Elena is an artist. She creates. So it’s only natural that we would hit it off, being kindred spirits. I talked to her on the phone about how important it is for the photographer to quickly develop a relationship with his/her subject, that we would be a bit nervous together at first, but hopefully we would warm up and become comfortable with each other. That’s exactly what happened!

Elena, you were such a joy to photograph! I really felt in sync with you during our session and I’m so proud of these images. You made me feel comfortable because you trusted me and let me try new ideas. I hope you have an unforgettable senior year at Kinkaid.

Here’s a sneak peek of our session:

Yes, it is hot outside, but the August sun really shed some gorgeous light on this beauty! All I can think about is the Van Morrison song “Brown-Eyed Girl” when I look at these images! Those eyes are so pretty. Katie was a natural in front of the camera. I love the turquoise boots and all the bright colors in these. Thanks for being such a fantastic model, Katie. Here’s to you and the Class of 2012!

This senior season has been fantastic! I’m starting to wrap it up, but not without sharing some lovely photos of Miss Jordan. Wow. She is so gorgeous! And she’s comfortable in front of the camera (Mom, you are right!) Jordan is planning to go to A&M next year. She likes to ride horses (and has one of her own), barrel race, and rope. Oh, and I cannot forget her dog Chance. He was unbelievable during the session. He sat and looked at the camera on command.Way easier to photograph than most toddlers! Amazing!

Congratulations, Jordan! I can’t wait for you to see the rest of these.

Lesli

Everything about this pretty young lady is spunky. She’s a cheerleader at Bellaire HS, thus the beautiful smile and lovely poise. Cat plans to go to Stephen F. Austin State University next year and may study. . . photography! I was thrilled to find out she is very interested in the craft.

Being the youngest of three children (and the only girl), Cat is the last to leave the “nest,” so this is a bittersweet time for her mom. I could tell right away how close she is to her mom, so I’m sure she will come home and visit often. Hang in there, Mom! I’m so honored you chose me to photograph this important milestone in your life, Cat! Congratulations!

Lesli

Two years ago, I photographed Travis’s brother Tayler. Both boys are so handsome! Travis is a senior at Sealy HS this year. He plans to go to Texas Tech in the fall. He’s the last to leave the nest, so Mom is a bit sad but very excited for him at the same time. Oh, how I feel for these moms! I do know how fast time flies, so I’m savoring every moment I have with my dear girls.  This shoot was right on the heels of my previous blog post on Grant, the Katy Tiger linebacker. Travis lives right by the bridge where I photographed Grant and his family, so we tried it out again!

Travis was a gentleman (another athlete!). He loves old country music:  Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, Willie Nelson. I LOVE that! Old country is the best. We drove around looking for neat spots and listened to 97.1 the whole time.

Congratulations, Travis! Good luck at Texas Tech! Go Raiders! (I won’t be yelling that during football season)

Mr. Grant is not just a Katy Tiger. He is one of the Tigers’ top linebackers. Grant was featured in VYPE Magazine this fall. You can read about him here:  http://www.ihigh.com/ourfieldhouse/article_47585.html. Needless to say, I was thrilled to recently photograph not only Grant, but his family, too. The weather tried to stop us, but we managed to get some fantastic shots! The whole family was so pleasant, even in the drizzling rain. And check out little sister Erin. What a beauty! Erin, you may not realize this yet, but your stunning looks come from your gorgeous mom. Dad, don’t feel left out! You deserve some credit, too!

Grant, you are a special guy. Best of luck to you at the Naval Academy!

Miss Katie contacted me for sorority rush photos. She’s another one of my former 8th grade students from the super fantastic Presbyterian School (www.pshouston.org) who is a glowing senior right now getting ready to graduate from The Kinkaid School. Katie was an outstanding middle school student, and no surprise, she has continued to be a dedicated high school student. That will pay off, Katie! I have no doubt that you will be great at whatever you set out to do (right now, she is interested in being a lawyer). And the sorority that picks you will be very lucky.

I’m so happy you chose me to photograph you, Katie! Best of luck to you in college and during Rush! Congratulations!

Lesli

This week has been chock full of boy sessions! Busy, busy time of year. I love it! So Mr. Jake is a senior at Morton Ranch HS. He’s an athlete:  baseball player and football player. I know I’ve mentioned this before but photographing athletes makes my job easier. They are used to being photographed and take direction really well. They are usually confident, too. This makes for a great subject to shoot! Jake was the perfect model. He was exhausted from baseball practice and mom said he doesn’t like being photographed. But I don’t think that is evident in these sneak peeks photos! Good luck next year at Blinn College, Jake! Congratulations!

Rewind to August 2006.  A doe-eyed, freckled, fair-skinned, long-haired brunette sits in my 8th grade English class, so eager, so enthusiastic. This little darling is special. She likes to write. She loves to read. Highly unusual for this age. She can talk to adults, yet she can be silly with the rest of her adolescent peers. Her writing is original, so much that it wins a Scholastic award. She’s outspoken, witty, non-conforming. I love this girl! She graduates from middle school, I quit teaching. We keep in touch. She assists me with my photography and unknowingly prepares me to be a future mom of teenage girls. I watch her grow and change, but I still remember the bright eyes, the sly smile, the intent look on her face when we were knee-deep in class discussions or creative writing.

I knew this time would come fast! I just wasn’t prepared for how fast. I’m sure her mom and dad feel much the same way. But alas, it’s time for Miss Hannah to embark on a new phase of her life. I wish she could stick around forever, but more than anything I want her to be happy and glow with the same intensity I saw in her as a 13 year old student. I hope she never loses that spark.