Summer is fast and furious for me… a senior, wedding and family photographer.  Some might call me “just a photographer” but it’s not like that… not at all.  My seniors, brides, and families invite me into their personal lives to share their very important life milestones.

If I was “just a photographer” then I wouldn’t get this lump in my throat as a dad walks his daughter down the aisle to hand her future over to a young man that can’t possibly love her as much as he does…

…or when I see endless tweets of last season’s high school seniors packing their cars to head off to college. Who is going to feed them, protect them, love them?

 Being a mother and daughter myself, I can feel both sides of the fence.  I remember how excited I was to marry the love of my life. But, I remember my dad asking me if I was sure I was ready.

I also remember packing my car and heading off to college.  I was SO excited.  But, I also remember my parents driving off without me.

The funny thing is that we all know it’s coming.  At the start of our senior year, or the beginning of your engagement, we know where we are headed.  If we prepare properly, then we are ready.  It’s the way life goes. Ready or not, it’s time.

As summer is winding down, I continue to share these life milestones with my families. I’m technically “just your photographer” but, really I feel more like part of your family.

So, from the family member who is on the outside looking in, my advice to each one of my 2016 seniors, parents of 2016 seniors, brides, grooms, parents of my bride and grooms, and now my 2017 seniors and their parents…

Live in the moment! Take it all in and enjoy every second with your loved ones.  We are exactly where we are supposed to be.  Thank you for including me in your family!

Do you know someone who needs a professional photographer? We’d love to be part of your family too.