A photo session with a senior guy can be hard to predict. One will make it through his shoot only because his mom wants him to do it. Another will want something specific out of it and do all he can to make it memorable and fun. Carmelo seemed kind of quiet, so I wasn’t sure which way his would go.

Carmelo is an easygoing senior guy who was willing to do what was asked of him. But he would also sometimes surprise me with his spontaneous actions and expressions. I couldn’t help but smile to myself when I was caught off-guard as he let loose a bit and showed off his entertaining personality. Even though he seemed a little reserved, his fun side shone as he deviated slightly from the expected.

For me, the formal, traditional shots are a must-have. They’re the classics that almost everyone wants. At the same time, Carmelo was really good at giving me some poses and expressions with an edge and/or a bit of quirkiness. That is when his character came to light. And those were also some of his parents’ favorite images–the ones where they could say, “Oh, yeah. That’s Carmelo. That’s so him.”

Truth be told, I always have a plan outlined before a photo session. But nothing makes a shoot more satisfying than seeing a client relax and and enjoy their time in the spotlight. That is indeed when the best moments happen and the final images portray the uniqueness of the person in front of the lens. Those are the images that are valued the most and bring the most nostalgia, smiles, and emotion as the years go by.

Heather, you are already greatly missed.

I couldn’t believe my luck several years ago. I was looking for a stylist for my clients and lo and behold your supreme talent lived just down the street. Your own sense of style was eye-catching and you were able to make so many ideas come to life. Photo sessions with you were fun for everyone. And you elevated all of them to the next level–not just with clothing choices and your eye for detail, but with the conversations with clients. You made everyone feel at ease.

I have known for several weeks about the forthcoming move and the need to say goodbye. I just didn’t know that I would never actually be able to say goodbye to your face. At your memorial service I saw the web of friends that you tied together. I was blessed to share friends with you before we met, and blessed with new friends I met because of you.

You were truly a gem, a one-of-a-kind. Your smile could be so big that it was your presence. You inspired me and undoubtedly always will. You made beautiful things (those kids!) and you made things beautiful. And sometimes listening to you talk was like reading an intricately written book. Not a word out of place.

Thanks for all of the high-energy conversations, all the laughs, and all of the book recommendations.

I remember running into you shortly after our first collaboration–before we knew each other very well. You looked up and exclaimed, “Hello, Friend!” It’s so sad to say goodbye to you, Friend. I wish peace for you forever.

Mother and daughter Alanna and Bethany hadn’t necessarily been dreaming of doing a photo session together, but an opportunity presented itself and they took advantage. Alanna told me later that she’d had no idea what to expect, that she’d never done anything like this before. Both women admitted to moments of doubt, but the images created show the beauty in their closeness to each other.

Every year at the local Art Beat festival, visitors to my booth stop to comment on the photographs of the individuals and families I display. They say out loud how much they wish they could have images like that for themselves. When I ask why they don’t, the most common response is something to the effect that they just don’t. They don’t have the time; they don’t think they are photogenic enough; they haven’t thought about it; they have thought about it but just haven’t gotten around to it. There’s always next month/next season/next year/next milestone.

But professional photographs don’t have to be created only when there is an occasion or a milestone to be celebrated. A photo shoot can be its own event. The images capture a moment in time. They freeze our relationships as they are in that instant. Then they become tangible memories that bring the emotions of the past to our consciousness. The photographs become more than just pictures. And their value only increases with the passage of time.

I don’t know when the perfect time would have been for Alanna and Bethany to schedule a photo session if they had not had this opportunity. Actually, I don’t believe there is a single perfect time for anyone. I’m so grateful this mother and daughter had an opening and took it. I believe they will remember the day of their session with big smiles and even laughter. And when they look at their images, I hope they see, as I do, a tangible representation of the affection they have for each other.

Understated. It means saying a lot without being too loud or in your face. And it describes Pete and his senior session precisely.

Pete is a man of few words, but he did not have to talk a lot in order for his personality to shine. I get the impression that there isn’t much that flusters him. He is friendly, but has a somewhat serious demeanor. He didn’t put on any airs and in the end his photos, without much effort at all, spoke volumes about his underlying disposition.

Pete’s senior year ended last spring and now he’s off to college. He’s majoring in aviation, with flying lessons and a few solo flights already under his belt. He worked a part-time job while in school so that he could pursue this dream. Additionally, he was a part of a very successful hockey team that earned a spot in the high school national tournament. And on top of it all, his coaches (not surprisingly) honored him with the character award at the end of the season.

Understated confidence, character, work ethic, and a calm demeanor. Any future pilot would want to claim these attributes. But the truth is that these same qualities will propel him forward in all aspects of life. Pete will ultimately find that he can succeed at anything he decides to pursue. And it’s hard to imagine that he won’t.