Jessica

Jessica is a mind reader.

I'd set her up, tell her to stand how she felt most comfortable, and then look through my lens to compose. Click. "Perfect." Click Click. "Nice." And just as it always goes, every now and then I'd pull my camera down from my face to change my subject's position. "Jess, move just a little this...good job." "Ok, now tilt your head...just like that."  I didn't even have to finish my sentence! Neat.

Jessica won a senior session at Hill City High School post-prom last spring, and I couldn't have been happier when she called ready for her shoot. She and her mom found some great locations, and came willing to try anything. Jessica is sweet and funny, smart and beautiful. Her easygoing attitude will be appreciated wherever life takes her. And I have to say, I don't think those mind reading skills will hurt, either.

Thank you, Jessica! Posted are a few of my favorites.

Kenzie

This pretty little thing and I shared a room when I was 15 and she was 7, and all the years before then. Her biggest complaint in life was that I would wake her too early with my blow dryer. She did not know how imperative it was that I look my best for 9th grade. First graders just don't get that sort of thing. 

It was around this time in Mackenzie's life that she sabotaged every picture that was taken of her. It never failed, not even when Grandma was behind the lens. The second before the button was pressed, she would scrunch that tiny face and throw her arms in the air. (Note: I am laughing as I write this. My brothers and cousins will immediately know which face I am referring to.) It is no exaggeration when I say not a single normal photo of her exists from age 5-8. Thankfully, she grew tired of this, and became a good practice model for my photography endeavors. I could not wait to take her graduation pictures for real someday.

But someday came last week, and now I'm feeling a bit differently.

I can't help but wish she were little again, with a crooked haircut and rocks weighing down the pockets of her overalls. She would probably have a kitten tucked not-so-gently under one arm. And because this girl holds such a big piece of my heart, I would let her ruin every photograph I took.

Here are a few of my favorites from your session. Love you best.

Chris Loves Jenni: part two

You may remember Chris and Jenni from the post before last. Yes, that's right, the "we don't mean to be this cute, but we are" couple. And they were. And as always, I had a great time.

Chris is a pilot, so we were disappointed in July when we weren't able to do photos at Ellsworth. We opted to do them this weekend, even though Chris and Jenni have a very busy week ahead of them. :)

Thanks for take two.We'll see you on the putting green...

Sisters

I dare you not to smile when you see this twosome. It can't be done.

A few weeks ago I was able to photograph this pair of sisters. Older sister Jaelyn helped her mom with baby Aliyah, and played with Dad on the swings. She loves her new sister, and thinks she'll keep her. Jaelyn will dazzle you with her smarts. She will melt your heart with her imagination. And she will make you laugh. A lot.

Aliyah is absolutely beautiful. She was a little on the sleepy side, but not sleepy enough to risk missing much of the excitement. Stacia was able to get her to rest for a few minutes, but she knew we were up to something. I didn't realize until I got home how many photos I took of her hands and feet. I can't help it. They're just so tiny.

Thank you, Stacia and Jason, for letting me come over and play with the girls. Here are a few of my favorites from the afternoon.