I can still feel the cool gentle breeze blowing over my skin from the night of this senior session. Ella picked pink, white, sea green, and blue hues that complement the beauty of the Lake Erie shores behind her. The confetti cannon brought a sense of celebration, yet I couldn’t help but reflect on when I was getting my senior photos done. 

I was in an awkward stage of life where I had no idea how to style myself and wasn’t confident in nearly any aspect from friend choices to career or college choices and all of the above. In fact, as a senior, I put down my camera, ditched the idea of ever being able to be a full-time photographer, and launched myself into a four-year program that would eventually drain my savings, and mental capacity, and took away any focus I had on photography. College isn’t for everyone and I will be the first to admit it. 

Even though I wouldn’t make the same choice today, I’m so grateful for that version of myself. She tried something new, realized she didn’t want it and changed. More importantly, she learned more about herself in the process. When I do senior sessions I can connect with the young person’s excitement for the future and give them photos that make them feel just as beautiful as they are. It’s neat hearing their stories and plans, seeing them grow over time, and capturing their innocent young adult beauty. 

I wish that I was half as graceful when I was a senior as Ella is now. She has a radiant smile, takes after her charming and caring mother, and has the biggest heart for others. With plans to be a nurse, I know she will make an impact on the people she cares for.