Katie ~ Arboretum
I bonded right away with Katie, before I even took my first snap. As we walked from the parking lot to the fall lushness of the arboretum, I asked her about college plans and she said she wanted to study creative writing. My other passion and profession besides photography is writing novels for middle graders--I have books published by HarperCollins and Scholastic! So I immediately felt I was in the company of a kindred spirit and had a spark of connection. I am always excited to photograph every senior client I have ever had, but seeing my younger self in Katie was pretty cool! A long, long time ago, just like her, I was once a senior with dreams of becoming an author and weaving stories.
Katie and I stopped by the pond first. I love the little pond with the goldfish that play hide and seek. Such a great backdrop. Sometimes, if I am lucky, I will catch a few fishies in a shot! I was lucky this time and did indeed capture flashes of gold as they swam around the rock Katie was sitting on. I was also lucky with the subject I framed in the viewfinder, too! Katie has such a gentle and lovely smile, but I also was really taken by her serious looks as well. Sometimes when I ask for a serious look, it somehow inadvertently translates to a frown or angry look and I have to work on softening that. But Katie's serious look was beautiful--poetic and soulful. A still water runs deep sort of look. It was as if I had a window to her artistic nature and I was so happy to capture that.
Katie's green sweater and brown tank top went so well with the golden tones of the pond and also the tall autumn grass. But before long it was time for an outfit change. A creamy turtleneck and soft camel suede jacket was next up. A great town and country look, with a little nod to Bob Dylan as well! I caught a sun and shadows closeup at just the right time--really love that shot. And Katie also looked phenomenal with the brown tones, stones, and wood chair. It's hard to pick a favorite, but the one of her with her knees drawn up on the chair really speaks to me--a quiet confidence shines through.
Last part of the session was time for a dressier look, so we visited the marble table, butterfly bench, and some floral backdrops that were still hanging around! All too soon the sun was setting and it was time to wrap things up. It was great spending time with Katie and her mom. I photographed Katie's older brother and sister and I loved their sessions, too! I guess there is one more kiddo waiting in the wings for me to photograph:) It means a lot to me when parents are happy with my photos and come back with younger siblings.
Katie has many talents. She performed in seven full-length plays with Wooster Youth Shakespeare, including playing the lead Hamlet in Hamlet. She is also involved in WHS Drama Club, plays french horn in symphonic band, and writes for The Blade. She has been writing stories since she was very young and as I mentioned earlier, plans to major in creative writing.
Katie, please keep me posted on your writing! Being an author is wonderful and fulfilling, I can attest, and maybe one day I can take the headshot for the back of your first book cover! It would be a true honor:)
c
