Senior Moments

Summer is always a special season for kids when school is out and care-free days are in abundance, but of all the breaks, there is none so special as that between the junior and senior year of high school. Seniors-elect are anticipating that last year of school wherein "Seniors Rule" and there are many activities to participate in and many task lists that must be generated and checked off to be prepared for graduation day. One of those items which frequently occurs during the months previous to the August school startup and continuing into the school year is making senior pictures.

This is an area of photography that I particularly enjoy. It is a challenge to get acquainted with each individual and to learn their personality, their interests, and what makes them special. I want each of them to have a few pose ideas that are unique to their individuality and that won't be totally like other photos of other friends. Sometimes, the shoot begins with a bit of nerves or being a little rigid, but usually, before we're finished, kids have relaxed, are laughing, having a great time, and have decided that being a professional model could be a potential career idea.

Enjoy a variety of seniors pics that follow. In days to come, I'd like to devote a specific post to each of them, but for now in a brief glimpse, meet all my seniors.

Marcia

The First Family

The Rushings

Allow me to introduce you to "The First Family." This is the first photo shoot that sparked an idea that has grown into a part-time profession for me; something that I really love and enjoy. It was the celebration of Mrs. Billie's 78th birthday. What a party!

This is one of the sweetest families you will ever meet. They attend and serve in the same church as I do. Mrs. Billie worked in the nursery and pre-school for many years rocking babies and loving small children. She will have many stars in her crown for her giving spirit and selfless heart. She raised a loving family of children and has been blessed with wonderful grandchildren. They are very close-knit spending lots of time together, sharing special occasions, and lots of Sunday lunches. I felt so honored and humbled that they would ask me to make family pictures for them.

The Bryants

At that time, my camera was getting a little old and in no way did I have the new digital technology that I have now. A little scared that I would seriously bomb, I told them I would do my best. I had so much fun working with all the different family groups. I discovered something deep within and was reminded of how much I loved this kind of work and that I would like to do more of it.

One of the greatest things about my new profession is working with people, learning about them, who they are, and what makes them special. Please view a few more photographs of the day and enjoy this family as much as I did that day and now.

Marcia









The Rushings and Gilbert

The Crafts

Mrs. Billie and the Grandchildren

You're Never Too Old To Learn

This is a first for me--never done any blogging before, but I find the entire concept very intriguing. I'm inspired by my daughter who will tackle almost anything and who is a wonderful writer. She obviously has a blog and her stories and antidotes make me giggle, tear up, ponder, and sometimes wonder in amazement at her command of the written word to bring life, meaning, and animation to simple words. Of course, she holds a degree in journalism, so one would naturally assume that she is gifted in that area. I've no doubt that one day, she will not only author one book, but many. I love to read her updates--her thoughts, her life, her world. I feel that even though she is 500 miles away that I'm right there with her.

But back to my original train of thought. I enjoy writing somewhat myself and thought this might be something fun to try. I've often thought that I might like to write a book, but blogging may be as close as I get to that secret ambition. I've discovered that the older I grow, the faster my life seems to be passing by and there are so many things yet I wish to try and conquer, one of which is photography.

About the time I turned 40, I actually began to find myself and realized that if I were 18 and starting all over again with my life's choice of vocations, I would go into photography. I've always loved making photos. Prior to that time, I helped some friends with their weddings so they could have photos. Over the years, I've always made tons of family photos and snapshots. Every occasion required a camera to capture the memories and create a lasting legacy. My daughter sighs and reminds me to this day that I would say, "Keep smiling, Micah.", because her younger brother was usually less than cooperative when it came time for "smiling at the birdie."

At any rate, God blessed me richly and quite unexpectedly by opening a door about three years ago and I began doing some part-time photography work. First, a friend called me requesting family photos, another friend called about a wedding, seniors began popping up, and the opportunities kept coming my way. I've have enjoyed this experience and new dimension so much that I wanted to find a way to share my work with others and this blog seemed to be an ideal way to show my work and to recognize the individuals who have trusted me to capture their special moments in time. That's what photography is all about--making time stand still.

Every shoot and every individual is unique and different. I strive to understand every personality, what they are looking for in photos, and try to create something special for each one. As time goes on, I'll be sharing a variety of photos and telling a little history of each one or exactly what I was trying to accomplish.

I hope you enjoy my introduction. Pictures will come in future posts. Just as life is a continual journey, so will be my photos and updates. I don't feel compelled to get everything accomplished in one setting.

Marcia