As I do, I LOVE creating bespoke songs for clients friends and family. As a new friend, I felt led to do so for our dear Cristal. The lyrics: [Title: Both sides of the lens] [Short instrumental intro] [Verse 1] [Intimate storytelling; light accompaniment] Los Angeles to Tokyo A different world outside the frame Before she stood behind the lens She was the face before her name A photograph could hold a moment But life kept moving past the pose Then came a scene, a part to play Another chapter to unfold [Chorus] [Open the arrangement; warm backing harmonies] On both sides of the lens There’s a life no frame can hold From the face inside the picture To the stories she would tell With her boundless energy There’s always something to begin And her story keeps unfolding On both sides of the lens [Verse 2] [Bring the rhythm forward; animated delivery] A hot dog stand, a birthday scene The skateboard ramp, a passing face In “Free Fallin’,” there was Cristal A moment time would not erase But that was just one early chapter There were other things to try Beyond the edges of the picture More than meets a passing eye [Chorus] [Fuller accompaniment; keep the lead clear] On both sides of the lens There’s a life no frame can hold From the face inside the picture To the stories she would tell With her boundless energy There’s always something to begin And her story keeps unfolding On both sides of the lens [Verse 3] [Pull back slightly; build through the verse] Now she stands behind the camera With someone new before the lens And all those years inside the picture Find another life again With every angle, every setting Her boundless energy comes through Once the face within the photograph Now she shapes another view [Bridge] [Strip back to voice and gentle accompaniment; gradually rebuild] Now someone takes their place before her Unsure of what the lens will see She brings the light, she brings the laughter Makes room for possibility And all those years become a doorway

🎂💕 And What a Year It’s Been! 📸✨ Today is my birthday, and I’ve been reflecting on this past year and just how much my life has changed. If you had told me a year ago that I would be running my own online photography community, meeting incredible people from all over the world, and photographing people without ever having to leave my home, I don’t know if I would have believed you! I’ve been a photographer for over 20 years, but I never imagined that technology would allow me to take something I’ve loved my entire life and share it with people across the globe. And yet, here we are! ❤️ What started as a love for capturing beautiful images has turned into something so much bigger. I’ve had the privilege of helping people see themselves in a whole new light. I’ve watched confidence grow right before my eyes. I’ve seen people light up when they see their photographs, sometimes in ways they never expected. And somewhere along the way, something else happened. I found my people. This community has brought so many wonderful human beings into my life. People from different countries, different backgrounds, different walks of life, all coming together to learn, create, encourage, and support one another. Some of you started as members, some became clients, and so many of you have become friends. And that means more to me than you could ever know. At 58 years young, I’m not slowing down. If anything, I feel like I’m just getting started! I’m learning, growing, creating, publishing, dreaming bigger, and discovering new possibilities every single day. And the most beautiful part? I get to wake up every morning and do something I absolutely love. That’s a gift I don’t take for granted. So today, on my birthday, I want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting me with your photographs. Thank you for sharing your stories, your smiles, your encouragement, and your friendship. You’ve made this past year one I’ll never forget. Here’s to another year of beautiful faces, incredible connections, new adventures, and dreams we haven’t even imagined yet.

Meet Scott Suttr, author of The Boy and the Log, with two exciting new book releases coming soon! 📚 I had the pleasure of working with Scott again during a LIVE Remote Photography Session, capturing lifestyle photographs that reflect his personality and adventurous spirit! From Hollywood to Australia, bringing professional photography right to your doorstep! ❤️📸

@Mike LeBlanc, thank you so much for creating this incredible song for all of us! 🥰❤️ It's four minutes long, and every minute is worth listening to! 🎵 I love seeing how you bring people together through your music and creativity. What a wonderful gift to share with everyone! Everybody, turn up the volume, push PLAY, and enjoy! 🎧🎶 Thank you, Mike! You're amazing! 💥 I would absolutely LOVE to use short clips from your song in the short videos I'm creating for my photography business, like this one! 🎬📸 https://substack.com/@mikeleblancusa/note/p-220731956?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=70e601