Last week I shared my story in how I've come to love high school senior and now "tween" photography. You can click HERE to view that post.
I was excited about what the Lord had stirred in my heart regarding the wonderful world of tweens, and was looking forward to the group session that I had set up later that week.
Despite the heat and humidity, these six kids arrived in bright colors and even brighter personalities. We spent over an hour together, capturing smiles and giggles, some drama and even some tricks. We finished the night off with ice cream and a gorgeous sunset.
I came away from this experience a little unsure about it all and said as much to my husband that evening. After an hour with six pre-teens, I was hot, exhausted, and a little disappointed. For some reason, I felt uneasy and conflicted, as if I had not done enough to capture these awesome young people.
And then I began receiving notes from parents. Their kids were so excited from the experience they had had and couldn't wait to do it again. Moms thanked me for making their kids feel beautiful, and kids expressed that it was the most fun they'd ever had taking pictures!
I was reminded through these wonderful responses (thank you, Moms, for taking time to write!) that this vision was not just about creating beautiful images (which we did do, don't you think?). Almost more so, it was about giving these young kids an experience to remember, an assurance that they are wonderfully amazing and beautiful, despite how unsure or awkward they might be feeling during this phase of life.
And I was amused to realize that I, like my awesome tween models, was feeling unsure and conflicted, and that perhaps that part of being a tween always stays with us. And so I could relate to these kids even better. My experience with this session and these kids confirmed in me the passion to create amazing experiences for tweens who often need to be reassured about how totally awesome they really are!
This session was much more than portraits.
For these tweens and for me.
And now, more than ever, I am convinced that this new vision is one worth pursuing with courage and enthusiasm. I'll learn my way along with my subjects, and I'll have a blast doing it!
I can't wait to share the final post to this series.
I've got a wonderful idea about how tweens can enjoy this awesome experience with their own friends!
That's for next week!
Until then,
Keep smiling!
1 comment:
Thank you so much for letting Cam be a part of this session. She loved it.
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