Do you wanna see MY senior portraits?

When I was a high schooler in Indiana, senior portraits were a pretty big deal. Since all photos back then were shot with film, getting your picture taken was kind of a rare event. We had annual school portraits taken, but we all really looked forward to our senior year - when we would get to have a real photo session in a real photo studio (not just a minute long snapshot in the school gym). A photo session just for us!

I shared my senior portrait session with my high school bestie, Sarah. We spent weeks coordinating what we would wear in our photos together. You can see that we had an affinity for denim and sunflowers! While I admit, it does feel slightly cringy to see a photo of my teenage self wearing overalls, I love and cherish these portraits. I look at them and am reminded of how it felt to be on the cusp of a major life transition. I remember all of the things that were going on in my life at the time. I remember all of my high school friends, people who will always be special to me. I’m thankful that these portraits have the power to bring back all of those memories, especially knowing that I will never be able to visit those times, and sadly in some cases, the people, again.

It’s honestly somewhat mind blowing to me that I now get to create senior portraits for students and their families. I struggle a little with how to describe the power that exists in portraits. The words talisman, capture and time capsule all come to mind, but none of them really describe the way a portrait can stir up feelings, unearth memories, and give us an appreciation of the passage of time. Right now, reflecting on it all, I’m so thankful to have come full circle from the senior in her sunflower overalls to the photographer who’s now behind the lens!

I'm so grateful that you are taking the time to read my monthly newsletter. If you'd like to get in touch with me about photo sessions or photography feel free to send me a note or give me a call anytime. I’m always happy to talk!