GROWING UP // SENIOR / CHELSEA

Growing up is weird. It's new. Exciting. Scary. Difficult at times, easier at others.

Watching your younger siblings growing up is a whole 'nother playing field.
My little sister is a senior high-school graduate? What???
There are days where I wish I could stop everything I'm doing, go shopping, play worship, act silly with her for hours on end... time just moves too fast. I truly feel it slipping from my hands.

All I know is that I couldn't be more proud of the young woman she's become.

//

Chelsea,
It's a good thing you're not oober emotional like me and mom, because I can't stop crying as I write this letter to you. Our relationship has fluctuated over the years, both of us trying to figure out this thing called life--who we are, our dreams, God's dreams, [boys]... we've been through a lot. I mean it when I say that one of my greatest desires in life is to continue to get closer to you as we grow older. You're my only sister and you'll always have a special place in my heart. I pray that with each year we are able to get closer... becoming more and more like best friends. I really am SO PROUD of you. I can't believe you're a senior... can't believe you're 18 years old. It's just nuts. You're amazing at everything you do... you've far surpassed me on piano skills, and I swear you could master the guitar in one month if you tried. Pretty much, I swear you could do anything if you tried. I love your silliness, your sleepiness ;), and how incredibly talented you are. But more than anything, I love your heart. You've always been so real, yet so pure-hearted. You are a rock--one of the strongest girls I've ever met. I want nothing but God's absolute best for you. I'm certain He's equipped you for all of the road ahead, and no matter what that entails, know that I am proud of you. That I'm here for you. And that I will always be your sister and friend. I love you more than you could know!

//

Here are a few of my favorites from Chelsea's Senior Session.
Enjoy, friends.

ONE FRAME // ANDY

With all the lovely ladies featured on the blog lately, I figured it would be refreshing to have a handsome face take the spotlight for a bit.

This is Andy. He's a senior. And he's awesome.

//

Enjoy, friends.

SPRING! // Ashli at Pineola Farms

So, every now and then I get a creative itch. Be it pinterest-inspired, seasonally inspired, or magazine inspired... it just springs up and I must quench it.

This time I was inspired by Spring brights and local blooms and--well--red heads. If I'm honest, the genetic attributes I would have requested from the Lord include red hair and fair skin. I've always been a fan.

And on that note, Ashli was the perfect model for this session. She was so natural in front of the camera... in as much to be willing to stand in the midst of bees and gnats to get the lovely floral shots (the things which often seem glamorous and effortless typically have a really entertaining back-story). And God's creation couldn't have been more accommodating... although I feel like that's the wrong wording.
He's amazing.

//

Ashli,
Thank you for trusting this random friend-of-friends to capture you impromptu on a warm, gnat-filled Spring day. I have to say that amidst all of the nuances that the warmth of Georgia brings, the evening was entirely enjoyable and so very successful. You are stunning. Your personality was vivacious and contagious--I loved getting to know you a bit! I look forward to the photo opportunities to come. Best of luck as you finish up school (yay!). Thanks for embarking on this new friendship.
//

Enjoy, friends.

SENIOR // KRISTA

It was that day in February. Perfect light breeze. Sun streaming through the trees. The hint of Spring in the air.

We really couldn't have asked for a better day for Krista's session. Pineola Farms, one of my absolute favorite Georgia venues, offered so many sunlit areas and displayed the fabulously vibrant green grass that my wintered-heart longed for. With Krista's mom and sister (whose wedding I shot back in September!) along for the session, we really just had an enjoyable afternoon of catching up, laughter, and--of course--taking pictures.

Krista's ease in front of the camera was remarkable. I was squealing and jumping (as is the norm on a sunny day) within the first 10 frames. I loved every. single. shot. (You will too!)

//

Krista,
I am so glad to have gotten the opportunity to capture such a pivotal season of your life as a young woman. You radiate such an organic joy... even when prompted to laugh, it never seemed forced. I can only imagine that you are just one of those people who leave you in a better mood than when you came... you're certain to bring happiness to many new friends in the years to come. I absolutely believe that you have a warm, bright future ahead of you. Keep your heart surrendered to the Lord. He knows what's best more than we could ever hope to. Enjoy the rest of Senior year and best of luck as you start this journey of life!
//

Enjoy, friends.

I HEART SENIORS // VALENTINES DAY SPECIAL / KRISTA SENIOR SNEAK PEEK

I recently shot one of my {absolute} favorite Senior Sessions to date. Seriously, my seniors are just incredible.

Hands-down, Seniors, you are in my top 2 favorite to photograph (can we all guess what #1 is?). Because of you, and FOR you, I want to offer this steal-of-a-deal to a lucky 10 seniors.

Here are the rules:
1. Send me a picture of yourself that you love. Whether a "profile pic", cell phone pic, or another professional picture, I want to see how you love yourself. Maybe send me a picture in your favorite outfit or with your favorite people.
2. Include your phone number/preferred e-mail in the message. I want to get to know you and your style!
3. Let me know what date between FEBRUARY 27 and MARCH 17 works for you. (Some dates will not be available due to pre-scheduled weddings/sessions). We'll figure it out.
4. You will be notified no later than FEBRUARY 20th if you have made the top 10 applicants.

YOU MUST APPLY BY MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18th TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE CONTEST.

//

Now, for the absolutely lovely Sneak Peek of Krista's Senior Session:

SENIOR SESSION // NIKKI

Nikki's a girl after my own heart. She has the most adorable thrift store wardrobe, has a true appreciation for art, and amazes me every time we talk with some kind of incredible wisdom on some particular subject. She's inspiration personified.

I was so stoked when she showed up to the session in this adorable mens-shirt-turned-bow-halter. It was one of those random warm days in a cold week, and she was able to wear the adorable halter, then change into a cozier wardrobe of sweater+jacket.

//

Nikki, from the first encounter of you, I knew you'd continue to be a bundle of ridiculous inspiration. And you are. With every conversation, picture, Facebook check-in, I find myself learning something new and wonderful (or challenging) about the world, faith, art, etc. Not to mention, you have an impeccable taste in music and the like. You are one cool kid. More than anything, what I seriously admire about you is your solidarity of faith. You stand so firmly on what you believe, what you know, what you're learning--your strength is contagious. I'm confident in saying you've challenged me through almost everyone of our conversations. Don't stop being you... whatever that means. ;)

//