the camera. My Dad bought the camera for himself (or so he said) about a week before he took his own life. He left me all of his camera equipment. Looking back everyone says he really bought it for me, a lot of the last few weeks of his life had very obvious choices we can see now. Hindsight is great, ain't it? I did not use the camera for a while, I just couldn't. I finally did when we went to the State Fair in 2005. When I see this shot it reminds me that although he never really said it, I think my Dad thought I was a good photographer. Now I use it all the time and I remember my Dad everytime I pick it up. For me that is a really good memory.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/the_real_photo_chick/IMG_0071small.jpg

[jann1033]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/jann1033/20070427044copy.jpg
this past yr has been rougher than normal for my granddaughter, parents divorced, she broke her finger and had some problems due to that, been sick a lot this past winter and we've been concerned about her as she's seemed very subdued the past few months...this was a recent photo where she is so happy and having fun that made me feel like she is going to come out of all this junk ok
not to get ot but so sorry Danielle, we have clinical depression in our family as well and i know how terrible that is

[Sha]

I have posted this one before. It was the first shot I took with my Rebel XT. It was not the first shot taken with the camera. My Dad bought the camera for himself (or so he said) about a week before he took his own life. He left me all of his camera equipment. Looking back everyone says he really bought it for me, a lot of the last few weeks of his life had very obvious choices we can see now. Hindsight is great, ain't it? I did not use the camera for a while, I just couldn't. I finally did when we went to the State Fair in 2005. When I see this shot it reminds me that although he never really said it, I think my Dad thought I was a good photographer. Now I use it all the time and I remember my Dad everytime I pick it up. For me that is a really good memory.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/the_real_photo_chick/IMG_0071small.jpg

That is a great way to remember him... And maybe he is looking with you through that lens to see what you are seeing. My dad bought my first camera, nothing fancy, but always encouraged me with it since middle school.
Im sorry for the loss you have experienced. :hug:

[photo_chick]

That is a great way to remember him... And maybe he is looking with you through that lens to see what you are seeing. My dad bought my first camera, nothing fancy, but always encouraged me with it since middle school.
Im sorry for the loss you have experienced. :hug:

Thanks. My Dad was into photography and he put the first camera in my hands when I was 10, my first SLR (a 110), my first 35mm SLR, and then his last gift was my first DSLR. I do feel like he is with me when I use any of them, especially my 35mm Pentax because he used it for 20 years first.

[Colleen27]

My son was 14 months old when I met my DH, so obviously I was very concerned about how DS would feel about DH and vice versa. I never intended to get involved with anyone while DS was so little, but the relationship with DH sort of snuck up on me and the fact that DS fell in love with him as quickly as I did cretainly made it easier. This was taken on one of our first outings as a family, at the apple orchard and pumpkin farm in the fall of 2000.

http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/5036/1056840227042404303S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/1056840227042404303ZimwNZ)

[photo_chick]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/jann1033/20070427044copy.jpg
this past yr has been rougher than normal for my granddaughter, parents divorced, she broke her finger and had some problems due to that, been sick a lot this past winter and we've been concerned about her as she's seemed very subdued the past few months...this was a recent photo where she is so happy and having fun that made me feel like she is going to come out of all this junk ok
not to get ot but so sorry Danielle, we have clinical depression in our family as well and i know how terrible that is

That is a great shot! Having experiance with depression makes you appreciate moments like your shot all the more.

Thank goodness for Zoloft.

[Sha]

Thanks. My Dad was into photography and he put the first camera in my hands when I was 10, my first SLR (a 110), my first 35mm SLR, and then his last gift was my first DSLR. I do feel like he is with me when I use any of them, especially my 35mm Pentax because he used it for 20 years first.


I havent looked to see what the camera is yet, but i have an old one that my dad shot with... mom too... not sure whose it was... but mom was going to donate... and i am glad i stopped her... i want to keep things like that.

[Sha]

was just talking to a friend of mine.... when I she introduced me to her now husband, I knew that night that they were to be together.... I took this just before we all left from the reception.

http://believesinfairies.smugmug.com/photos/136487780-L.jpg

[Quicklabs]

My husband and my two furbabies--shot shortly after Augusta, age 7, (in the crate) became an agility champion for the third time (two weeks ago) We started with Augusta in obedience --I was told that she "would never amount to anything." I cried all the way home and swore to her I would never take her back to that class or make her do something that she clearly wasn't enjoying. And here she is, with yet another agility championship, and ranked #38 nationally in United Kennel Club AG2 for 2006.

I don't know if Grace (on left) will ever be the amazing dog that Augusta is, but we adore her. She smiles all the time, and is truly our sunshine. Hubby gave up a weekend of golf to be our roadie on this trip out of state and to watch his girls run. I am blessed that he loves them as much as I do and that he never gives me an ounce of grief about how much time I spend with them doing what we love. Don't know if it's my all time favorite picture, but it's my current wallpaper--to remind myself how lucky I am to have these three in my life.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v508/lleepoole/Rayandhisgirls.jpg

[Quicklabs]

that you are creating with that camera. He must have loved you very much.

I have posted this one before. It was the first shot I took with my Rebel XT. It was not the first shot taken with the camera. My Dad bought the camera for himself (or so he said) about a week before he took his own life. He left me all of his camera equipment. Looking back everyone says he really bought it for me, a lot of the last few weeks of his life had very obvious choices we can see now. Hindsight is great, ain't it? I did not use the camera for a while, I just couldn't. I finally did when we went to the State Fair in 2005. When I see this shot it reminds me that although he never really said it, I think my Dad thought I was a good photographer. Now I use it all the time and I remember my Dad everytime I pick it up. For me that is a really good memory.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w232/the_real_photo_chick/IMG_0071small.jpg

[PhotobearSam]

I love your stories. Pictures are part of our lives. Thank you all for sharing.:flower3:

[Gdad]

My oldest daughter Sydney.

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/148445537-L.jpg

I took this of her & her mom on Mothers Day 2005.
She died suddenly of meningitis exactly one week later.

[PhotobearSam]

So sorry for your loss. I am happy that you have this beautiful picture. She was so beautiful.:sad1:

[Dan Murphy]

My goodness, Sam, you have prompted some VERY touching pictures and stories from the folks here. Thanks much. And :hug:'s to several here who could certainly use one.

Here is mine, posted this one many times over the years.

My family...Marie, Natalie, Vince... went to WDW for our first, and still only, family trip in late '99, to celebrate my wife, Marie's remission from very serious breast cancer. It was a celebration of life trip.

This picture was from our evening doing the Illuminations cruise...........

http://www.dmurphydis2.com/Music/Family1.jpg

As it turned out, I got bit by the Mouse, the others did not. I have been back like 16 or so times, once on a dad/daughter trip with Natalie, late '04. We did so much on our family trip, so many memories. I still hope to get Marie back some day.

[Sha]

Yes, Sam sure did Dan... and its amazing how much each story touches each of our lives... somehow.... even in a minor way.

I agree... get Marie back there... maybe another family trip??? lol

[photo_chick]

My oldest daughter Sydney.

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/148445537-L.jpg

I took this of her & her mom on Mothers Day 2005.
She died suddenly of meningitis exactly one week later.

I can see why this is a very special photo indeed. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[midge3426]

This picture is of my DD in 1997. She was in the "Honey I Shrank the Kids" playground and having an exuberant time. She was loving the water jets. She embraces things she loves with such gusto.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/midge3426/AnnaatHoneyIshronktheKids97.jpg

[jann1033]

This picture is of my DD in 1997. She was in the "Honey I Shrank the Kids" playground and having an exuberant time. She was loving the water jets. She embraces things she loves with such gusto.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m219/midge3426/AnnaatHoneyIshronktheKids97.jpg

she looks determined to have fun:goodvibes

beautiful photo Jeff

thanks to everyone for sharing. i agree, the memories really add something to the shots

[Virgo10]

Taken on 8/3/06 right outside my front door.

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL910/465229/10115233/174151664.jpg

That's a Fire Rainbow, at the time the only one I'd ever seen. Even the photo is a poor example of how amazing that sight was.

This is my first, and so far only, photo that has been used on a weather site.

Here's the meteorologist, Todd Gross from Massachusetts, using it during his webcast. :teeth:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/virgo10/Misc/ToddLiveRobertaFR2.jpg

[photo_chick]

Virgo10--- Very very cool shot!

[bscs]

Virgo
Love your sky picture But Also Love:love: your red sox picture:thumbsup2

[graeme1299]

My son on his first ever Disney ride (teacups). He's grinning cause he's gonna make Daddy sick!
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/graeme1299/Graemeontheteacups.jpg

Taken 6 months after my Dad, a Vietnam War veteran, passed away from cancer. Night shot, flower was the only one in sight.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m247/graeme1299/VietnamMemorial.jpg

[DVC Jen]

My oldest daughter Sydney.

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/148445537-L.jpg

I took this of her & her mom on Mothers Day 2005.
She died suddenly of meningitis exactly one week later.

That is an extremely precious photo. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[DukeStreetKing]

Here's one of my better shots.

This was from my Low Country book signing tour. The whole trip was special; from all the people I met to the company I was with.

The fountain is in Charleston along the river.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/DukeStreetKing1/Miscellaneous/SouthCarolinaFountain.jpg

[DVC Jen]

http://jenniferd.smugmug.com/photos/148761289-M.jpg

This is my oldest daughter Kylie last Thursday.

Some background - when Kylie was 2 we noticed she had coordination difficulties. We took her in for her check-up and the Dr. said it was probably just normal developmental delays and to give her a year. Well a year later she was not doing much better. Test were run. We were told she could have anything from muscular dystrophy to cerebral palsy. It turned out that she has a pretty severe case of hydrocephalus (water on the brain). We were told she was more than likely retarded to some degree, but she was too young to know how severely. She would never be able to go to a regular school or function in society as an adult. She would have to live in a group home when she was an adult.

Needless to say it was devastating. She has undergone 2 brain surgeries - first a shunt then a shunt revision with a ventricularostomy (basically poking a hole in her brain and inserting a tube to create a new way for the fluid to drain if the shunt blocked again). She has been through physcial and occupational therapy. My husband and I NEVER EVER EVER once gave up on her or believed that she would not be a normal happy successful person.

She has faced challenges in school - teachers who would not treat her fairly due to the few physical challenges she has (balance, and muscle weakness primarily). She has had to work twice as hard as most of her peers.

Kylie will graduate on May 27th as an honor graduate from our local high school. She is not only an honor grad but an early grad. She actually finished her classes in February.

This photo was taken like I said this past Thursday. For the past two years she has been a part of a pretty elite group of students who have undergone intensive interviews, had to write essays and been held to much higher standards than their peers. These students are Elementary Teaching Interns.

Our school district hand picks junior and senior high school students to be a part of this program. Then upon graduation - if they have successfully completed the program, they are handed a legal and binding teaching contract with the school district. Once they complete their bachelors degree and become certified teachers they are automatically given a job with the school district. If by chance a job is not available - they will be put on the substitute teacher list BUT still get full teacher salary and benefits.

This photo is of Kylie getting her contract.

There were times we thought we would lose her. Times when medical professionals didn't give us much hope for her future. There she is - in that photo - an honor grad being handed a teaching contract.

She is without any doubts - my hero. I couldn't be any more proud of her.

[PhotobearSam]

Jen, that was so beautiful. Kudos to your DD for all her hard work and kudos to you and your family for giving her the chance to be who she was meant to be. You sound like a pretty awesome MOM.:thumbsup2

[thptrek]

I was going to post a silly little pic of my kids but seeing the pictures, and reading the stories is too much. What great stories behind the pics.

[Dan Murphy]

More beautiful pictures, inspiring stories to go with them.

Hey, Jen, did you have anything in your eyes when you were taking that picture? Amazing.

[DVC Jen]

More beautiful pictures, inspiring stories to go with them.

Hey, Jen, did you have anything in your eyes when you were taking that picture? Amazing.

I have had quite a few "somethings" in my eyes over the years.... each and every time she has reached a milestone we were told she never would.

I think the 27th is gonna be killer wonderful/hard for me. I am already an emotional sap, but to see her actually graduate with honors.. I get teary just thinking about it now.

[jann1033]

holy crow, Jen i get teary eyed just reading your story and thinking about it so i'll give you a hint for that day that someone told me...( not that it works with sobbing snorting type crying)if you squeeze the tear ducts by the bridge of your nose during "those" occasions you can help minimize the eye makeup/raccoon eye runs.
Congrats on a job well done to you and Kylie!

[tinksdad]

http://jenniferd.smugmug.com/photos/148761289-M.jpg

She is without any doubts - my hero. I couldn't be any more proud of her.

What an inspirational story!! Best wishes and loads of pixie dust to Kylie on her future endeavors!!! :thumbsup2

[DVC Jen]

:lmao: Jann - thanks. I am going to remember this. Not sure it will work for me - but I will give it a try.

tinksdad - thanks. :) I will pass that on to Kylie.

[photo_chick]

WOO HOO Kylie!!!!!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

[jenr812]

What a beautiful thread.

[handicap18]

Awesome Jen!! Way to go Kylie!!! As a parent of a special needs child, its always tough hearing the bad stuff. But you put it aside and treat kids as kids and they become great on their own. I always love reading/hearing stories of children overcoming all odds and becoming something other people thought they would could never become. She certainly showed them!! that is awesome!!

[handicap18]

Took me a while to find a picture that really stands out. But this one always brings out a little emotion.

My oldest was well beyond excited during DW's pregnancy with child 3. We had found out it was going to be a boy and had a name picked out and our oldest was old enough to know that he was getting a brother and he was growing in mommy stomach. He didn't know when he was coming but knew he would be someday soon. He kept asking when's Matthew coming. I wanna see him. Can I just hug him and then he can go back in a keep growing,,, all that stuff for the last few months. Well the day finally came when Matthew arrived. I picked up Thomas from his friends house and told him we were going to go see Matthew. It took him about 5 minutes before he really realized that Matthew was actually here and he could really see him (Thomas was not quite 4 1/2 at this time). When he realized it he jumped up and down and got terribly exicted and ran away from his friend saying I'm going to go see Matthew, bye!!! And ran to the van. He finally held him and got to hug him and couldn't be more happy that his baby brother was finally here.

This was taken a week or 2 after Matthew's birth. One of the many times Thomas held him all by himself. But it really shows how happy Thomas is that his baby brother is here. Complete joy and pride. He is a great big brother, even though his little sister is going through her 2's and pushes his limits all the time. He certainly protects both of them though if anybody else messes with them.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Matthew/DSC_2804.jpg

[bscs]

This is my dh and I eatting bugs and other gross stuff at US fear factor.
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z26/bscs1995/CassiesFLPics-038.jpg
:crazy2: :scared: :sick: :crazy2:

[disneycasemgr]

My oldest daughter Sydney.

http://scl.smugmug.com/photos/148445537-L.jpg

I took this of her & her mom on Mothers Day 2005.
She died suddenly of meningitis exactly one week later.

I so enjoy your photos Gdad on some of the other threads. Thanks so much for sharing this special picture.

[disneycasemgr]

My youngest grand daughter Lily:
http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o77/casemgr99/Disney%20December%202005/Disney%20December%202006/Disney%20July%202006/Lily-20.jpg

While not a great shot and even pretty bad technically it means a great deal to me. When Lily was born she was fine until around 8 hrs after birth. She spent 3 weeks in NICU and we were told she would be blind. It seems so silly but it was right around Christmas and all I could think of was she will never be able to see the Christmas lights. I was terribly devastated.

Well she still has many difficulties, can't walk and has severe cognitive disabilities but she can sit up, she can use her right arm and hand fairly well. She can also see - not sure how much maybe just shapes and shadows but she can see!! That is why this photo is so special. It is obvious that she sees Minnie and it just makes my heart sing.

Thanks so much for starting this thread allowing us to share precious photos and memories in our life.

[DVC Jen]

Took me a while to find a picture that really stands out. But this one always brings out a little emotion.

My oldest was well beyond excited during DW's pregnancy with child 3. We had found out it was going to be a boy and had a name picked out and our oldest was old enough to know that he was getting a brother and he was growing in mommy stomach. He didn't know when he was coming but knew he would be someday soon. He kept asking when's Matthew coming. I wanna see him. Can I just hug him and then he can go back in a keep growing,,, all that stuff for the last few months. Well the day finally came when Matthew arrived. I picked up Thomas from his friends house and told him we were going to go see Matthew. It took him about 5 minutes before he really realized that Matthew was actually here and he could really see him (Thomas was not quite 4 1/2 at this time). When he realized it he jumped up and down and got terribly exicted and ran away from his friend saying I'm going to go see Matthew, bye!!! And ran to the van. He finally held him and got to hug him and couldn't be more happy that his baby brother was finally here.

This was taken a week or 2 after Matthew's birth. One of the many times Thomas held him all by himself. But it really shows how happy Thomas is that his baby brother is here. Complete joy and pride. He is a great big brother, even though his little sister is going through her 2's and pushes his limits all the time. He certainly protects both of them though if anybody else messes with them.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e234/handicap18/Matthew/DSC_2804.jpg


That is adorable!

[DizGeek]

I have 2 Disney ones...the first is a rip off of another photo I saw...I liked it and decided to get one myself:

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z246/DizGeek/August2002-243.jpg


And this 2nd one is a shot right after it rained...I liked the colors!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z246/DizGeek/August2007-299.jpg

[MarkBarbieri]

It's hard to pick a single picture as the most special, so I'll post a few of my personal favorites.

Here is one of my younger son when he was an hour old.

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/115976833-L.jpg

Here's one of him taken a couple of months later. It was used in a statewide campaign.

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/115976824-L.jpg

Here's one of my favorites of my older son.

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/79497552-L.jpg

Here's my favorite Disney one.

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/117413509-L.jpg

Here's one that I took about 20 years ago when I was first learning photography. It's still one of my favorites. I apologize for the poor quality scan.

http://barbieri.smugmug.com/photos/143292697-L.jpg

OK, now I'm way over my limit.

If you're really indulgent, here's a slideshow of my younger son showing him from the time he was born through just before his fourth birthday. I put it together for his party last year.

http://www.box.net/public/static/uecafb27ea.exe

[MickeyMFan]

http://lh5.google.com/MickeyMFan/RpADWxCpIoI/AAAAAAAAAGY/NmRPxs8kNao/s400/family%20pic.jpg

The picture itself isn't so special, but the reason the shot was taken is. This is my DH while he was in the hospital 4 years ago. He had only a 20% chance of living, but he pulled through. This picture was taken about 2 days before he was released. He started crying b/c he could actually feel the water, hear the birds, and just enjoy life again.

[Virgo10]

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL910/465229/2965975/245569078.jpg

Rusty who went to Rainbow Bridge 5/14/07. I'm missing him a lot tonight. :sad1:

[DVC Jen]

http://lh5.google.com/MickeyMFan/RpADWxCpIoI/AAAAAAAAAGY/NmRPxs8kNao/s400/family%20pic.jpg

The picture itself isn't so special, but the reason the shot was taken is. This is my DH while he was in the hospital 4 years ago. He had only a 20% chance of living, but he pulled through. This picture was taken about 2 days before he was released. He started crying b/c he could actually feel the water, hear the birds, and just enjoy life again.

That IS a precious photo. I am so glad he made it. :goodvibes thanks for sharing that and your story with us.

[DVC Jen]

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL910/465229/2965975/245569078.jpg

Rusty who went to Rainbow Bridge 5/14/07. I'm missing him a lot tonight. :sad1:

I am sorry for your loss. I've had 4 pets (2 dogs and 2 cats) pass over that bridge as well. Your pain is very real even to some it is "only" a pet.

hang in there - it gets easier. :hug:

[MichelleVW]

This is my favorite picture of my dog Cody. This was taken in Feb when we were moving from North Carolina to North Dakota. Cody was 15 and this was her favorite spot at "Grandma's House" in Ohio, we knew that there was a good chance that this was her last time to visit my mom's house. Turned out she passed away while I was at Disney on June 11th on an all girl trip...:sad1:


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e95/michellevw/cody-1.jpg

[CapeCAD]

Here's one of our cat Mushu (Named after the Disney Mulan dragon). He has never before or since let us take a decent picture of him.

http://www.capecad.com/images/disboards/P6010001(Medium).JPG

[manning]

Hope it doesnt have to be a Disney pic LOL
This was my grandfathers barn in Syria, Virginia (north of Charlottesville). Its the oldest standing structure there, over 100 years. Has been restored. I remember saddling the horses there, watching Matt milk the cows, and playing in there. It reminds me of home... as it is home. The memories of horseback riding in the mountains, going up to Graves Mountain Lodge (family owned) to see the fireworks on the 4th of July, picnic shelter with all sort of cousins that I didnt quite remember who they were back then.... walking on the rocks in the river.... apples and peaches.... I miss it there! My heart has two homes... this is one.... the other is WDW. I just reside in FL.

http://believesinfairies.smugmug.com/photos/144064308-L.jpg


Isn't it amazing that some of the most cherished memories cost so little.