04/02/2025
"Like It Was Yesterday" – A Story of Love, Loss, and Life
When I first set out to create this image, it was meant to be a family heirloom to honor my husband’s 95-year-old grandpa, Neil, and the love of his life, Barbara, whom he lost nine years ago. But somewhere along the way, it became so much more.
Neil still talks about her, still writes songs about her, still remembers her like it was yesterday. So I wanted to create a visual representation of that—of how love never fades, even when time moves forward.
In this image, he stands looking into a mirror. But instead of his reflection, he sees a memory of himself and his wife in the 1950s, young and full of life. The photos on the wall beside him show the life they built together, from their wedding day to her in later years.
This is not a composite image—it was photographed all in one single capture, a goal to push my creative boundaries and abilities. To bring this vision to life, my husband and I stepped into the roles of his memory. I even made my husband shave his beloved beard and wear a wig to match the era (he was a great sport about it!).
What started as a deeply personal project became a universal story—one that resonates with everyone who has ever loved, lost, or longed for one more moment with someone they cherish. It speaks to the fleeting nature of time, the beauty of memories, and the way love endures even when life changes.
I’m incredibly honored that just last week, Like It Was Yesterday received a Silver Medal in the World Photographic Cup, helping the United States win the 2025 World Cup! It was also awarded First Place in Group Portrait at the prestigious Icon Awards in Las Vegas. To have this image recognized on such a global stage is truly humbling, but the most meaningful part is knowing how deeply it resonates with so many.
And of course, we remind Grandpa Neil that he’s now a famous international underwear model 😆
May we all love like this, remember like this, and hold on to the moments that matter. ❤️
