How is she already sixteen? I’ve photographed this sweet girl of mine so many times. But this time…she suddenly was a young woman and I could see her growing up into an amazing person right before my eyes. She is fun and sweet and happy and caring and sassy all rolled into one crazy girl that I’m proud to call my daughter.

This session for her birthday was so much fun with outfit changes and smoke bombs, a little peek into what her senior session might be like. Why do a session like a senior session when she’s just sixteen? I guess that’s the benefit of having a photographer mom…but the greatest thing is that we will have these images to look back on in another year – to see how much she has changed and grown. Don’t put off photos until the right time. Don’t say…she’ll be a senior soon, we’ll just wait. Do them now. Take photos of your children often, whether it’s a professional photo session or a few photos in your backyard or you’re grabbing them at every chance you get. Don’t only settle for first day of school photos. We took photos at every little step when they were younger – there is no reason to stop once they hit double digits.

And…while I’m at it…get in the photos with them. Really. No excuses. My daughter would ask all the time to take selfies with me and I would catch myself saying no constantly. What was that teaching her? That I didn’t have any self confidence, that I didn’t like the way that I looked. That I wasn’t worthy of being in a photograph. That had to stop. So now, even if I’m not feeling my best, I get in the photo. I say yes. I show her that my value is not based on what I look like but on who I am. But careful of that front facing camera when you’re not ready…

I loved that she was up for everything and so comfortable in front of the camera – that’s one of the reasons that I’ve tried to photograph her so often. I want her to see her beauty (inside and out) in the way that the rest of the world does. I don’t want her hiding behind anything – I want her out living her best life everyday. And she does. She loves completely and cares deeply for people and animals. She loves to laugh and have fun and sleep. I could take a lesson or two from her.

I challenge you to go take some photos of your child…no matter what their age. Not for instagram or for framing or for anything other than just having fun. And get in a photo or two with your kiddo. It’s worth it, I promise.

xo,
c