I love photographing kiddos and families...it's kind of my bread and butter. But when I photograph a senior, it can spark a little bit more creativity. Because they sit in one spot when you ask them to, you're able to spend more time with poses, changing up locations, and coming up with new ideas in the moment. Senior year is such a hectic but special time, packed full with events, gearing up to say goodbye to friends, and preparing to make one's own decisions about how their life will unfold. I love being able to capture this time. A lot of guys have a tough time in front of the camera. It can be awkward or they're not sure how to pose or they just don't want to be there. But Braxton made it so easy; he was a natural and a nice guy to boot. His mom and sister came along, so we were able to capture some shots of them, too!

If you still need senior photos done for 2018, I am finished with this season, but I will open in Spring 2017 and would love to photograph more seniors! Just email me at [email protected].

I am totally obsessed with this session.

I don't get to photograph seniors often because most people come to me for family and children sessions, but when I do, it's always a treat. Don't get me wrong, I love working with young families. But seniors follow instructions quite a bit easier than a two year old, and this leaves a little extra time for being more creative with poses and outfit changes. I love getting to know the seniors I photograph: what inspires them, what do they want to do after high school, what do they enjoy doing now? It is so awesome to know that they are embarking on and crafting the basis of their adulthood, excited for the future and all it holds. It's amazing to think about all that could happen to them in the next 10 years: college, travel, marriage, babies, career, inventions, concepts, and more. This could all happen in this tiny space of time.

I just know Brooklyn is going to be awesome over the next 10 years, because she's awesome now, and her family is awesome too. She is probably the most laid-back senior I've ever worked with, and she has a genuine kindness, a sparkle in her smile. Brooklyn was a very natural model and made it all so easy, and her dad was there to support her. In fact, her dad is probably the most involved father I've ever seen at a session: carrying her things, suggesting outfits and accessories, fixing her hair, making her laugh. Parents know best what their kids really look like, what a natural smile looks like, or how their hair normally falls. I had a blast with this session, and it was fun to edit, too! Best wishes on your future, Brooklyn!

If you are interested in a senior session, I am not taking any more sessions for 2016, but I will be happy to work with you in the spring. I suggest booking early for a late April or early May date. Send me a Facebook message at https://www.facebook.com/applewoodphoto or email me at [email protected].

Tomorrow night, my baby brother Jacob graduates from high school. It's cliché, but honestly, it's so hard to believe he's already graduating. I vividly remember when my parents told us they were pregnant with Jacob. I was so mad because I thought it was another girl and that I'd have to share my room with yet another person. ;) Jacob was 11 lb 11 oz when he was born, and my parents hadn't found out the gender, so when he entered this world, the doctor said "It's a boy! It's a BIG boy!" My mom didn't believe the doctor because she'd had so many girls (there are 6 girls and 2 boys in our family).

When my sister was at Riley Hospital with Leukemia, my parents stayed with her and all of us kids got split up between family members. Jacob was only a year old and I was a junior in high school. We both stayed with my grandparents, so I had the opportunity to help take care of my baby brother, which girls tend to love anyhow, but he was a super cute kid, so it was especially awesome.

Jacob is now 6 ft. 3 in. and towers over me (I'm only 5 ft tall), but he's still my baby brother. He's an amazing athlete and is going on to play college basketball for Indiana Tech. I'm so proud of what he's done and can't wait to see what he accomplishes over the next few years. Congratulations, Jacob! Good luck in your college career!