This past winter my phone rang. Seven unfamiliar digits flashed across the glass on my phone, and I was filled with a sudden curiosity. I was at the cube farm and couldn’t answer it, so I let the call go to voicemail, and waited impatiently to see if the caller would leave a message. She did. Her name was Beth, or rather, her name is Beth, and she left a message asking me if I did senior photos as her daughter was in love with my work and would be graduating next year. I called her back and we set up some time to meet for coffee. I had never done a senior session before – though it wasn’t something I was opposed to. I wanted to be sure, if I chose to venture into this arena, that I did so carefully and in such a way that I would only draw the *right* clients to me.
You see, I want to be a part of something. I don’t want to simply make pretty photographs for people. A lot of people can make pretty images and take a good photograph. I want to come alive telling stories for people – and I want them to come alive in front of my lens. Talking with Lauren and her mom, I knew that they were the kind of girls who wanted exactly that. Armed with the knowledge that I had never shot a senior session before -and what type of photographer I am (and the images I create) – Lauren and Beth signed the proverbial dotted line and the three of us jumped feet first into this crazy adventure. They took a risk. They trusted my vision – even when I couldn’t show them what it looked like – and they gave themselves over to the experience completely.
I am incredibly thankful for the two of them – these women are remarkable – and am humbled by their love and trust and generosity. And I’m ridiculously excited for Lauren. For her future, for all the she has in store for her. This girl will move mountains someday. To Lauren and Beth: Thank you for taking a risk on me.
Here are a few images from our evening together last week:
Kelly
Beautiful beautiful beautiful! There is so much life in these images, and I especially love your black & whites :)
jen
ATHENA!
these are so amazing. you top yourself everytime, my dear. she is so gorgeous. and you captured that. and what i would guess is her personality in your images just seems to stand out vividly.
you astound me.
Kelsea
These are stunning, Athena. Truly. Everything came together as a perfect fit. I love every frame :) (and that 35mm lens, but that’s an entirely different topic ;) xo
Tina
Oh. My. Goodness. These frames are absolutely stunning. I can’t hardly believe she’s a senior. She’s ridiculously cute and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your art. It’s always such a pleasure; true eye candy. Ox.
anna
love the spin-ny one. and the woods-fairy-sitting-on-a-branch one… whatever. I love them all! (and your dedication to creating more than a picture.)
Mom
They all take my breath away. You simply astound me!
anda
yep, this kind of thing is perfect for you. i love them. just completely beautiful. more senior shoots, please!
Leslie Lee
Gorgeous, gorgeous work! Seriously stunning.
lucinda
stunning! i CAN NOT wait for to come do a “life” photo shoot in august. so frickin excited, for so many reasons! xoxo
Abbie Kressner
Beautiful!!!