Hashtag…  what exactly is it.. where did it come from?  ummm.. I have no idea. I do know that i have some beautiful seniors this year.. and their senior photos are awesome.

#seniorportraits

It’s so amazing to me, how my photography brings people into my life. Some were meant to linger awhile.. some just flitted through. All of these people are special in many different ways. Years ago my husband and I bought a place in Mathews County. At first it was a nice get away. I had lost my father a few years before, and life was difficult at that time. My husband, who always knows me better than I even know myself, had sold a property and decided we would look for something else. Things changed, kids moved out of our house here in the Richmond area.. and we decided to make the jump and move to the country. The first few months that we lived there were horrible. I missed my children and my grandchildren terribly. Don’s drive was closer .. my drive to work longer. Because he worked 24 hour shifts at the fire department, I spent a lot of time alone. I have to tell you this background, because it makes the rest of this story amazing.  During these long days when I was home alone, I dug into my photography. I practiced… and practiced… and took photos of anyone who would let me take their photo. Summer was my model… .I could dress her up in anything.. take her out in any light.. and she would sit for hours and model for me. She was my muse.

I turned out some pretty bad photos during that time. I have to say the badness in those photos ( and they were bad) really pushed me to learn what the black box could do. I studied, got mentoring, and worked to get to where I am now. Am I perfect? No.. not by any means. I still miss my focus.. still struggle with lighting. The main thing is, I have developed an ” eye”.  That eye lets me see what i’m doing wrong. I’ve developed the skill to correct what I’m doing wrong.

Fast forward many years, and I get a message from this lovely young lady who use to model for me. She’s getting married. She’s met someone wonderful. Summer is a dreamer and a positive thinker. Her new husband is handsome, and funny, and sweet. I always knew it would take a special man to sweep her off her feet. She’s the kind of girl who would take off rock climbing, or travel to Australia… or  climb down a steep mountain .. just because she can.  Master’s degree finished, this sweetheart of a young lady hired me to take her wedding photos.  I hope that they are as special to Summer and Daniel as they are to me.  Please enjoy their album on shootproof entitled a river wedding The password is ” love”. Here are a few of my favorite moments from this beautiful day. Summer and Daniel.. i wish you so many happy years together. I can’t wait to see where life takes you. I know it will be exciting.  xxoo Connie.

the setting .. a farm on the chesapeake bay.. the day cloudy with a little wind and rain.. the atmosphere.. filled with love

So, That Senior year is finally here. It’s filled with joy and pride. For the parent of a High School Senior, it marks 365 days till college starts. One year until they leave home. One year of holding onto your child.. and even though they are young adults they are still your children, and always will be. I think there are many times in life that we cry happy tears. When our children march across that stage at the end of their last year in school, the Happy tears are rampant.. When they move out of our house for good.. we cry those same tears. When they walk down the aisle to grab that diploma.. or to take another person’s hand .. we cry happy tears. When they come home and tell you  that they are in love.. they are going to build their life away from you. You cry those happy tears.

Hire a professional photographer. Capture this experience in a way that the memory of that pretty day will last forever.. and yes, It’s ok to cry those happy tears during the session. I bring tissues.

xxoo

c

richmond va senior portraits

Say hello to miss Kaylee. She is a senior at Matoaca High School here in Chesterfield County Virginia. A show choir showstopper… this girl can sing like an angel. Senior portraits are my love. I take home so much hope from each session I do. Are young people smarter these days? I know they work harder.. they are ambitious.. they are kind. They all seem to want to make the world a better place. They have PLANS..   I don’t remember having all these things together at age 17. I am continually and genuinely impressed by these young people .

I’ve said it before. Senior Portraits, Family portraits.. special occasion portraits are the lasting gift. They span generations.. they mark special times. Senior portraits mark a rite of passage into adulthood. They are the last formal set of photos that your young person will have while they still live at home. Think about the next big event that will be photographed in this young lady’s life. College graduation.. a wedding?  Children of her own. It happens so quickly.. In a blink of the eye they are out of your home, but never out of your heart.

You keep singing Kaylee.. You are awesome.

xx00 Connie.

the simple truth is NOT every high school senior’s family can afford an

expensive print package. Here’s a great option. The details are explained

on my investment page. Think of the things you can make with your

own digital files. xxoo Connie

Here’s the link to a beautiful wedding. Still a work in progress.. but enjoy.

Weddings Richmond Va

http://conniegrantphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/1876776/