Archive for the ‘High School Senior’ Category

Last week I met Katelyn for her senior pictures at one of the most gorgeous places in Northwest Ohio: Secor Park. In fact, great minds think alike since  Jennifer was shooting a maternity there the same night.  As we arrived the sunlight was so ablaze and gorgeous as it softly diffused through the last remaining clouds in the sky. You can see in the progression of photos how the light changed so drastically.  Mmmmm…my favorite time to have a camera around my neck is at sundown.  Ok, enough about that, let’s move on to this gorgeous senior girl. Katelyn is extremely intelligent . Intelligent as in she currently is taking college classes at the university.  She is so down to earth at the same time and as you can see, breathtaking.  Not only is she all of these things she is also my cousin  I have had the privilege to watch her grow up and turn into this amazing young woman who really has the world at her fingertips.  Katelyn, I really believe you are a world changer!

What’s that you said Katelyn? I am funny. Why, thank you.

You know you’re getting old when the young people in your life grow up and become an adult themselves.  I have known Eric now for 10 years or so.  He lives in Mansfield, Ohio so everytime I see him he gets taller and more grown up.  Last week I made the trip to Mansfield and Eric and I headed to his arts school to use the piano for a few of his portraits.  While I was setting up Eric sat down and immediately started playing Amazing Grace with a southern twist on it and let me tell you it was amazing in every sense of the word.  I was blown away with Eric’s talent.  He moved into more songs from the Phantom of the Opera and even sang for me too.  Not sure if Eric noticed, but when he was playing Amazing Grace I shed just a small tear thinking of my Grandma that just passed away a few days ago and the fact that she loved that song and would have been equally as blown away by the beautiful music this young man could play.  Eric said he’s been playing since the age of 7 and wants to teach someday.  What an awesome young man I am so privilaged to know and photograph!

Thanks so much Eric for being so willing to share your talent with me.  You have such a gift and I am truely amazed by you.  Thank you for my lunch too. 

Photo booths are all the rage these days so thought we would do our own fun photo booth inspired montage! 

Katie, Katie, Katie.  There is a country song that should play when you go places. This may be before your time but Sammy Kershaw sang, She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful, and if there is someone out there that I could dedicate it to, it would be you.  I knew that one day I would have the honor of photographing you your senior year and it has come a lot quicker than I thought it would.  When I first met you while you were in Jr. High I knew you  were a girl who loved sweatpants,  softball,  family and friends.  I think some things don’t change (except maybe you traded a dress for the sweatpants?)  You deserve the very best that life has to offer you and I know there are a ton of people out there that are cheering you on even if you can’t see them.

Now, this first picture…all I have got to say is…lovely.

Photographing at an old airport hanger has been on my mind for a long time now.  There are actually two in the area and every time I drive by I think what an awesome backdrop for a guy!  It wasn’t until the other day when the owner of our building came in and told us a story that it really inspired me to try and convince someone to see what I see.  The owner of our building (actually there are two, a father/son duo) stopped by the other day to see our improvements and see how things were going at JEM.  As we were talking, I noticed he was wearing a jacket and a hat with an airplane on it.  I asked him about it and was engrossed in his response for the next 20 minutes or so.  He proceeded to tell us that back in the 80’s he flew a single engine plane with a group of other single engine planes around the world!  That’s right, AROUND THE WORLD!!!  I was so amazed and couldn’t stop asking questions.  What an experience!  Right?  Just the listing of stops and places he visited was amazing.  I bet we could spend days together and not hear all the stories.  So that gets me to Derek, a senior at Woodmore High School.  He trusted me enough to meet me at this very old airport hanger for these portraits.  He took all of my instructions so well except the smiling part.  It’s alright Derek!  The straight/tough face looks great on you!!!

 Thanks Derek for letting me be creative with your backdrop and trusting me.  I know you must have questioned the location at least once.  Thanks for bringing your closet of clothes to pick from too.

I have had the pleasure of photographing these two for quite some time now.  Each and every time I’m with them I leave saying, “what nice kids”.  I know they probably hate it when I say that and it makes me sound old, but they really are nice kids.  Meet Danielle and Jonmorgan who both will be graduating from Anthony Wayne High School.  They are fraternal twins and for anyone that knows me I have a special place for them as I have a twin brother also.  We met in downtown Grand Rapids a few weeks ago for what was supposed to be a mini senior session but of course my camera and I get going and I can’t stop myself for getting all these fun shots.  

Jonmorgan I can tell you’re going far in life.  Your personality and sense of humor is awesome and your ability to talk to people is such a great trait.  

Danielle.  Oh Danielle.  You have no idea how beautiful you are.  So there’s this song out there, its called Ohio.  In the song a girl is nicknamed Ohio.   Ever since I’ve heard this song I’ve always wanted to be called Ohio (for those of you who don’t know me, I love nicknames).  Of course I’ve never been called this but I think I’ll pass this nickname on.  You look like an Ohio to me Danielle!!  Don’t worry, it’s a compliment.  An all-american girl with a smile that lights up a room.  Did I just embarrass you?  Ok, I’ll stop now but I’m still calling you Ohio.   

Thank you to both of you.  Have a great time this year!