This month we are so excited to be shining our photographer spotlight on Paige of Paige Everson Photography. Paige Everson is from Central NY. She has been married to her childhood crush for 21 years. They have two children, whom they homeschool. Magnolia (11) and Finnegan (2), their little rainbow baby. In addition to a decade long career in photography, Paige runs a home and lifestyle blog called The Cozy Bungalow Blog, focusing on affordable decor and DIY projects. She loves writing and making hand-sewn quilts. Her dream is to live in an old farmhouse someday, and raise chickens.
How would you describe your photography? My style is artsy, slightly moody and real – much like me…lol.
What made you want to join The Gold Hope Project as a volunteer? Both my Mother and Father as well as my maternal Grandmother, died from different forms of cancer. One of my brothers and one of my sisters have also had cancer. Cancer doesn’t discriminate. It is an unfair enemy. When it touches a child’s young life, it is perhaps at it’s cruelest. Hope is important. This project is important.
Has working with children with cancer changed anything in your life? My favorite quote is by Michelle Williams. “I want to be like water. I want to slip through fingers, but hold up ships.” These children are like water. They are flexible. They’re able to change shape, to deal with everything thrown at them. And they are strong. They bear a great burden, the weight of a large vessel.
I’ve photographed five sessions for The Gold Hope Project so far and each child, without fail, has been nothing short of joyful. Grace, in the most trying of circumstances. It has made me more cognizant of my own blessings. Reminded me, to smile more. To complain less. For I too, long to be like water.
What is your favorite thing about being a Gold Hope photographer? My favorite things have been Sam’s carefreeness, Emilia’s fun-loving personality, Charlie’s goofy sense of humor, Brandi’s radiant and joyful spirit, and Callin’s energetic nature. Each of them has a piece of my heart!
What is one thing you hope the families you photograph for the project can take away from this experience? One thing I’ve done with each of these children and their families, is laugh. For an hour or two, there were no hospitals. No needles, no exam tables, no machines or any other daily realities. I watched as they laughed. They danced. They frolicked in waterfalls. They strolled in the woods. They ran on beaches. They cuddled on sofas. They went free rein under a vintage quilt. These precious moments are part of a mosaic of good times. Of happy memories I hope will last forever.
Be sure to follow Paige online! Facebook | Instagram
A big thank you to Paige for choosing to give back with us. Want to follow her lead? Apply to be a volunteer photographer here.