I've known Graham's family for a very long time! His mom cuts both my and my husband's hair and she is a huge fan of the cookies my husband bakes every Christmas--ha. Two years ago, I took his beautiful older sister, Audrey's, senior pics (one of my favorite sessions ever) and thought it would be a hard session to match! But, by golly, this session was extra special and had the "wow" factor as well. The lighting was different, which created a different mood to the pics, but both sessions were a chef's kiss. Or rather I should say photographer's kiss:) Photogenic genes must run in this family!

We began the session downtown. I have a basic plan in mind when I am shooting, but am also open to suggestions, so when his mom mentioned she noticed the red painted brick wall and asked for some shots there, I was happy to comply. I love, love, love how those turned out! She also had forwarded an inspiration cropped close-up before the session--I tried my best to shoot something similar and it turned out spectacular. I may have to add that pose to my rotation! Graham was a handsome subject indeed. Serious expressions showing off his chiseled looks and smiley ones his affable, polite nature! Since we were doing a split location, we didn't have a lot of time downtown, but I was able to hit up some tried and true spots and new ones as well and we got a nice variety--especially since he brought a sharp looking white jacket that he could easily slip on and off. It was the perfect choice for creating both dressier and casual vibes without a full outfit change. So a word of advice--senior boy moms bring your sons a spiffy jacket!

Before long it was time to go to our second location--one that I was very excited about. Graham loves to fish and a family friend has been letting him fish at a private and picturesque large pond in the country. It was where he caught his very first fish when he was little! I love the challenge of new locations and was more than game to see what this new location would bring. And bring it did! It was a fabulous spot and I could tell Graham was in his comfort zone in the place that had brought him so much joy and memories. It was quiet and peaceful and beautiful. When we arrived the sun was still very strong, but there was some shade near the front of the pond so we started there--the sun still breaking through in spots, but softened light on his face. We started with an overturned green canoe, which offered the perfect place to sit! The bright sun shining on the opposite side of the lake created a glowy golden backdrop on the trees, a scene mirrored on the water. Then we moved to his favorite fishing spot at the side of the pond and had to take a few with Graham's beloved fishing pole! I brought a stool and we took a few more on that side of the pond where the sun created fiery highlights on a large tree. After, we moved on to a red outbuilding for a change of pace, before going to the far side of the pond. Finally, we went back to the front of the pond where there was now soft, even light and we did not have to worry about squinting or shadows. I had so much fun playing with an overturned bright blue row boat, multi-colored kayak, and yellow paddles. And so pleased I was able to capture the reflections on the still water--not as bright as earlier when the sun was fierce, but the calm and soft greens of the trees created a muted mural in the water. Graham's white shorts along with a dressy button down shirt, hoodie, and red cap were great compliments and gave the perfect "lake life" feeling to the shoot. I just hope those white shorts came clean after sitting on the ground and the boats! I told his mom later the property was like a photographer's playground. Really had a ball shooting there. And loved spending time with Graham in one of his favorite places!

Besides fishing, Graham enjoys spending time in nature, socializing with friends, gaming, woodworking, cooking, and listening to music. He has a great voice and sings all the time. Graham is also a member of EAA and volunteers his time at Young Eagles events. He is employed at Mariola Italian and helps with catering there. So quite the busy guy! Future plans for college are an Aviation degree and flight school. I can easily see Graham in a pilot outfit and cap one day--talk about dashing!

Have a great senior year, Graham! And tell your younger sister, Paige, I'm excited to have her in my viewfinder next! 

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Went on an extended family trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan in early August. My two nieces were there with their kiddos and so, of course, I brought my camera and had to take some "cousin" portraits! I mean, they are the cutest subjects ever and I couldn't stop clicking away. I took so many pics, and these are just a small sampling of them. Sometimes kids don't want their photos taken or can tire quickly, but my three great nieces and nephew let me snap to my heart's content. They were wonderful, patient, and so expressive. I captured photos, but these four captured my heart! I love them so much and was grateful for not only the opportunity to take their photos, but to spend quality time with them for a good part of the week. There was lots of laughter, games of tag (their favorite) and shared meals. It was heavenly. 

I was greeted by a cloudy day when I had my camera in hand, which meant I didn't have any squinting or shadows to contend with. Always a plus. And it created a bit of a moody atmosphere which contrasted nicely with the colorful bursts from the kids' outfits. We started at the little beach area in front of the cottages my husband's family own on a bay in Lake Huron. Then we took some poses on a little set of steps at the back of their grandparents' place and had to include the family dog for one set of siblings, too! I actually caught a smile from their silly little dachshund buddy--ha! After that, I took a few individual portraits off to the side with them sitting on a rock. Once that was done, one niece had to skedaddle off to make the long road trip home with her kids, but my other niece wanted a few family portraits and I was only too happy to oblige! The session finally ended with some especially sweet mother/daughter poses. I should have gotten some father/son ones, too, but my nephew was off playing tag with my daughter, her boyfriend, and my husband I think! I will get some next time we are all together! I hope to continue to take photos of my cutie-patootie great nieces and nephew as they grow up.

For the past six years I have dedicated myself to taking senior pictures. My camera and prime 85mm lens were chosen specifically for individual portraits. But I have recently added a new mirrorless camera. With an adapter, I can still use my trusty 85mm lens, but I also now have a 24-70mm lens that is much more suitable to kid and family portraits! This combo works well as it gives me quicker focus and a bit of zoom to work with. Kids move around a lot, so that helps! I had so much fun with my younger family members that I am now ready to open up my business to family and children's portraiture. You can find info. about family sessions on the "About" page of my website.

A huge thanks to my nieces, Ruthie and Sue, for allowing me to catch these precious moments of their beautiful children. Michigan memories that will now last a lifetime--and perhaps even longer. I so enjoyed my time with you and your family--with my camera in hand and also all the time spent together without! What a happy, lovely trip! We don't get to see each other often, but I cherish our time together! I hope there are many more Michigan memories to come!

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I had taken photos of Ruthie when she was younger for her ballet company, so I was especially happy when an email popped up from her mother about arranging senior portraits. There is something incredibly sweet about seeing someone grow up in front of your viewfinder!

When the day of the shoot came it was a hot one! But we sought out shade until the sun settled and Ruthie beautifully and elegantly kept her cool! I do love a summer shoot at the arboretum--all the vibrant greens and flowers blooming. The pond is covered come fall as well, so we were able to take advantage of the scenery there--and even the fishies, too! Love the little waterfall and the lily pads in the background also. So glad Ruthie chose a summer session!

It is always a plus when seniors bring some things that are important to them to incorporate into the shoot. Ruthie brought a backpack that had served her well during all her school years! A faithful companion that accompanied her from elementary through high school years! She also brought her flute--playing it is a real passion of hers. It is something she would like to continue doing no matter where life leads her. She also wanted some pics that related to her years of taking the stage as a trained ballerina. She wore a lovely and romantic pale pink dress with an empire waist that went perfectly with her pointe shoes. Simply gorgeous!

Ruthie has the most adorable and amazing dimples when she smiles. And when she is serious, especially in the close-ups, her brown eyes captivated my camera. I thought we were done when I took my last click at the arboretum. There were plenty of beautiful pics of beautiful senior Ruthie! However, soon after the shoot I had a new camera and lens combo I wanted to try. I bought the camera late last fall, but could not use the special portrait lens I love for my seniors with it. I finally got the adapter for my lens and needed to do a trial before incorporating the combo into future sessions. I thought Ruthie would make a good model as I played with the new mirrorless camera and my beloved and faithful portrait lens. Luckily, she agreed when I asked if she would like to do a mini session downtown as I tried it out! Her cute floral shirt and shorts made for some lovely photos downtown as well! It made me think of Ruthie's backpack in a way. Will she get a new one for college? I think that is in the plans. It is hard to let something old and sentimental go. My old camera was my baby. I still have to get used to my new camera, but I was impressed with a lot of the newer technology. At any rate, it was so helpful to have such a cute model as I tried things out! So thank you, Ruthie!

Ruthie is involved in marching band, concert band, jazz band and Tri-county Honors Band. She is also a member of National Honor Society and has been on the Honor Roll throughout high school. She has been a student of ballet since she was three years old and has performed in over 15 shows, taking the stage in leading and supporting roles as she grew older and became part of the ballet company. So quite the accomplished and talented senior! I wish her a fun and enjoyable senior year and all the best as she goes off to college next year! And I hope she and her family will always look back on these photos with fondness and smiles!

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