Now that Spring Break is over, the rest of the school year will feel like it’s all happening in fast forward mode…especially for the seniors.  So many tasks and milestones will be  crammed into just a few short months…studying, prom, finals…everything leading up to graduation.  I love having the opportunity to showcase this period in their lives as they transition from one stage to the next.

Alexa found me by way of her brother and sister-in-law whose wedding I photographed this December.  I had just finished their engagement session when Alexa called to book her own session so I was excited to get to know her before the wedding came around too!  Alexa split her session into morning and evening, which made for such different light!  The morning was extremely overcast and we were afraid it would rain.  But by evening, the sun was screaming and we used it to our advantage :)  We started near my own house and ventured into town from there.

Funny story about the image with the blue flowers:  If you’ve ever seen these things you know they often grow near the side of the road.  As in just barely off the blacktop.  I happened to notice them as we were approaching a stop sign and pulled over .  Now, I should mention before I go any further that Alexa’s mom was present and no one was ever put in danger…..but I did have Alexa lay on the side of the road while her mom watched traffic to be sure that our two parked cars gave her enough protection.  So, there was Alexa laying on her back with me standing over her.  We weren’t there longer than a few minutes before we jumped back in our vehicles to proceed to the next spot…when here comes a police car through the intersection.  Luckily, I knew the officer because he said he had just gotten a call about a woman “laying in a ditch” and the concerned passer by thought she was injured.  Oh Boy.  I think that’s the last time I’ll do any shots like that ;)

LOVED Alexa’s natural curls that she had for the evening session…and oh man, is that light pretty :)

Alexa, I hope the rest of your senior year goes quickly!  Enjoy every single second :)

In light of last night’s big win, I thought today would be the perfect day to blog Maverick’s senior session.  Maverick is one of the outstanding members of this year’s Flying Jets basketball team, who now also hold the title of Sectional Champs!!!!  We watched the game last night from our living room thanks to the live stream (7:30 tip off with two kids who require lots of sleep meant we didn’t go) and an impressive game it was.  This group of boys is a true team.  The talent is obvious but to see how they work together is an added bonus.  My husband was so keyed up watching it that I caught him THREE times actually clapping after an AC shot made…all from the comfort of his recliner ;)

While my kids attend the same school as Maverick, I came to know him from my years working at Gibby’s.  His mom and dad would bring the kids in (Maverick has a younger brother and sister) for our holiday specials and I came to know and look forward to their bleach blonde hair, huge smiles…and wise cracking dad.  Maverick’s dad has a nickname for me…I can’t for the life remember it exactly, but I’m thinking it’s “Blondie.”  And yes, he calls me that for all the reasons you’re thinking of !

We shot most of Maverick’s session in Monroe, something I’ve wanted to do for some time.  Most people wouldn’t think of it as a great place for an entire session but if you follow the pretty light, any location can work!  Maverick’s mom, Kim, also suggested we try a few locations near their home so we took a little field trip to incorporate some locations that had meaning to them as a family.  Along the way, we met up with DAD and the blonde jokes resumed ;)

Being the basketball god that he is, I knew Maverick would want some shots in his uniform so we ended the session back at the school in the very dark locker room!

Maverick, Congratulations on all of your accomplishments thus far!  Looking forward to the next game and seeing how far you boys can go!  I know the entire community is so proud of you already-GO JETS!!!

I cannot believe how far behind I am in blogging…as in…it’s pitiful.  I guess I should just be thankful I’ve been busy enough that I didn’t have time….but I’m just embarrassed!!!!!  So many great clients, sessions and weddings to share with you over the next couple of months…so Let’s Get Started!

Holly was my first senior for the class of 2012.  I shot her sister’s senior pictures a couple of years ago at her home in Huntington so Holly came this way to incorporate a completely different look.  I was thrilled that she agreed to a very early  morning session, especially considering they had a decent drive to get here….but wouldn’t you know it..the day was overcast, gloomy, COLD and drizzly.  I felt terrible dragging Holly out in all of her warm summer outfits but she was a complete trooper under all those shivers and goosebumps, never once complaining.  Heck, I was covered from head to toe in layers and even I was cold!

Holly was so completely comfortable in front of the camera that it allowed us to work rather quickly to try and keep her warm.  She’s a natural for sure!

One good thing about drizzly, stormy days…the wind it provides ;)

Holly, thank you so much for enduring the crazy early Summer weather… Hope your senior year is going well…you’re over half way to the finish line!!