A couple weeks ago I met and photographed Alysha, 18, a high school graduate.

Shy but with a beautiful and contagious smile, Alysha and I met for the first time at a park nearby. Her mom, Traci, came for support and between stories and laughs, held on to Alysha's second outfit, a blanket and some other random things. We talked about future (Alysha is also a Registered Nurse - at 18! Can you believe it? - and is looking to get started on that career soon), Traci just received great news at work (congrats again!) and Chris and I were making plans to go on our next trip during the upcoming 4th of July holiday (we went to South Dakota and it was awesome! A post will be coming up soon!)

Professional photo session

We talked about TV shows and did the crazy dance to get the mosquitoes to leave us alone. We also witnessed this huge party in the park with loud music, tons of people and food (and no invitation to us! Darn!). So, as we made our way through the empty areas of the park, we took our time creating these beautiful memories.

Professional photo session

The weather had finally cleared up and the sun was going down on a lazy Saturday evening. Alysha, soft spoken and a little nervous, didn't know what to expect. Little by little she was coming out of her shell and showing a lot of her sweet personality. After a couple of shots, I immediately knew that the camera loved her. Her eyes, big and bright, gave me an idea for a shot that I absolutely insisted she picked (below on right).

Professional photo session

As we posed this and that way, Alysha let out that she was actually having a lot of fun! And, as I did, I knew she would love the images just as much!

I have just received a copy of the invitation she created with the pictures for her upcoming graduation party. I love it! I'm sure her guests will too! :)

Congrats, Alysha! All the best to you!