The beginning of the Walden Relationship portrait

The idea came in a dream...

Many years ago, we got a call late one night. A good friend's young daughter was in the hospital, in critical condition, and the dad wanted Tim to come and pray over her. It was a mystery as to what was wrong as she was bleeding from every opening in her body.

After praying, little Emily was flown to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for emergency surgery to stop the internal bleeding that was endangering her life. 

When Tim got home after going to the hospital that fateful night, he had a dream about a new way to to a portrait that told an entire story with symbolism, dramatic lighting and deep shadows. 

Once she was out of the hospital, we asked if we could do a portrait of mom, dad and Emily. 

This was the beginning of the Walden Relationship portrait.

Though it has gone through some minor changes over the years, it has remained true to its beginnings and it still so powerful as we continue to tell the stories of our clients.

Today, Emily is a college graduate and thriving along with three siblings.

She will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Emily's portrait decoded…

As Tim saw in the dream, Emily would be dressed in white, symbolizing the innocence of childhood. The dark circles under here eyes told of the ordeal she had been through.

Dad would be the main foundational figure, but in shadow with closed eyes as a secondary figure to Emily. He was her strength. 

Mom was both in shadow and turned away to symbolize that she was present, but in a separate room praying when Tim arrived.

An entire story, told in one image, was unheard of at the time we did this portrait.

It became our iconic style and has blessed us beyond what we could have ever imagined.

As we often say, "This was certainly a God idea."