Kakey is Graduating!

My niece, Kaitlyn, has survived 12 years at my own alma mater the Highland School system, and she's set to graduate this spring! She's walked a long road since the days when our family referred to our once firey-tempered little sweetie as "Saitlyn." (affectionately, of course.) In those days, it wasn't Sunday after-church-lunch if Kaitlyn wasn't red-faced and crying for a 'big quarter' to put in the little toy vending machines. She grew out of her temper-tantrum phase and marched proudly into the phase whereby she used her baby blues, twinkling smile, and melodically oft-repeated phrase ("I like your outfit") to get out of trouble. (And who could resist? She was a-dorable!)

I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but at some point, Kaitlyn gracefully strolled into the chapter of her life where she grew into one of the most sweet-spirited people I know....one who whole-heartedly adores and cares for others, seeks to live a spirit-filled life, and absolutely loves to laugh (and seriously golfs like a pro!). I'm proud to say that she now uses those baby blues for good, and not evil. ;)

We love you Kakey and are so proud of you! You hear it said in every.single.graduation.speech for a reason: it's true. So, throwing novelty to the wind, I say, as important and amazing as your road thus far has been, your journey is truly just beginning!

We had to do one angst-filled teenager shots! :) I just loved how the sun hit her eye...







Loved the golden light in this set...here's my secret weapon. My mom (or Nona to Kaitlyn) was working the diffuser and reflector....

Natalie: Senior Fun

Natalie is my beautiful, smart, funny, talented, and athletic niece! (And, I'm her proud aunt!) :) She will soon be graduating from my alma mater Highland High School and then showing this world a thing or two, I'm sure. Her signature natural curls and cutie smile have been a light in our family well before she melted hearts with her first attempts at saying my name ("Ooney").  She has made each person in our (enormous) family so proud, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for her. We had a blast shooting her Senior portraits recently! Nat and I shared the vision for some edgy, fun photos. My oldest sister, Lisa (Nat's mom), however, wanted more traditional images. Natalie and I have both been around long enough to learn that we do what Lisa says. :) So, we compromised and did both! :) 
Thanks Nat for a fun two days and for enduring sub-Artic temps for us! We love you!! 



This is Natalie's triple threat expression when she's ruling the basketball court! 







Mike captured this fun flare shot! Love it! 







Kaitlyn, another niece of whom I'm so proud, has never been shy for the camera, so we made sure she got in on the action. Mike captured this one! 





Another stellar Mike capture! 







Day 2: project traditional day! :)
My Mom was there for any make-up touch-ups and necklace adjustments (and comic relief). :) Love you, Mom! 




what could be more traditional than wheat and leaves? ;) 

Mom and my brother Michael hard at work on lighting control. 
Michael shows off his skills to both diffuse AND reflect light. ;) 




The model with her "crew." (Until now, I didn't realize that I couldn't smile right when I'm FREEZING!) 
Mom, Michael and Natalie looking fab!