Isabelle is a studious girl, a lover of books. One of her favorites is The Alchemist, a novel about a young shepherd who sets out to find a treasure, his destiny, that he knows about through a dream. He sells his sheep to fund a journey to find the treasure, encountering several obstacles and detours along the way. He reaches the pyramids, where he had been told to dig for his treasure, only to discover that it is not there. Alas, he has more traveling to do. And eventually he ends up right back in his homeland, where his treasure indeed awaits him.

The book is about an odyssey, listening to your heart, and finding happiness in pursuing your destiny. In doing so, one recognizes omens and listens for the directions in which they point. Destiny is not reached without a journey and the journey is often long and arduous. Sometimes you set out on one route, but have to alter it. Along the way, trials force you to hone new skills; the people you meet along the way change you. Innumerable experiences teach you about yourself little by little.

The journey to high school graduation parallels that of the shepherd boy. At times you feel you must be so close, but then realize that the final destination is still so far away. And sometimes the people you meet support you in your travels, while others get in the way. Along the road, you discover new abilities, and new interests. And you practice the perseverance it takes to get you to that walk across the stage. Then you finally hold your diploma in your hand. But as the applause fades, you take a deep breath and contemplate the next step. You realize that there’s more work to do, more to accomplish, more people to meet, more to learn. You have reached the intended destination, the graduation pyramids, but your destiny still awaits.

It’s no surprise that The Alchemist is one of Isabelle’s favorite books. Like the shepherd, Isabelle is thoughtful and full of hope and promise. She listens to the people and the world around her as she strives to understand where she is going in it. Isabelle loves to read and she is a deep thinker. Her interests and talents are broad: She cares deeply about the environment and also enjoys singing and performing. She is articulate in what she cares about and confident in her decisions. She draws upon these many gifts as she continues her journey to fulfilling her destiny.

Most of all, like the shepherd and the book itself, Isabelle inspires. Her friendliness, positive attitude, and willingness to navigate obstacles will undoubtedly propel her along the road to her destiny. May she always listen to her heart and mind the signs that guide her in the right direction.

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.