Katie is a dear sweet young lady. I really enjoyed photographing her. Our first day was rained out, but we were able to do her drape shot. We met later in the week for the remainder of her session. I looved photographing Katie. First of all, I enjoy being around sweet and polite people like Katie and her mother. Secondly, Katie’s eyes are wonderfully captivating. I don’t think I have ever seen a color quite as clear and turquoise blue as hers. I am not even sure my edits are giving them justice. Katie is just a beautiful person inside and out. I am loving how her images came out! It has been so overcast here, it was wonderful to actually have some sunlight to give these images some pop. I am feeling extra creative tonight, so I am experimenting with some new texturing techniques. They are turning out really fun!

Some of you may wonder why it’s takes a week, sometimes longer for me to post your galleries online. Well, here is a sample of an image directly off my camera..or what we photographers call sooc (straight out of camera) versus an images that I have fully edited. I use two programs to edit all your images…Lightroom and Photoshop. I remove the  flatness of the image, add color pop, color correct and ajust the levels. This is the first edit I do. Once you have made the final selection for your image disk or your prints, I then go back and do the final edits for each image you select. I might do skin (acne) touch-ups, lighten eyes, dodge areas (lighten), burn areas (darken). I usually spend anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes or sometimes longer per image ,depending on the image, for the final edit. It is a step-by-step process starting with the time I spend to shoot the session. Then I edit out the ones you don’t see (eyes closed, funny expressions, ect.)  Next, I do a preliminary edit on each and every image you view in your gallery and then I make the final edits once you have made your final selections. Actually, digital photography is alot more time-consuming than film ever was. However, digital photography is alot more forgiving than film ever was.

Erica was indeed a pleasure to photograph. She was so natural it was very easy to photograph her. Once we got into the groove it was just easy picture sailing after that! It seemed to me in the short time I was with Erica that she is a kind and generous person. I suggested shooting at a newer location since I was ready for a change. So we went out to Senoia to do our shooting. I actually could have shot there all day. I had forgotten about all the wonderful picture taking spots out there. I could tell she really wanted to go to Line Creek, so we were able to squeeze it into our morning. (I also forgot what a long drive it is out to Senoia.) Anyways, I just love how here pictures turned out. I especially love the ones we did in the stairwell! The lighting was amazing! It was wonderful to receive a sweet letter a couple days later from Erica’s mom thanking me for taking the time to take her pictures. It always warms my heart when I know I am appreciated.

When I write a post, I try to bring into the post something unique about the session and the experience. Being and artist, like a musician, or poet, or any other creative element also brings with it a certain element of wearing a part of that side of you out in the open for all to either embrace or tear down. Possessing this sensitive side of yourself, can be at times a vulnerable side, as well as side that can bring a sense of connectedness to those around you. As a photographer, I experience both. It comes with the territory. As does music, I am sure to Decker. Decker is a genius musically and on his trombone. It is his gift to the world. When his mother and I spoke on the telephone, we connected immediately. (This is going to be a long post). Michelle is one of those people who is great at communicating what she wants, and she also knows what she wants. She had done her research…and it was my work that she found the connection as the photographer to capture her son.  As a mother who has a daughter just less than two years away from becomming a Senior herself, I understand that Senior Pictures are both for the teenager and for the parent. As we talked about creating Deckers session, it was then that I realized this is why I do photography…to capture one’s soul. As the session approached, I was looking forward to meeting both Decker and Michele. It was a quite a moment when during the session a train went by in the background and Decker was holding his horn. As the train connected him to his childhood, his horn connected him to his merging into adulthood. It was perfect. And as Decker played his trombone, while I was given the honor to create the images that would preserve the moment, I was inspired to remember  the gifts we are given and the joy and beauty and responsibility we are given to share our gifts. Thank you Decker and Michelle for sharing  with me…and allowing me to give back. Most Sincerely…Heather

Emily’s session took place with her friend Gretchen (below).  Our morning was a lovely morning. When I think of Emily I can describe her in one word…sweet. I just love the picture of her leaning on the railing with her chin on her hands. This image fits her so well…(I think anyways). Of course when we got to railroad tracks and she pulled out her red boots…well I tell you…she really seemed to be very comfortable with her fun and outgoing side as well! It was so cool when she shared her story of the red boots with me! I just loved it! I will give you a hint: Footloose! Emily’s session was shot downtown Newnan and at Line Creek. This is the first time I have used this set of railroad tracks…I really loved the bridge in the background.