foster-szylowski : family portraits for a fighting spirit

We were honored to photograph the Foster-Szylowski family in Coquitlam, BC for A Fighting Spirit. A Fighting Spirit is an organization our friend, Karen McKinnon, on Vancouver Island founded as a resource for families who are facing the difficulties that come with having a sick child. Families are paired up with photographers to either document part of their journey or do a portrait session. It is a way to shine a light on relationships and bonds at a time when lives are turned upside down.

We were paired with the Foster-Szylowski family who is in the beginning stages of Leukemia treatments for 5 year old Benton. They chose to have family portraits done at a favorite park near their home. Blue Mountain Park has beautiful, old growth trees and interesting stone sculptures. And best of all for Benton, there was a cave and waterfall which he dubbed his bat cave as he is a fan of Batman.

Samara reminded us of our 2 year old daughter – poker straight hair, lots of energy, pleasantly spunky and loves to run. She’s also a tough cookie as she split her lip on one of the sculptures at the end of the session and made it look like a mere scratch.

We wish you all the best in your journey to living life cancer free!

Here are a few of our favorites …