It was so nice to have a session with a little babe again.  Didn’t realize how much I missed shooting babies.  Meet Hailey.  She’s one of those little ones that will make you smile all day long.  So happy and curious!  I had a wonderful time walking around with her mama, Amy (an old friend from school), daddy, Myke, and Grandma Karen.  It was so great to see you all!

Congratulations to ASHLEY T. for being chosen to receive a FREE September Senior photo session!! Last month 2010 Seniors were invited to participate in the “I want a FREE Senior session REALLY bad!” contest.   Participants were required to either submit a brief essay explaining why they wanted the free session the most or submit a photo showing their desperate need for  a free session.  Lots of wonderful and deserving entries were submitted.  THANK YOU to all who took the time to enter.  I wish I could choose you all!

Here is a brief snippet from Ashey’s wonderful essay:

From the age of 6, I was dreaming of gold! I excelled in the sport and landed myself on the United States Gymnastics Associations Junior Olympic team. At the age of 10, I was training year round 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. It was as much of a commitment to my parents as it was for me. My Mom always had to prepare ahead so I had home cooked food cuz it was a 50 minute drive to the gym. Therefore during school I ate dinner on the way and Mom had another one packed for me to micro at the gym for the drive home after a long practice. Also they made their work schedules around mine. Then we of course have to throw in the gymnastics meets too. Some even took us out of state. Not to mention the cost!
Then my dreams of gold were shattered when I was 12. I tore muscle down the right side of my body …
The choice is no longer mine. My parents and my body will no longer allow me to do gymnastics. My goals and purpose in life was gone. From my point of view that is. I started with a short temper and a bad attitude. Then my almost always A’s turned into not all A’s! I missed the gym so bad that I was so angry. Of course I took my frustrations out my parents. I wasn’t the sweet, happy, respectful or grateful kid anymore. I felt like my life stopped.
After 3 years of torture to myself and my parents, I had a breakdown that turned into a breakthrough. I tried 1 day of track practice and barely made it to the car once I looked at my Mom. My parents took me straight to my old gym to see my old gymnastics coach. We made the proven fact that gymnastics is in my blood. So I started coaching. I figured if I can’t do it, at least I can teach it. Then I will add some strengthening and conditioning to myself! Then I added walking that beam again. Then swinging a little on the bars, and you can get the idea of what’s next!
So here I am at the age of 16. I competed last season for the first time in almost 5 years. I did awesome! I missed going to States by only 3tenths of a point. I am carefully training now so my last Senior year, well all I can say is you should come to the VHS gymnastics meets to see!
As far as the rest of the other changes that happened to me, I’m back to that great kid that I once was!   I am entering this into your drawing for the September session give away because I have given my parents a” run for their money”!

Way to go, Ashley!

Busy season is in full swing here.  Going to play a bit of ‘blog catch-up’ for a moment.  I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with 3 amazing 2010 Senior girls.  Each one was completely unique in their own way.  I think it’s totally evident in their photos.  I adored each session and each senior.  Thanks, girls, not only for choosing me at your senior photographer, but also for putting up with my quirkiness, incomplete sentences and overall craziness.  I had a blast!

Meet Andrea (and her super cute boyfriend, Dakota):

Meet Tori (and her gorgeous horse):

Meet Spencer (and her intense love for volleyball):

I’m having the hardest time formulating words to describe the amazing experience I had with 6 incredible children and their parents.  About a month ago, I was contacted to photograph the children who attend CECMD (Conductive Education Center of Metro Detroit).  CECMD is “is a program designed to help children with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders to increase their physical strength, mobility and independence.” (www.cecmd.com) They needed photos to update the website and also to share at fundraisers.  Immediately this sounded like a wonderful opportunity, and I was on board.  “Wonderful” doesn’t even come close.  The parents were welcoming with open arms.  Their passion for their children was flooding over.  Their determination was evident not only in the way the nurtured and communicated, but it was clear in their eyes and compassion.

These children are irresistible!  Beyond their disabilities lay personalities that are completely unique yet so very child-like.  They were shy, excited, relaxed, super silly, kind and a few (like a lot of children I photograph) weren’t too thrilled to have their picture taken.  Each child was truly a gem.  I’m honored to have met them all, and will always treasure this time.

To the parents of the CECMD children, thank you, truly.  I can’t wait to share the rest with you!

Oh Landyn … he’s such a heart breaker already.  Briefly stepped out of the senior photography world and spent some time with some great friends and their adorable 2 year old.  Tricky little Landyn thinks he’s pulling one over on the girl with the camera by looking the other way and sometimes hiding.  Wrong-o!  Here he is in all his super cute glory: