Senior 2013: Jess

I met Jess and her Mom on a typical July afternoon in Colorado: thunderstorms looming on the horizon. In fact, every time I meet with Jess's family, it is a rainy day. That's just how we roll. It's a tradition of sorts. But on that day the rain and clouds didn't stop us from having a great senior photo session. We walked in downtown Parker, Jess's hometown. When the rain was coming down so hard I became nervous about my equipment, we sat in the car and talked. Jess is a wonderful human being. She has been to Haiti several times with her Mom helping those affected by the hurricane and destitute. She dreams of opening her own bakery. She is unpretentious and beautiful. Just before the sun hid behind the mountain range, the rain stopped, and everything glistened under the last sun rays. Jess's Mom took us to a bridge for last photos, and I will never decline shooting {photos} on a bridge. Despite the mosquitoes attacking Jess (I even had to Photoshop one out), we got some more beautiful images, and then said goodbyes. Now, Jess is already in college and living on her own. I am looking forward to continued friendship with Jess and her family.

Senior 2013: Nick

I admit that often guys are not nearly as enthusiastic about their senior photo shoots as ladies are. One senior was blunt, "I'm doing this for my Mom." Fair enough (it was still a great photo session!).
Not with Nick, though. He was happy to see me at a small park, ready to get some great shots. And even though his Mom did hold his saxophone for him, most of the images were Nick's own ideas. I just loved the pop of orange (it is a color of energy after all). Nick, thank you for being my client, and I am sure you are having the time of your life in college!

Senior 2013: Missy

This beautiful red-head is already in college! I love female clients who are not fussy about their photos and know exactly how to look poised and elegant in front of the camera. Missy was just like that: joking, laughing and enjoying the moment. Hope your first year of college is wonderful!

Girenko sisters

A month before my sister's-in-law birthday last year, I had a super-secret photo session with her three daughters. Kidnapping the three-year-old from her Mom for a few hours was not an easy task. My sister-in-law admitted later that she was confused where they were going all dressed up and in a hurry (to catch the golden hour!) without giving her much information. It was all worth it when we presented the Mom with a 16x20 canvas of the three people she adores the most. There were tears, let me just say that.

The Saenz family

Suzanne has been my friend, colleague, and confidant for many years. If I ever need a parenting advice, she is the first person I go to, as her four daughters are some of the kindest, loveliest, smartest siblings I know. They still write each other notes expressing sisterly love. When we met, we discovered with surprise that we both named our daughters Katya, and that's where our bond started to develop. I miss teaching with Suzanne. We have such a seamless rhythm and harmony in classroom, and we joked and laughed every day with our students. Here is her beautiful family from 2012.