As a photographer, it’s humbling to see through a lens what other people experience every day. And with that comes a huge responsibility to get it right… so when a friend texted and asked me to photograph her husband’s homecoming from Iraq, I welled up with tears. That’s a big responsibility. She hasn’t seen him in at least six months, and I was incredibly honored that she asked me, of all people, to document this moment for them.

I’m not sure who was more nervous on the ride over to the ceremony — B, with anxious anticipation to see her best friend, or me, who had no idea the outpouring of emotion I was about to witness. People who hadn’t seen their loved ones in months were finally getting to say hello again. New babies, children who hadn’t seen their moms or dads in months, were going to be reunited. The anxious energy in the room was palpable, as spouses white-knuckled their signs and patiently waited while the kiddos played around them.

Two video screens hung from the ceiling with a live feed as the soldiers loaded the buses to come to the building for the ceremony, and small cheers bubbled from the crowd with there s/he is’s and I can’t wait‘s. Soon, the doors opened and the soldiers came running in for their final lineup of this deployment.

When the first soldiers entered the room, the whole house erupted with cheers. Like you’re standing in the front row of a concert. Within moments, the energy in the room shifted from nervous to cheerful and excited… it was deafening at some points, especially when people in the crowd started to recognize the faces of those that they were welcoming home.

A few words from their superior and everyone started running. Hugs. Cheers. Tears. Kisses and hello‘s. I have never fought back tears so hard as I tried to maintain the focus of my lens. After a few tense moments on her tiptoes, she finally saw him.

I don’t think that smile will leave her face for days.

It’s especially poignant since Veteran’s Day is tomorrow…. it made me really grateful and was so humbling to see firsthand the sacrifices these families have given for our freedom. I’m so honored to have been here for B&T. So honored. Thank you, T, for your service; and B, to you, I am in your debt with gratitude for documenting this for you. Cheers to both of you — enjoy this time together.

Oh, my! It’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry for the long pause between posts…my only excuse is all the amazing sessions I’ve been photographing over the past few weeks! Hang on, because there’s lots of beautiful portraits coming up.

Like the delightful Cajsa–I knew we were in for an amazing session when she said she adored these senior portraits from last fall. Little did I know, though, we’d be photographing her on the hottest days of the summer—where the mercury soared to 105º and 106º in the evening hours when we scheduled her session. Oy! So, here I was, a completely sweaty mess, and Cajsa didn’t seem to mind one bit, with the heat giving her a radiant glow.  (If you haven’t noticed, I’m totally jealous of those who swear they love the heat. Just so you know, we’ll still be friends, except in June, July and August. Call me in January when it’s 25º and snowing. Just sayin’.)

Cajsa absolutely sparkles. She loved putting on a black dress and pearls, yet her carefree, barefoot style shone through.We started her session at the Kansas State University Gardens —

Gorgeous.

Her laugh is just like her—easy and carefree, especially when we talked about the things she loves. Especially pandas.

We went to the Konza Prairie for more portraits, where she absolutely glowed in this dress. And the mirror? A garage-sale find! Totally magical…

And this sundress, which was delightfully Anthropologie-inspired… especially when in a field of prairie wildflowers.

Cajsa, it was a delight to meet you and photograph these portraits for you! Wishing you an amazing senior year and all the best of what’s to come. Cheers!

If there is a word for this, darling, it is joy.

She’s filled with exuberance. You see it in everything she touches. Her friends adore her for it. Her parents, too.

When we had first talked about Anna’s senior portraits, she offered up something that brings her joy :: fashion. Urban Outfitters, namely. She loves putting together styles that make her feel good. That share her joy. Shoes, her mom’s cowboy boots, a strand of pearls. Her eye is flawless.

It barely took me the bat of a fluttered eyelash to be fully on board with her concept, my wheels spinning of combining my love for sun-drenched, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters-styling, with her vision for a portrait session that would outshine (quite literally) her expectations for jaw-dropping senior photographs. Prairiewood was our perfect setting, on a fall evening with delicious golden light, the sound of her parents’ nearby laughter as they sat by the pool.

A weathered horse barn on the property was the perfect complement to her attire, including her mom’s boots!

A quick outfit change and we basked in the sunlight ::

This image…sheer joy.

A couple of shots among the prairie. This is one of my favorites of the day (and I have lots!) ::

Another quick outfit change and we brought out an antique chair I brought along. See what I mean about her styling? Flawless…

Anna has done some modeling, and she completely rocked this image. The ring is one of her favorites ::

Anna, your star shines SO bright. I’m excited to see what lies ahead of you, as you discover the limitless joy that comes from following your heart. I’m humbled to have created portraits for you that bring you and your family the same sparkle that you share with others! Cheers!

I’ve watched Alex grow up since I became part of the hubs’ family a few (ahem…okay, several) years ago.  An adorable little shaver back then with bundles of energy, he’s become a dashing young man who excels at everything he puts his mind to. A total guy’s guy who puts his all into sports, his friends, and family (yet isn’t afraid to don his sister’s pom uniform for the sake of homecoming…and wins “most feminine”!).

We visited two of his favorite and most memorable places to document his senior portraits…two places that have played a significant role in shaping the person he is and who he will become :: his high school football stadium, and one of their closest family friends’ farm.

And his beautiful sister joined in too for a few portraits! (her turn for senior portraits is only a short year away!)

I love this next series of images ::

Rocking it.

So while we were getting the image on the right, the horse from the nearby barn decided to pop out and say hello…he wanted his picture taken too! I don’t usually post outtakes…but these are too funny.

Congratulations on your senior year, Alex! I know big things are in store for you…wishing you all the very best!

This is a big week! So much great stuff to share!

You may recognize Skyler from Garin and Ashley‘s wedding back in June :: he, the youngest brother and best man in their beautiful summer celebration. It’s been an absolute delight to get to know their entire family better since the wedding, and now it’s Skyler’s turn in the limelight.

He is so many things :: brother. friend. quarterback. humble. traditional. proud. honest.

His family identifies with the high school football team, and it’s been a huge part of their lives for many years. (And their season is off to a great start this year too!)

The doors at the high school have a wonderful story and a big piece of the school’s heritage, as they’re rarely opened for anything other than graduation. Walking through those enormous, beautiful doors is a huge honor and a big deal. So we thought it would be perfectly appropriate to have some portraits in front of them!

We ventured a few other favorite places near his home — I just love the authenticity in this photograph.

And as the light was fading we caught a few more–honest, real. So authentic.

Skyler, wishing you all the best on a fantastic senior year and a new adventure to come!