On a hot and humid fall day, four years ago, I photographed a young lady from Raleigh named Nicola. Despite the unseasonable warmth, she dazzled in her photographs. I loved working with her and her mom. In fact, as we were finishing up, her mom said, “We will definitely contact you when my youngest daughter needs her senior photos.”
True to her word, I received an email a few weeks ago, asking if I had availability for Rachel’s senior session.
My reaction:
- Four years? How has it already been four years?
- They actually contacted me after all this time! I feel so incredibly honored!
It felt like a reunion as we met up the day of the session. This family is so warm and encouraging. Though I hadn’t met Rachel yet, I felt like I knew her. She is a fashionista and a natural model. She’s smart, driven and carries herself with humble confidence. Her natural beauty is undeniable but it’s her inner beauty that defines her.
Thankfully, her day was pleasant and the fall light was absolutely magical. In fact, in her last outfit….a flowing white maxi dress…she looked like a woodland fairy. Just Breathtaking.
I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to photograph someone who truly values what you do and makes the effort (driving all the way from Raleigh) to work with you. It makes the hard work completely worth it.
My passion is to truly show the young ladies who step in front of my lens, vulnerable and a little unsure, their incredible worth. They all have a story. They all have dreams. They have all had moments of pain, disappointment, joy, rejection and victory. They are all about to embark on a new journey…letting go of what they know to embrace the unknown, with all its uncertainty and hope. My prayer is they will walk away from the short time with me feeling encouraged and valued.
Without Rival…
