In the spirit of having been photographed with my family by John Michael Cooper as per his Roadside Families pay it forward concept, I’m reminded of the simple principles of life as a Senior Photographer; it’s truly more blessed to give then to receive. John’s travels across the US documenting the likes of us photographers is truly in giving spirit. Us shooters are commonly left out of images and often our own families’ lives as a part of their history and legacy. I know from experience {albeit I know that I way more appreciate being behind a lens then in front of it!} that I am most definitely left out of pics. It’s time. Every year is time and so it should be! Our family memories immortalized by a tangible piece….a print…….(not a disc) is so important to the family legacy.
All the years I’ve been shooting, I’m at a point where I just want to be inspired, moved, enlightened. I’m seeking it. I don’t want to shoot something just to ‘take a picture’ or just to be paid for the assignment or event. I want my clients to move me & artistically enhance who I am as a person and in almost a voyeuristic way, give my audience an inside view into who I am as a person and how I see them as clients. All the paths I cross in this life, good & bad(there truly are no bads if you understand and embrace the potential for growth), shape who I am as a person and this Senior session was no different.
Holly is a dear neighbor/friend of mine, often acts as an assistant to me, and my regular bookkeeper for the studio. We often find ourselves in deep meaningful conversations about life. Holly told me the story of Dawn(a good friend and fellow church member) who is suffering from a rare debilitating condition. The Mom of three, Josh is her oldest. The Clayton High School Senior is a former member of the football team and decided in his Senior to give up football so he could be more involved with his church being a positive role model. He is a leader in his very large church youth group & Holly tells me of stories of how all the kids are all over him & look up to him. Joshs’ story is endearing, full of faith & hope, and yet I know intrinsically that there are serious days at hand. He’s certainly has had some tough days already. I was needless to say moved to give back to this family.
Going into the session I might add that I had some anxieties that the tone may be very hard to work around knowing the sentimental factor behind it. Boy was I in for a treat!!! Life is full of surprises. Joshs’ energy is nothing, but pure light, exuberance, & humor! I was instantly drawn to what he had to bring to this session and I laughed my ass off the entire time! I’m a jokester at heart so we just let it roll! The giveback this day was laughter……much needed and lots of it!
I’m fairly certain the pics below tell the story of Josh in his Senior year as he was……and is!
Shake -n- Bake, Josh! God Bless & prayers to you Dawn!
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Not quite! Actually, the ‘Triple S’ senior opted to forego her senior class ring in order to have a session with me. All too flattering! Made me want to work extra hard for her. She is a casually fun girl with a little edge which came by way of a few shots we snapped with her looking like a biker chick with her dad’s Harley!
Best wishes in your senior year, Jessie!
S~
Becky came to me with several ideas for her senior portrait session. It was important to her to incorporate pieces of her in her senior year.
An avid equestrian and flautist, she came well prepared for her session. Yes, she brought the flute but she did not bring the horse! We paid a quick visit to her family farm afterward for some pictures with her horses. A ham and a half, and I believe to be a pin-up model from a former life, she was easy to work with and her images reflect that.
Best wishes to you in your senior year, Becky!
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Sweet Caroline, bah, bah, bah! Can’t help but get Neil Diamond’s classic in my head when I think of her! She is truly sweet.
The Triple ‘S’ High School Senior(short for Smithfield-Selma Senior High) and tennis star was an absolute dream to work with. She was quietly confident and well dressed; game for anything. We opted in shooting the local scene in downtown Smithfield and rounded out the session close to sunset on the Riverwalk & then took it back to studio for some more glam pics in a dressier number.
Caroline has her sights set on UNC as her days at Triple ‘S’ are winding down. I wish her nothing, but a wonderful Senior year.
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So glad Laura and her Mom had passed by my new studio and thought enough to give me a call. During our consult I learned that Laura is on her homecoming court and was really looking forward to some fun and fresh pictures. They employed the help also of one of my makeup artists, Page Berse of About Face Makeup artistry. Laura opted for a slightly enhanced look as far as her makeup went, yielding a very natural look. Pretty girl doesn’t need much anyway.
The Senior at Smithfield-Selma is a first for my new studio and a first the high school. I look forward to serving more area high school seniors.
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OK, these senior sessions have me all fired up. They are so fun. Renna, my latest senior and a referral from Jordan(one of my other seniors), arrived on set in Clayton well-equipped. Her Mom’s large utility vehicle was a pseudo mobile closet. Can’t begin to imagine her own closet at home! What is it with us girls and our closet spaces and our need to keep them filled and fresh?
Renna opted for the Walk of Fame session. It allowed her the opportunity to express herself through many wardrobe changes in up to three hours. We had glam time strolling through the downtown area as well as in a local field.
One of the things I loved about Renna was her ability to open up during the session and to allow her vulnerability and beauty shine through. Oh, did I mention her crystal blue gorgeous eyes? Mylanta! Couldn’t get any prettier. Just remarkable, Renna!
