senior sessions

I have worked with young kids for as long as I can remember.  Cadet teaching, vacation bible schools, babysitting, and summer camps in high school.  Much of college was dedicated to learning how to teach young kids followed by a wonderful start to my career in Kindergarten and middle school.  I love the little ones and have always known that they are where my passion lies.

To be honest, any student over the age of 14 stressed me out!  They have opinions, likes and dislikes, and can read straight through any 'show' you are trying to put on.  I envied my husband for being able to teach and coach high schoolers so naturally.

When I began my venture into photography, I instinctively knew that I wanted to continue my work with young kids.  I had experience with them and they are where I am most comfortable.  I love every minute I get to capture a child's eagerness to learn about the world they are discovering.  There is such a raw joy there.

Over the summer, however, I began considering the possibility of doing some senior portraits.  I text our babysitter, who happened to be a senior this year, and who also happened to be one of my husband's former basketball players.  I was curious if she would be willing to let me take a few 'senior' pictures of her to see if this was something I was interested in doing.  Of course, she willingly obliged and I excitedly (and slightly nervously) got ready for her shoot.  During that session, and the ones that have followed since, I realized a few things:

1. Though there is a distinct age difference between seniors and the younger children I work with in education, there is still a raw eagerness about their world.  Seniors are on the brink of a journey that there is such excitement in.

2. Capturing these moments for a senior is incredible for me.  You can sense the joy about this stage of life and all that is to come.

3. They are quick to relieve my insecurities...they are far more accepting than I gave them credit for!

4. I love that they will sit still and pose how I ask them to! :)  Very different than squirmy two and three year olds!

I say all of this, not only to give an insight into why I hope to continue my senior business and showcase their strengths while capturing an incredible time in their lives, but also to be honest about this journey I am beginning into photography.  I am learning more every day and am so thankful to all of you who have believed in me and encouraged me to continue.  Thanks also to my seniors who have trusted me with this special time!

I leave you with some photos of that first senior session that I hope is only the first of many, many to come!

PS, Isn't she gorgeous!