When the temperature is in the upper 90s and the humidity is almost the same, it’s perfect that the senior session is with a girl who makes me laugh and is also stunningly beautiful. I’ve gotten to know Miss Hattie over the past few years as both my student and one of my daughter’s closest friends. I am grateful for their friendship because Hattie is one of those girls who can both make you smile and also feel appreciated, all in the same breath. She is strong yet vulnerable; she is feisty yet loving. Thank you for allowing me to capture these photos, Hattie. I’m so very thankful that you wanted me to capture your spirit. Love you, girl.

A few weeks ago I met this quiet, seemingly shy and unassuming young man.  I already knew his little sister and mama (they’re a part of our dance family), but I had never met kaleb.  Sometimes I meet someone who is a mystery — someone who challenges me without uttering a single word.  This, was kaleb.  I had to reinvent how I use light because any form of direct light significantly affects his ultra-light sensitive eyes.  As the session progressed I could see kaleb begin to grow comfortable with me and that’s when I really found his best side.  Thank you, kaleb, for allowing me to see your personality.  Thank you for challenging my creativity.

Feel free to share these photos on social media!  All I ask is that you tag/give credit to Calico Creek Photography.

Sometimes younger siblings are overshadowed when an older brother or sister gets married.  Sometimes parents can be consumed by the prepping, planning, and details of a wedding day.  And sometimes, the younger siblings don’t get to shine.  This summer I was blessed to photograph the wedding of maelyn+logan, but I was doubly-blessed to be able to photograph lane, the little brother of the bride, for his senior session.  Lane is such a quiet, funny and talented young man; working with him was a joy!  Thanks to his mom, melissa, for allowing me to work with two of her gorgeous children this summer!  My life has been blessed by getting to know your family better.

Having trouble viewing the images?  Click on the ‘view full size image’ link!

Feel free to share this post and the images on social media!  Please give credit/tag Calico Creek Photography.  Thank you!

“Onward Huskies, onward Huskies, we will not give in..” This summer I got to spend some time in my high school alma mater working with two different heartland seniors — it was fun to see how some things have changed and others haven’t.  The gym brings back so many memories of high school – the smell, the weight room, the banners – all of it.  I was lucky enough to work with heartland senior, connor (and his mom, dana).  It was so much fun getting to know him and there was never a dull moment.  It seemed that every time I was checking my lighting or testing a setting, connor was sure to tout a silly face or strike a crazy pose.  No, I didn’t include any of those in the preview…I’ll save those for connor.  Thanks again to connor and his mom for choosing me!

Feel free to share this post and the images on social media!  Please tag and give credit to Calico Creek Photography in all social media posts.  Thank you!

Once in awhile I get to photograph one of my students and it is a joy.  I have both taught and coached nathan in a variety of classes and activities, so it was fun to get to laugh and be chill for his senior photo session.  Just know that nathan got muddy and I was swarmed by mosquitoes, but we laughed the whole time!

Feel free to share the blog post and photos on social media!  Please tag Calico Creek Photography.

When I first met alyse I could sense a fierceness within her quiet, beautiful eyes.  And I was right.  She has a passion for life and she has a creative soul.  I am blessed to have met her and I cannot wait to work with her again next month — more horses and smiles and laughter and fun!  The first senior session was a hour at sunset in the platte river.  It was something I have never done before and I hope to do it again someday!  Thank you for the adventure, alyse (+twyla)…

Feel free to share this blog post on social media (please tag Calico Creek Photography).

One of my favorite things about doing senior photos is trying something new.  I love it when the seniors and their families have fun things for me to try and to experiment with! This was definitely true for braxton — we had fun working with his deer mounts early in the session and then finishing the session by playing with light at the end of the evening.  I’m still editing and experimenting a few more that involve his graduation year – I’ll add those soon if everything goes as planned!  Thanks again to braxton and his parents for allowing me to capture his senior photos!

Feel free to share photos on social media, but please tag Calico Creek Photography.

Sometimes you have to wait for it, but then you finally get the perfect day and setting for a photo session.  That is exactly what happened with ben.  We met on a warm, fall evening and everything was perfect — the weather, the sunshine, the backdrops, the fun, the easy going atmosphere — everything (even the Husker win that day)!  The best sessions, especially senior sessions, are the ones that feel easy.  Thank you to ben and ginny (and courtney) for making this session a memorable one.  Best of luck to you, ben, as you pursue your dreams and enjoy everything life has to offer (even motorcycle tricks).

Despite what people might think, I find it enjoyable to work with teenagers.  It’s what I do every day for my career and I think high schoolers are awesome.  I know, you might think I’m crazy…and I’m okay with that…  This summer I had the privilege of working with lane – a guy who would definitely rather be doing anything but taking pictures.  But you know what, sometimes it’s kids like lane who make my job the most enjoyable.  Yes, sometimes it can be challenging to get a smile, but often times these sessions are the ones that we laugh the entire time and we take life a little less seriously, together.  To jackie, thanks for allowing me to do my first trapshooting session – I loved it!  To lane, best of luck throughout your senior year!