Update: I’ve entered this image in a contest.. if you’d like to cast your vote for it, go to this link: http://facesphotocontest.com/bin/Rate?image_id=1009400362

My favorite image from 2009 gains that distinction not just because it is a compelling photograph with a strong sense of story and emotion.. its also deeply personal to me. My dear friend Lar was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2008. She had me do her photo several times during the course of treatment, but none were as emotional as making this image in May in the middle of her chemotherapy. Lar is an amazingly beautiful woman with piercing blue eyes and its those same eyes that are so penetrating here, full of strength and sadness and pain all at once.

She was a Godsend to my wife this year, who was diagnosed with cancer – lymphoma – herself in March. She was able to help with advice and commiseration. They are both cancer free now and ready to put this nightmare year behind them.. another reason to post this image today.

Photography info: This is shot with a dark room for a background and in a room with two skylights above and south facing windows. An off camera fill flash to camera right was used to fill in shadows and get a small catchlight. Shot with a 70-200 2.8L wide open.