Meet Ashlyn. Your extraordinary 6-foot-4.5-inches high school senior. Nothing is average about this girl. She's outgoing, spontaneous, adventurous, creative, and successful. As an outspoken and budding photographer (she has taken my class since her sophomore year of high school and soon heading to Savannah College of Art and Design), she's told me from the beginning I'd be shooting her senior portraits. I've watched her grow and become her own person throughout her high school years, so I had an idea about how to make her senior portraits represent her free-spirit and goofy demeanor. We explored everything that makes the Dirty Durham the best city ever: climbing through a deserted castle, having deep conversations with Geoffrey the Giraffe (Northern High School's unofficial school mascot that Ashlyn based her AP Art portfolio on), hanging out on Ninth Street, and the best local coffee shop, Cocoa Cinnamon, and shooting some awesome portraits in stunning light. I also shot some film and I believe her face was more excited when I developed her film then her face the first time she ever saw her first roll of developed film. I got some memorable photos with her Mom and Dad, then she flipped through some records in hopes of finding Jack White, and drank enough hot cocoa to make her forget how chilly it was outside. It's been quite a journey with this girl and she's got quite a journey ahead of her! Ashlyn, don't be afraid to be yourself and let your spirit run free as you conquer this big world in front of you! (with your sidekick, Geoffrey, of course!)

This summer marks the 30th anniversary of Jerry's parents. These two have been through so much together, that I don't even know where to start. But besides that, Mr. Jerry and Mrs. Donna have loved each other through every bit of their journey as husband and wife. While getting excited about all that awaited us in France this summer, Mrs. Donna asked if I would take portraits of them, since some of the most recent portraits of them are from their wedding day. So in went the tripod and all the photo gear to prep for a beautiful Provençal sunrise photo shoot of my in-laws and then some of the family together (gotta love a tripod and built-in intervalometer!). I even shot a little bit of film, although, I will admit I do need some more practice with that new-fangled color stuff! It was an experience photographing family in a way I photograph clients, as most family shots are truly just on the fly documentary-style and not posed portraiture. However, these shots are something to cherish. Not only do they serve as a reminder of love and of the beauty that this Earth surrounds us with, but they are also a new family heirloom that can be hung in a special place for future generations to see. It was an honor to photograph this love and an honor to be part of this family, so thank you for letting my camera win the race to be in your face before your daily croissant and espresso, and letting "Screech Owl" make an appearance to make someone wake up, haha!