Glow

I love a girl who glows.  And let's face it, it's almost impossible to get to that point throughout high school.  Too much change, in yourself and around you, all the time.  It's so hard to get to a point where you know yourself well enough to get good and comfortable and just, glow.

Sweet Hailey got there.  It's the end of her senior year and she's found herself.  She knows what she likes, she knows what she'd rather not be around, she knows she's strong and can do hard things.  She's not afraid to make eye contact with you, me, or anyone else because she knows she's got it.  That glow.  

They Had Me At Suspenders

I am always very humbled when it works out that I get to photograph a large, extended family.  First, I know that everyone knows at least one great photographer so it's hard for everyone to settle on just one.  Then to get everyone in one place at one time pretty much requires an act of Congress.  Then get everyone in some clothes that actually look unified, and wait, cute?!  Now you're just talking crazy. 

But when it's all said and done, it's really a beautiful thing.  Because I've been in Grandma's house with my oldest son and watched him stare at that huge family photo and hear him ask, "That's me as a baby?!  And that's my cousin as a 2 year old?  Look how much hair Uncle Scott had!  And that's Uncle Brent before he went to heaven?"  And having that conversation in front of that picture, that is worth every ounce of endurance, patience, and investment.

Thank you, Butler Family.  So grateful I got to be a part of that big party of pictures.    

No Joke

When do you meet an 18 year man-child with more self confidence than you?  How often does a senior in high school put you at ease, through his total chillness?  Not too often.

Dan's that kid, and I can only call him that for a few more days so I'll take advantage of it while I can.  He's that kid that laughs easily, at himself and at your corny jokes.  He's an accomplished musician, an Eagle scout, an awesome big brother, we could go on.

But we don't need to.  Because he wears it all out there, he's totally happy to be exactly who he is so the camera loves to capture it.

Meet Dan.  The world is a better place because we have kids like this.

Light it up!

Some people just have a glow.  I could tell while we were Facetiming and she was showing me her closet and we were discussing possible wardrobe choices.  I could tell then, that she had that glow.  Her laugh came easily, her blue eyes were clear and twinkling.  I knew just looking at my phone, we were going to have a blast.

And we did, it's so fun to photograph someone who knows her own soul.  She knows what she likes, what's doesn't work for her, and she knows how to find a whole lot of joy in her life.  I was just along for the ride, ready to document it.

Next year at this time she'll be wrapping up her freshman year of college and a whole lot of change will have happened.  My hope and prayer is that she'll remember her own soul, she'll allow it to grow and change and yet stay grounded.

And maybe that's my hope for myself as well.

Bad Bluff

This Highland High senior was a kindred spirit.  On the surface we have almost nothing in common.  Completely different generation, different childhood, different taste in music.  I tried just about everything here, folks.

Then I realized in one way, he is just like me.  Every thought that crossed his mind, was displayed so clearly on his face.  And I know that pain.



Every time someone says something weird, as a functional adult I should be able to just move on through.  But no, my face has to broadcast to the world that I'm completely confused.  Thanks Face.

And every time a friend starts acting a fool, this is pretty much what goes right through my head...

And when someone cracks a joke that's not even slightly naughty but my twisted head can find that humor SO easy, EVERYONE knows exactly what Elena was thinking.  Again, thanks a lot Face.

It's dumb.  It's ridiculous.  And it's really really hard to go through life as the world's most transparent person.  And now I don't have to.  Because now I know this guy, he's got it worse than me.

Bowties and Redheads

When I first met Matt (Dad), he was wearing a Viagra tie.  At church.  Which was mildly amusing but shock value doesn't go far with me.  Then I met his gorgeous red-headed wife and I thought, "I want her in front of my lens!"  Then we talked about their travels to Egypt, their life as young newlyweds in the middle of nowhere Vermont, and her passion for paddle boarding.  Really their passion for life.  For keeping it real.  As real as a 6 foot tall bald man riding a Vespa with a bowtie can be.  (for realz)

Almost three years later I found out, that while they were diligent in getting photos of their four gorgeous kids, Mom and Dad hadn't been in a family photo.  Ever.  Now they wanted the quintessential Family Photo, Sager style.  And I was the one for the job.  

No pressure.

Once I swallowed my nerves, we had an amazing time.  Those kids!  So smart, so chill, so unique and confident.  And Mom and Dad were brilliant at keeping the energy level up while remaining relaxed.  Such a good time!  And it shows in the final product.  

We captured the Sagers, just how they are right now.  For real.  

Heroes

A time comes for every creative person when they just get burnt.  And when that happens in the middle of a busy season, with paying clients, that's a recipe for disaster.  And why am I even telling you this??  You, my potential clients?!

Because it's part of my decision to get real.  And real in the middle of fall family picture season, is real burnt.  My creative side can just get fried and then I'm not doing anyone any good at all.  Not myself, not my family, and certainly not you, my clients!

The solution hit me like a brick wall.  Do the most fun photo shoot I could imagine.  With people I love.  But don't let them pay me so I get to tell them where and when and how to dress and what the theme is.  They loved it!  No decisions, just show up.  I loved it!  I could act like a crazy fool and it was so fun!

From start to finish, it took maybe 30 minutes.  The kids were into it the whole time, we laughed every 30 seconds, and even the teenagers had fun.  Hello?!

And it was just what I needed.  It was like nothing I usually do so it felt fun and fresh and totally without expectations.  The whole goal was to fall in love with photographing families again and I did!

Thank you Freedle Family!  You're my heroes!!