It’s not very often that I get terribly personal on this blog. But, tonight I am. Forgive me…I know this isn’t what you’re here for…but, please indulge me. Today was hard…and tonight I’m writing just for me. My little brother, Tommy Eaton, was killed in a car accident 13 years ago today. March 29, 1996....
Monthly Archives: March 2009
Tommy…Baseball…13 Years…& No Regrets… | Sandi Bradshaw |
i am so sorry you lost your brother. that post just made me cry and my little one (who is refusing to sleep) is staring at me. i am going to go to her right now and hug her.
Sandi – I remember your brother’s accident. I didn’t realize who you are until now. I work with several people who knew your mom (and one of them sent me you!) and I remember how terrible it was. I am so sorry for your loss. You may never know how many people you just touched by opening your heart. Keep his memory alive and you will be together some day – forever. And remember the lesson and keep the priorities you’ve already set with your kids and your family! No regrets though…
Sandy, This is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your heart. God spoke through you to remind me to set my priorities right for this brand new week.
Sandy, I have been so moved by your posting, and I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sure you heart is still as heavy as it was 13 years ago. Your brother seems like he was an amazing brother and person! I have 2 brothers; one with whom I’m very close, and one that I don’t really have a relationship with. Reading this makes me want to call him and have a relationship with him so badly. You just never know if life.
Thank you for sharing your story! I’m not sure if this day will ever get easier for you, but know there are many people praying for your family, and your brother has made a difference!
Hi Sandi. This is an incredible post and video dedicated to Tommy. You should never apologize for getting personal here on your blog. One of the things I am learning is that our blogs are great outlets for us, but it also allows for our clients past, present, and future to get to know who we are as individuals, not just the person holding the camera. Thank you for this great reminder to cherish family. Have a blessed week.
Sandi, Thank you for sharing your memories…I have a feeling that Uncle Tommy is in heaven playing ball with the greats that have gone before! You are a precious person and big sister to remember him so fondly and keep his memory and drive alive!
Blessings to you and your family!
Michell
sandi, that is an amazing post. thanks for sharing that with all of us. family is everything!
Sandi, your video and post was very heartfelt. Tommy was such an amazing person all-around and brought so much joy to anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. He is in my thoughts quite often these days, with Case now playing real baseball. Thank you for sharing. All my blessings to you and your family!
Sandi,
Thank you for sharing the deep sadness you feel. I can’t begin to imagine the depths of sorrow that kind of loss brings. Your brother was so handsome, and doubtless loved you just as much as you loved him. What a blessing that you can know for sure that you will be with him in heaven someday! I’m sure that it brings a measure of peace to your family, but may not soften the pain of today. I appreciate the reminder to hug those who we love. Thankfully, three of them are here with me today, as everyday, and I’m going to do just that. You’re an inspiration in so many ways.
Sandi, Tom, Wanda and Boys — My heart and tears to out to you, because after 13 years I am still crying. Today is my 13th wedding anniversary. It was 13 years ago today that we gave a moment of silence and remembrance to Tommy and your family at my wedding because you could not attend. On the most beautiful day of my life you were dealing with the most tragic moment of your life. I felt so selfish up there knowing you were struggling with the loss of Tommy. I remember my mom waking me up on my wedding day to tell me my fiance really needed to talk to me, even though he was not supossed to see me yet. I said “No”…he can’t see me. She said yes, he has to. He was ready to take on the strength of being a husband a few hours early, because he knew he had to be the one to tell me personally what had happened to your family. We cried. What I do know is that my wedding anniversary is a much more special day of thankfulness and meaning. There is sadness, but sadness that makes me appreciate life so much more for I know how fragile it is. I love you and thank you for allowing me to be part of your family. I commend you for being able to share your raw feelings…so all can heal. Thank you. Love, Kriss Barroco and Family
I just came across your work on beyond, your seniors are amazing I love the your composition, and choice of locations.
aloha,
Yes, my friend, I am very inspired to hug and love on the ones I love today. Thank you for this beautiful post. My heart aches for you and your family. I shared Tommy’s story and pics with C and he said, ‘Did he know Jesus?’ YEP! Eternity will be glorious!
Sandi, thank you for sharing about Tommy. I can’t even imagine what that kind of tragedy must be like. He sounds like he was such a special person and I am so very sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful post and video tribute to your brother. I can’t even imagine not having one of my siblings…
I can’t begin to tell you all how overwhelmed I feel by your sweet comments today. I went to bed last night feeling so sad and I woke up this morning to an outpouring of love here, on Facebook, and in many, many personal emails. I haven’t even had a chance to reply to the emails yet. I just wanted to say thank you all…your sweet words of encouragement have made today so much easier than yesterday. Blessings to you all! XOXO, S
Girl, thinking about you and your family. I know how much you miss him, and hope you feel comforted knowing he is still here with you! Hugs!
Wow, what a heart breaking story, yet beautiful tribute to your brother. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Sending prayers your way…
Sandi, We definitely also consider ourselves to be a little “cooler” because we knew Tommy! When I read your loving tribute to him, I found myself saying “Yep, that was Tommy” You shared a very personal side of you because like all of us, you just want people to know what an amazing brother you were so blessed to have! My favorite story about Tommy was when he wrote ME a thank you note for sharing Ross with the team. Mind you…this thank you note was written without his parents even knowing! What kind of a senior in high school does this? One of the most thoughtful, caring, loving, spiritual kids I have ever had the pleasure of knowing-Tommy! He made such an impact on our lives that when our son was born; we had to use Thomas as his middle name! We know if our son grows up to be anything like Tommy, we will be VERY, VERY proud. When Riley is on that baseball field and he is behind the plate catching, I always think of Tommy and I know he is watching Riley with a big smile on his face! (URN IGN) Once again, thank you for sharing your love for your brother and to remind all of us to cherish every moment we have on this earth! I took flowers to Tommy’s gravesite the other day (I usually take a baseball too) and when I left, I could not help but think of how proud Tommy must be of his big sis and his amazing parents! We will never forget Tommy, he will always have a special place in our hearts and we know there are many others who would say the same. Thanks again for sharing. Love, J.and R.
Sandi…I remember you telling me about Tommy over lunch a couple of months ago. This post was SO touching to me. Right now I have a nearly 19 year old brother that we always used to call “Bubba”…I am in tears after watching the video & reading your tribute. What an amazing person he was. I will now go hug my little brother the next time I see him. Life is short, but I know you WILL see Tommy again. (((hugs)))
Sandi,
Thank you so much for sharing this. Your story really touched me. I can’t imagine how painful this must be for your family. Thank you for you beautiful words and the lesson we can all learn when we hear of a story like this. Time is so precious!!
Sandi- I’m so sorry. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, I can’t imagine how hard something like that would be. Your video tribute was beautiful.
sandi….what a tragedy for you to lose your only sibling…but a what a joyous reunion you will have in heaven. I am saddened for your loss and enjoyed reading more about your sweet brother.
Oh Sandi, I am so very, very, sorry about the loss of your brother. I just watched the beautiful video you made of him and you can just tell how sweet he was. He was so handsome too! I can’t imagine your heartache. I have a brother too and the thought of losing him, it’s too much to bare. And as a mom, the sorrow I feel in my heart for your parents losing their child is overwhelming. God bless you and your whole family Sandi. You will hug your brother again someday!!!
Thank you for sharing such a personal story with us… your entry made me emotional and deserved to, especially since I noticed your brother and I were born the same year, only days apart. I hope there is solace in knowing that his memory will not be forgotten, and makes what we do each day as photographers that much more significant. God bless.
This is so moving… I’m glad you shared it and that you have video of him. It would be great to see a picture if you felt like sharing one. Big hug out to you! XOXOXO
Oh Sandi. I am so sorry. Thank you so much for sharing your heart like this. You and your brother are gifts to us all, reminding us that we can’t ever take life for granted.
Sandi I am so sorry that you, your family and friends had to go through such a terrible ordeal. I can’t imagine how horrible it must be to loose a sibling or let alone a child for your parents. I wish you and your family all the best and clearly not only are you an AMAZING photographer but you are also an extraordinary person. Be strong.
hi sandi, i am sending a BIG HUG to YOU NOW.
thanks for sharing this story. i lift you and your family in prayer!
love, tricia
Thank you for sharing your story. He sounds like he was a wonderful person who really got the most out of his 19 years. I am so sorry you lost him at such an early age.
I was 4 yrs old when my brother died. It’s been over 30 yrs yet I still think of him daily so I completely understand.
Do not regret that you didn’t hug him that night. He knows that you love him.
Amen to you seeing him in heaven someday. Thanks for sharing.
[...] a catcher for the AZ Diamondbacks…and I have a special fondness for catchers since my brother Tommy was also a catcher. This maternity session was so much fun to do…so many creative ideas that [...]
no boys allowed sneak peek {#2}… | Phoenix Senior Portraits | Sandi Bradshaw |

Seriously…I’m having so much fun editing the pictures from the No Boys Allowed session last weekend. Miss M has been so much fun to get to know…as well as her lovely family. So…I have to take a minute to thank M’s mom, E…because she came along on our road trip to help and I was...
10 comments
these are stunning. i wish i could’ve been there, it’s almost depressing me…
Sandy – you are ROCKIN’ these urban sessions…seriously, you are amazing…love seeing your new work!
Very nice work Sandi… What a beautiful girl you got to photograph. Look forward to seeing more.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your locations!!!! They are so raw and rugged and then beauty in the midst of it all.
Thank you for sharing!
M
SPECTACULAR!!!!
Fantastic images. Stunning model. Can’t wait to see the next session.
Sandi, these are just stunning! You have such a creative eye and the way you process your work is so amazing. You truly are an artist
This is some of the most stunning senior work I’ve ever seen. I’ve been following your blog for a while, but have never commented, but I couldn’t NOT comment on these. I am just totally wowed, and your model is gorgeous!
Awesome. Seriously awesome. The first and last are stand outs!
Wow! Every single one is stunning.
no boys allowed sneak peek {#1}…| Scottsdale Senior Photographer | Sandi Bradshaw |

Here begins the onslaught of sneak peeks from several lovely ladies who participated in my No Boys Allowed modeling project. I’m soooo excited for the final project to be completed…but, in the meantime I am having so much fun editing the girls’ pictures. We had such a blast on Sunday and I’m so excited to...
15 comments
These photos are AMAZING Sandi! I love them all but that third one is my absolute FAVE! What a great location and beautiful model!
I love these! The one in the yellow chair is awesome! She looks great, and it looks like you had fun!
Oh my Sandi, these are GORGEOUS and talk about a BEAUTIFUL model, she is just lovely!!!
I love each one of these! Not only is the girl beautiful, but your photographs are gorgeous! Great job Sandi!!
Holy cow, these are amazing!!! I love the one in the yellow chair. Absolutely gorgeous!
gorgeous girl and gorgeous locations! what fun… I love your PP.
Beautiful! I will be tuning in all week!
What a gorgeous girl…beautiful!
I can’t pic a favorite. They are all so awesome and the location is fab. The model is gorgeous. Man.. no boys allowed for sure. Only pretty girls!
Sandi – These are GORGEOUS – your models are GORGEOUS as well!
What a fun project – LOVE the “No Boys Allowed” theme.
Girl Power!
Love the variety & could your model be any more beautiful?!
The 3rd one is my favorite.
sandi does it again!! girl, these are amazing – right out of a fashion magazine!
These are beautiful, great job Sandi, love the chair one too, model is stunning has such a timeless look:)
Ahh this turned out beautiful!!!
She is such a sweet girl and looks so beautiful:)
LOVE IT!
Love the one with the yellow chair… so cool!!! Nice job and thanks for continuing to inspire…
Just {one} more… | Gilbert Child Photographer | Sandi Bradshaw |

I just had the MOST amazing time yesterday! I spent the whole day with a wonderful group of girls for my super spectacular “No Boys Allowed” project! I could not have had a better time with these awesome girls who were so much fun to hang out with…and so easy going…and SOOOO gracious about the...
4 comments
Neat location shot! It’s like a kiddie version of senior photos. How original!
Sandi, this is amazing. Thank you for sharing! Love all the colors and the car rocks. Your pp is PERFECT!
I love this!
This is my favorite picture of him ever!
photog saturday (just ask!) … | Modern Photography, Phoenix | Sandi Bradshaw |

Sorry for the day-late-post…but, my oldest son got home from a week long trip yesterday and so we spent the whole afternoon and evening together as a family and I never got around to my Photog Friday post…so you’re getting yet another Photog Saturday post! Today’s photography tip is super simple…JUST ASK! Seriously…don’t be shy,...
6 comments
Beautiful! Wonderful! So inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Sandi, those images are so great. Funny you should write this post today. Tomorrow, I am doing just that, visiting “Uncle Bob” as the town calls him to ask if I can shoot on his property in April. Question, did you use a flash on the second image, and what actions, if any, did you use. Have a great rest of the weekend.
Thanks ladies!
Tira – to answer your question, no, I did not use flash on the 2nd image…I really don’t use flash unless it is absolutely necessary. And…as far as actions go, I only use my own and rarely at that…but, there were no actions used on either of these images.
WOW – these are GORGEOUS! Love the urban type processing you did on these – can’t wait to see the ones of your other sons
)
These are crazy good pics! You totally have to go back with the other 2 boys.
I do this all the time!!! – that is drive by things and wish I could shoot there. Thanks for the encouragement to just ask! And of course these are amazing images. Love the light, colors, sharpness, everything.
Carrie



31 comments