I have the soul of dancer however I am abysmally untrained so when I had the opportunity to take the high school senior photos of a ballerina my whole heart danced with excitement.  I love incorporating the individuality and unique beauty of my seniors into their sessions. 

​  We spent about 10 minutes of our session dancing....well she danced, this happy valley photographer took photos. Her cellular phone was set off to the side playing some beautiful classical tune inspiring this sweet ballerina, Emma to dance.  Her mom shared with me that this is a hobby of hers, putting on her cell phone and dancing.  Isn't it a beautiful one?  



Dancing is like dreaming with your feet - Contanze

​
Another thing I loved about this senior photo sessions is that I get to capture so many different personality shots.  I love seeing so many different smiles and expression emerge from my seniors.  

Congratulations Emma!  June is just around the corner.  I can not wait to see what you do next and can not I wait to purchase tickets for your next ballet.

Often I am asked by both customers and other photographers how and why I specialize in high school senior photography.  Many times I have heard, "Especially girls!  They are so much drama."  Hmmm....I am not sure about that drama thing.  Possibly I have just been  super, fantastically lucky to have had only clients that inspire me to do my best, try new things, and like to have fun.  How lucky am I?  My time with my girls truly makes my heart sing and honestly, who doesn't want their heart to sing all the time?  I know I do.

In all seriousness though, let's talk senior photos.  For example, let's take mine.  Now I do not want to age myself so I will not go into too many details but I will reveal that wore a navy blue tennis sweater....which was very much in style that year...I think???  Whatever, okay so I wasn't very cool.  I am getting of track here.  The whole point of this blogpost is that my high school senior photo experience left me feeling self conscious, creeped out, and embarrassed.  Thanks for choosing the weird, lonely photographer man in his 50's to take my photos, Mom. (Yes, that was sarcasm.)  I am not saying that he was at all inappropriate or asked me to do anything out of the ordinary.  I am simply saying that I did not feel comfortable and all of the photos reflect my uncomfortable feelings.  Bummer...senior photos happen only once.

I love watching my girls transform from unsure to confident.  To their unique selves in front of the camera.  I try my best to keep my sessions light and fun.  I spend the extra time getting to know each and every kiddo because I really do care that they enjoy their photo session.  It is important, it happens only once, and it should reflect your real smile.  It should be fun and make you feel beautiful.  

I love a good wedding.  You know the ones....where you can just feel the love coming off of the couple.  That bright eyed, dreamy gaze the bride and groom have for each other.  How both Moms tear up when watching their kiddos get ready for the big day.  Oh geez, my heart is seriously getting mushy just thinking about it.  

Justin and Alice tied the knot this summer at Rossi Farms in Portland, Or.  Justin's Mom handmade all of the flowers used in the wedding ceremony and we are not just talking about the bridal bouquet. She covered an entire arch with them.  It was incredible!