My recent shoot with Isaiah for his senior photos was special to me for many reasons and had me thinking back to my high school days and my senior year. It is the period in life, which signals the end of one chapter and, the beginning of the next. Everything seemed to come together during our session to create the perfect setting for such a special occasion.

Isaiah is my close friend’s younger brother. I met him while I was in high school when he was only six years old. While Amanda’s friendship and mine went on, I saw Isaiah grow into the person he is today. As you can see, I was able to capture a proud, soon-to-be graduate and show what hard work can look like. I personally believe is was the ten years of knowing him that helped me capture this. There was a comfort in our shoot that can only be experienced with ones that have been part of your life for some time. It felt more personal and was an overall great experience for both of us.

As we all know, setting makes the picture. We couldn’t have picked a better day or location to have our shoot. The weather cooperated and the newly added bike path between the McHenry Recreation Center and the Skate Park in McHenry, IL made for an amazing setting. The setting sun gleamed and created a perfect mood against the vibrant colors of the barn and the earthy tones of the foliage. The pictures reflect just how amazingly everything fell into place.

Reflecting on that day, it brings me joy that I was able to capture this moment for Isaiah and his parents. For Isaiah, this is the moment that cuts his ties from childhood and propels him into being an adult. For his parents, it is a forever reminder of a moment that they cherish and will bring them pride forever. I look forward to seeing where the next 10 years takes him, and wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his life.