And college seniors? Well, who wouldn’t want to cheer on the young man or woman who has done it – crossed that first bridge – and is forging ahead into a career?

I got the best of both worlds this past weekend with a sister session celebrating graduation milestones. Beautiful young women, beautiful session, and beautiful futures!

Think you’ve got what it takes to represent?

We’re looking for a social rising senior to be our 2014 model. In exchange for your *free* session, we’re asking for you to do one simple thing: show off your pictures and tell folk where you got them done.

Simple, right?

We’re taking only one rep per school, so act fast.

Deadline to apply is March 31. Email: 10kwordsbyrachelle@live.com for the details and application.

The Gold Hope Project is a group of international photographers that have come together to photograph families completely free, with the hopes of bringing about awareness of and raise funds for Pediatric Oncology Research and treatment.

This non-profit organization is amazing! Their fighters – the children currently battling cancer and those who’ve successfully entered remission – are beautiful people with stories of hope, strength and perseverance.

I’m blessed to be amongst the photographers working for this cause. I’ve been directly affected by cancer and have seen how it affects families. I’m glad to be able to contribute and hope the Gold Sessions I have are a positive experience for each of these young heros fighting this disease.

I hope you’ll check out The Gold Hope Project and help us spread the word. And if you know of someone who needs a Gold Session, direct them to the site for information and to apply.

She’s a bit of a nocturnal gem, busying herself most often (we’re told) in the wee hours of the morning. And so when I met her, she was resting sweetly.

When she’s a tad older, we’ll get her into some sibling shots!

Welcome, little Ayana!

Currently, newbie sessions feature 10-15 polished images from your session with an option to have custom digital birth announcements designed for an additional cost. For a limited time, we’re offering to add the announcements to sessions without increasing your cost.

We suggest newborns be photographed in the first two weeks after birth. Photography sessions are done in your home (or choice of location, weather permitting) and can include siblings and parent portraits as well.

(Of course, safety is of utmost concern, so there won’t be any suspended babies or unsupported newbies in these images.)

Most recently, I photographed a rising junior in high school. She is beginning to build a portfolio of images that could potentially launch her into product modeling. We finally had a slightly overcast, under 100 degree temperature day, that was pretty much amazing for highlighting both her and the amazing landscape that is the Arboretum.
I’m really loving how her completed portraits look and I hope she’ll feel the same. And, perhaps, when it’s time for senior portraits, she’ll venture back to me and we’ll create something even better.

It’s no wonder she photographs so well. Her inner beauty radiates right through and bursts out. I suppose that’s why it was fitting to shoot her portraits in a nearly 100 degree heat. The sun likes her, too.

I’m lucky in that I know her beyond photography. I’ve seen her stand up to peers who relentlessly bully those who cannot defend themselves. She advocates for everyone and believes in inclusiveness. She aspires to help others and does not shy away from volunteering her time for a cause.

(It might be a hereditary trait… her Dad was a serviceman.)

I consider it a privelege to have had a small part in this stage of her life and wish her ultimate success in whatever she sets out to accomplish.

It seems like the perfect combination for this mother-sons team. Two active and happy boys and their queen Mom: a pleasure to photograph, a joy to watch in action.