Photo taken by contributor Shelby Hall, a 22-year-old mother from Dallas, Texas. Before her boys were born, she had a difficult relationship with her now fiancé, in part due to his struggles with drug addiction. She suffered from depression through much of their early relationship as a result of being unable to cope. Loving someone with addiction can feel hopeless at times. She felt lost and unsure about who she was, and who she was trying to be. During that rough time in her life she found herself comforted and consoled by her photography. Shelby’s fiancé is now two years sober, and they are wonderfully happy parents. She loves having her photos to look back on. They read like a timeline and you can see the progressions and pitfalls through them all. They also serve as a reminder of how much stronger she and her fiancé are today.

About this photo: “This was from an engagement series I did for two friends of mine in Carrollton, Texas. I don’t do much portrait work, but I LOVED this one. They are a unique couple. They have been in love for years, and they are so secure with each other. Oh and they looooove motorcycles, hence this shot.  I wanted to really work their personal lives into these photos instead of giving them the same old generic poses. I really loved their series and they did too!”

Find more from Shelby at her blog.

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