One of my favorite moments from last spring was unquestionably photographing these charming little ladies with their adoring mother (and also my daughter Sophia’s first grade teacher). Rarely do I get to photograph young ladies as most my clients have babies to school-aged children. So, instead if singing a theme song or a favorite Raffi tune I was able to talk, ask real life questions, and connect with these gals in a new-found way. It was both a joy & a challenge, and I gained more from this session than I ever imagined.

Never had I expected to meet such sweet, intelligent, and graceful young ladies. These girls were lovely inside & out, and they spoke with eloquence and confidence. They were warm and kind to one another- as if they shared the kind of “sisters” bond that usually does not emerge until adulthood.  Though what moved me the most about this session was the connection each girl had with their mother. I could see it in the way they looked at her… the way they embraced her. These girls love greatly and are well loved in return.

It should not have been surprising how much these girls adore their mother- she is an amazing person and from my own personal observation, a remarkable educator. She is the kind of teacher who sees the light in every student and encourages them to shine. I am forever grateful for my daughter’s experience in her classroom. If “gratitude is the memory of the heart” then my heart will not forget.

I can only hope she will treasure these pictures for years to come. As we mothers know, you just can’ t get this time back. Knowing this, and watching newborns grow into toddlers, toddlers into precocious children, and children into young adults, makes this small job of mine feel like a big gift… a gift I am lucky to be able to give.