This was Emily's type of play and maybe this is what heaven looks like. Whatever the unknown to me, I know she is flying and her soul is free of this world. She has walked into our lives in many ways that we are so in awe. We absolutely ache for her earthly presence but she has such a stronger presence in our lives watching over us and showing up when we least expect. Whether or not you believe, her spirit has appeared in many lights.
And just like Emily on earth, she is marching into heaven with purpose!
- Cath Adams

Being creative with instant results
In this world where everything is instant, we tend to become accustomed to the fast-paced lifestyle and lose the essence of "time." However, looking beyond and being creative with the instant cameras can build upon patience and awareness of our environment.

My son AJ, sits silent in this big universe wondering how life will look after laying his sister Emily to eternal rest a few days prior.
- Pinhole image by Cath Adams

“This photography workshop with Cath made me feel loved. Like I mattered and everyone else cares.”
- Zah’mara age 12
Each year our Aperture Of Hope creative photography outlets gives a camera to a kid as a gift to pursue their storytelling and share their voice. In 2019 the talented young aspiring photographer Zah’mara was the recipient of a digital camera!
Being such a brave soul in sharing her personal story through her photography was a part of her healing and HOPE for others.
When Zah’mara and I first met I had asked her think of a life experience she would like to share with others. Then find a quiet space to process her thoughts and write a list of images to capture that reflect her story. Our next creative outlet together she expressed to me that she would like to share the story of her mom who recently passed. She asked to visit the hospital room where she would frequently visit her mom. The day of our scheduled photography adventure at the hospital Zah’mara had brought along the blanket she would wrap around her mother’s feet and a pair of moccasins that were a part of her family traditions. She also captured the beauty of nature that reflects her mother's soul. As you can imagine this was a very moving moment for Zah’mara. Her hope for healing by sharing her story through images is a beautiful gift she has offered from her heart. Please reflect on her images that show the beautiful light of her mother!
Photos by Zah'mara age 12

"I never saw my town this way. Looking at things differently is fun and inviting"
Downtown Carbondale, CO captured by:
Stephanie age 11

"My experiences with the camera these last few days were exciting because I didn’t know how to use the camera. When I took the pictures I felt pleased with my results because not only can I see things in another perspective, but I can also look beyond point of view."
- Mary age 12
Photography is a creative outlet in Mary's journey of grief

"A pinhole camera is different than a digital camera because you don't see your pictures right away and it doesn't have all the buttons and doesn't have a screen" - Sophie
Pinhole images by Sophie age 8 - Nature Explorer

Pinhole images by: Quinn age 8