It all came down to the flowers.
Kate had a few very simple requests for her senior session. A couple photos reading, a few with her Valley High School track uniform, some pretty dresses, and a laidback vibe. But there was one request that came at the top of the list: wildflowers. Based on some of her other wish list items, such as a stone bridge and a creek to wade in, we settled on Ledges State Park. And we waited. And waited. And WAITED. But the wildflowers didn’t come. I was devastated every time I drove out to check and came back with no blooms to report. Kate kept her head up and said we’d just roll without the flowers, which broke my heart. So imagine our surprise when we arrived to the park and were greeted by fields and fields of flowers.
But to be honest—and you can call me cheesy all you want—Kate is so vibrant she didn’t need a field of flowers. From the second she got in front of the camera she was equal parts bubbly and fierce, a combination I reminded her several times I was envious of. And GOD is she smart. I feel so lucky every time I meet a young woman like Kate. Someone who has it all and shares it with the world in the most kind, beautiful way. (Even if it makes me jealous that she’s pretty AND smart AND likes to run. That should honestly be illegal.)
We bonded over books, stuffed animals, and daydreams of living abroad. We shared happy dances (her hops, my wiggles) and squeals of glee (scaring away a family of swimming raccoons that prompted said squeals). We splashed and twirled and pranced. And most importantly, we just had FUN. (So much so that three minutes after saying goodbye we pulled over and took more photos.)
Everything for Kate’s session was perfect. Even the moments that weren’t curated or posed just so made my heart sing. Being able to spend an evening running around in nature with someone who experiences the same joy you do simply being outside on a nice day is beyond fulfilling. And being able to document so many sides of someone who multi-faceted is really a treasure for a photographer.
Also, don’t forget to take a photo with whoever came with you during your senior session and make everyone cry by being so cute.)
