Real Hero Report | September 2019 | 21
Navy photographer in the Korean War. He had an interview lined
up with National Geographic when he was due to be discharged
because his father had died. His images never made it back to
him, and he never got to interview with National Geographic. But
he never gave up on his love for photography. Instead, he shared
his love with his daughter, which turned into her full-time job in
2012. Prem’s father got to see her work, her studio and how she
shared his love of photography before he passed away in 2013.
Her strong relationship with her father, love for photography
and special heart for servicemembers have guided Prem toward
her legacy project.
She is seeking World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War
veterans to participate in the legacy project. At no cost to the
veterans or their families, Prem will customize the photoshoot
for each veteran, which can include items special to them or their
service to their country. Or, the image simply can be a portrait of
them at this stage of life. Prem will give each veteran the digital
print.
“Older people tend not to have portraits of themselves,”
Prem said. “When they pass on, it’s only then that their families
begin to realize they have no legacy portrait to leave to the next
generations. Providing these images gives families something to
keep and share about their family’s war hero.”
Prem has had the honor
of photographing veterans
over the years, including an
image (shown right) of the
late World War II veteran
Chester Reeves and Woodstock
who was featured by the
U.S. Department of Justice
after a nationwide contest
for community policing. Her
photography work of veterans
also is featured at various local
establishments.
The legacy project, in
particular, is leaving a lasting
impression on families that they weren’t expecting, including Peg
Crotty.
Crotty knows just how special this project can be, and it
all started with a happenstance meeting at a Marine Corps
Detachment event.
Prem was photographing the event, and Crotty’s father, John
Lewis Schoenecker, Jr., was the Marine Corps veteran who had
the honor of presenting the cake at the Marine Corps Ball.
“She told me about her legacy project and asked if I would be
interested in having photos of my dad and I said, ‘Of course I
would,’” Crotty said, adding that the process was easy and all she
had to do was make the appointment.
That now-cherished photo was taken shortly before
Schoenecker’s 96th Birthday. He passed away Feb. 5, 2018, at the
age of 97.
The photo now adorns Crotty’s nightstand, and every time she
sees it, she sees more than just a photo.
“Darleen captured the essence of my father. He was a gentle,
quiet and unassuming man who loved his family. She caught the
essence of the life on his face,” Crotty said.
While unplanned, Prem also photographed Crotty and her
father together – an image she says she treasures to this day.
“Sometimes there are no words to describe how much
the words,” Crotty said. “I am honored to know Darleen and be
a part of her legacy project. My family and I will always be so
appreciative.”
Like every other veteran and family who have been a part
of Prem’s legacy project, Crotty did not pay a dime for this
cherished image that has now been reproduced so family
members can enjoy it as well, including the remaining generations
“Doing these portraits is a labor of love I give to those who
have given. They come from my heart and not only leave a legacy
of my work but a legacy to the families for future years to come,”
Prem said.
Most photoshoots are done in Prem’s Woodstock studio,
however, if mobility is an issue, she will travel to the veteran.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Darleen Prem
Photography at 770-354-0675 or email darleenprem@gmail.com.
Above, Schoenecker
holding his
wedding photo.
Right, Photographer
Darleen Prem
link