About a month before my Birthday, my son, Elijah called me and said, "Mom, I want to do something really special for your Birthday." He had my attention. So he saved all his tips and took extra shifts so he could give me a weekend in Yellowstone. It was the gift of a lifetime. I loved every moment of it and spending time with him. Thanks so much, Elijah!!                                                 

Still a Family...

Well, it's official! I am a graduate of Montana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography. Below I share some of my Senior Thesis project. Be sure  to read the Artist Statement at the end of the Photographs. 

Still A Family...

Still A Family…

Two years ago, my definition of family consisted of a mom and dad and 9 children ranging from newborn to 22 years, and all, except for the oldest, living under one roof. We spent almost all of our time working, schooling and eating together. I would never have imagined becoming a single mom, going to school and supporting the 6 children that are still at home presently on my own. But life does not always go as we plan. And the storm that had been brewing for years made its way to shore and blew up what we had come to know as family. Now we face the aftermath of the storm and putting it all back together.

For this project, I set out to photograph the absence of the father in our home and what that has meant. Those who did not know us before may not notice the changes in our lives. Many would not know that seeing my children at school or riding bikes and skateboards was uncommon before. Piles of laundry and dirty dishes left in the sink would not necessarily be a sign of him being gone. My son cooking doesn’t scream "no dad." The photographs can't show his absence. What I found was that I could only capture what is present- the activities: laughing, playing, crying and living out life.

As I began photographing my family I realized I had become disconnected from my children. I was not spending time with them even when I was home because it felt like something was missing. I avoided alone family time. I had to force myself back into my own domain. Now as the storm has calmed, I am finding peace in what is still here. And through these images, I have found that we are STILL A FAMILY!


Terri R. Spray

In Honor of Veteran's everywhere...

 My heartfelt thanks to all the veterans out there. In honor of Veteran's Day I am posting a set of photographs that I took last Spring of Veronica. She willingly allowed me to use her as a subject for a project I was doing on Native American women. She is not only beautiful but a very courageous, strong woman.

A couple weeks ago on a very windy evening, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph one of my favorite families who I can truly call some of my bestest friends. Josh and Stephanie are amazing parents to 3 adorable children: Jackson, Emma and Abby. Also, making a debut in the family album is Bella, the family's Saint Bernard "puppy." This family was very dear to me and took in my Halle to babysit before I was ready to turn her over to daycare last year and once a week took my 3 other younguns after school for a few hours while I was in class. And then on Saturdays Josh would often take Gabe and Noah and even Caleb for hikes and showed them some really amazing places. I will never be able to repay them for all they did during that time but this photo shoot was just a token of the love that I have for them. Thanks for the opportunity!