My 100th Post!!!!

Wow!!! 100 posts! Each time I create a new post, it will inform me of what number post I'm on. I didn't realize I was going to hit the 100 mark when I logged in tonight to update the blog with Tabby's Fall Senior photo session. It seems fitting, as Tabby was my guinea pig for much of my beginning work. She was always there to help me try out a new idea.

Tab just turned 18. Wow. I remember the quiet, reserved, 12 year old I met on a hot July afternoon. I've been so lucky to watch her grow up and to be a part of her life. Oh how I love this girl. I want so badly to inject her with every ounce of knowledge I've gained from the mistakes I've made. But, as it always goes, I know she has to make them on her own. I know she has to grow up. I know she'll do so beautifully. She already has. These photos represent so much.

Her wonder...where her future is going....

That eye contact....she's not afraid of anyone. She's determined to make her life as she wants it.

That smile...that laugh. The contrast between the woman she has become, and the childlike quality of the moment. I hope she laughs everyday.

I found this quote tonight, and it is a lovely snippet of advice.

“Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Tabby, I love you to pieces. Follow your heart. Listen to that voice inside. Smile.


**click to view larger**

Merry Christmas!!

These sisters are two of my favorite girls! These are photos are for their Christmas Cards.

Another Wonderful Family!!

This was the largest, immediate family that I've photographed. It really helped that I knew almost all of them (this is where teaching/photographing children really pays off! :D )

Jade was my student last year and when he was in 2nd grade (while I was student teaching)! I've grown very close to him and gotten to know his family quite well, so it was awesome to take their family photos. Much love to all of you!!

I just love this one. hehe

Favorite!!

Love this girl!

Jordan, you are awesome! I had such a good time with you and your Mom. You made my job a complete breeze! Thanks for being up for all my crazy ideas and letting me do whatever I wanted for your photos. I don't know how many times I said "Ok, you're going to think I'm crazy, but.....". Not only was it a perfect afternoon for photos, they treated me to Starbucks on the way home! Thanks so much for that treat, Julie! Love me some Starbucks!!!

Oh, and by the way.... this girl has the *best* taste in clothes. ;)

What a POSER!! - In a GOOD WAY!! lol

Wow!! Did Julie ever come prepared for her Senior photo shoot! I was blown away by this girl! I had taken her photos back when I did the Kouts Cheerleaders' photos. I was expecting the bubbly, sweet cheerleader to give me.....well, sweet, bubbly like poses. Was I ever wrong! This girl came to her session RAVING about Jesh De Rox, and my jaw dropped. This girl knew her photography stuff! Jesh is an ah-MAZ-ing photographer that I look up to, so you can imagine I started sweating the session just a bit. How could I ever live up to that?!?!? I kept reminding myself that she hired *me*, and I would be fine. Seriously, take a look at Jesh's site if you have awhile to be awed by an amazing photographer. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about him as a person, too. His work is simply lovely.

Julie came into the session knowing that she wanted something different than the traditional senior poses. We did get some of those, but I stretched myself creatively thanks to her giving me the go ahead to do as I pleased. She had really looked around online at posing, and I barely gave her any direction. She knew how to work it!! Julie, I hope you love them. The gallery will be up soon!!!