Ruthie ~ Arboretum and Downtown
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!
