love always. me.

…

it’s not what you wear that is important to your session….it’s not your shoes….your make up. it’s you. fabulous, wonderful, perfect in non-perfect form…you.

that is expecting a lot though, isn’t it? being you?

i find children facinating because they are comfortable in their own self. that is what led me most to photographing children. their honesty. if they are sad, you know. if they are happy, you know. if they want a piece of cake, you know.

i know i ask a lot of adults when they come to me and i tell them to show their love in front of the camera. it IS difficult to forget those inhibitions that are painted on like layers as we move through our lives. i have them too. actually, i have them all. haha.

but maybe, just maybe, if you know what inspires me most in the whole wide world is YOU, that will make it a bit easier.

{and yes, if being you is wearing your old pair of roller skates and barreling through the Old Port, that is completely okay}

***

and this is good stuff…you should watch it.

daily mantra: energy and persistence conquer all things {Benjamin.Franklin}

sigh….arn’t they gorgeous! what a lucky mom…

daily mantra: first say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do….{epictetus}

Can you tell I have had a busy week with my senior girls? I think the senior rush is just about over for me, but of course, their journey is just beginning. I met up with McKenzie last Tuesday night and had such a great time. I am sure this girl is destined for success no matter what she chooses to do.

i met up with molly and her mom yesterday night for her senior session. it was such a treat to go to their own, personal location and see a side of Rumford i never have before. the weather was perfect, the light was warm and gentle, and molly was amazing! i just love seniors who know they want something different; something more from their senior pictures…

confession 1: my ten year high school reunion is this year.

confession 2: i still feel like I AM a senior. sigh…

daily mantra: wherever you go, go with all your heart…{confucius}

daily mantra: it takes courage to grow up and become who you really are…{e.e.cummings}

I met up with Shelby and her mom  on Saturday afternoon for a super fun senior session.  We were infinitely blessed with not only the best weather of the whole summer so far, but just magical spots for photos. The coast of Maine was busy with a flurry of activity and people hoping to pick up just a few rays of sun, but we were able to hide away in some more unknown beach areas and locations.

…and proving, once again, every session is an adventure…i provide this photo for evidence….{inside joke…but believe me…you wouldn’t believe it if i told you}

I met Tori and her amazing family this past Saturday for a senior and family session. We were spoiled with such a beautiful day, and the front yard of their home proved to be the perfect location. I just cannot wait for the family to see the rest of of the photos of their amazing daughter. Thanks for such a great morning guys!

Mommy to Mikki: “Who do you love?”

Mikki: “Mommy, Daddy, Cassie…”

Katie: “Kiley! I love Kiley!”

Katie runs to look out the window. No Kiley.

Katie: “Kiley?”

Mommy: “Mommy was just checking you love…”

Mikki: “So no Cassie OR Kiley?”

Mommy: “No…sorry, Girls.”

Is this the story of a bad mama, or what! My girls just love their sister duo baby sitters so much, they have just blended into our family so amazingly and become part of our daily conversation! I so need a night out! *sigh*

My wish is for my girls to be as amazing and sweet and kind and wonderful as these girls. I can’t imagine a bigger blessing in our lives as parents.

I have approximately 10 more months to find myself a baby sitter that will probably only be half as wonderful as Kiley is. For the past 4 years her and her sister have been Mikki and Katie’s soul baby sitters and, just speaking for myself here, my life saver! You know…sometimes you just need to get out…especially when you are a stay at home mom.

About a month ago after another fun and eventful day with Kiley, Katie said to me…”Mama, I wuv (love) Kiley. Where did Kiley go?” That is nice Katie…that makes Mama feel great. You see…this was the first time that Katie has said “I wuv you…” about anyone. Although slightly jealous, Mike and I feel nothing but blessed to have Kiley another 10 months, and more than panicked that we are going to have to find a replacement after she heads off to college in the big city.

I just watched Woody Harrelson in that movie Semi-Pro, so its kind of hard to believe had said anything quite that profound.

Thank goodness for Kiley and Mike….these guys were kind enough to let me take a couple of shots of them today in the heat. I have been really busy the past few months with my portfolio building, and have been concentrating on children and families, but had not yet the opportunity to photograph any upcoming seniors, so this was fun! Thank you guys!