Symbolic Steph

It kinda hit me today...

Today was the finish line.

The snow was flying and Steph was the last senior on our books.

Oh... they'll be a scattered few more most likely. But Steph was the last one on the docket that's been another creative grind that began back in early June.

My brain is tired and my body is exhausted..... and I always look back at this point and say... "how did I just do that?"

Somehow, with it getting dark at 5 p.m. and looking out the window and seeing it snowing, it seems like a fitting time ending to our senior busy season. I've never been more thankful for the seniors that have entrusted us to treat them like more than a number.

It's my hope that each and every one of the seniors we served got everything they wanted and more. This is my passion and what drives me every morning at 4 a.m. when the alarm clock goes off. Hopefully that showed all summer and fall.

Take care Stewart Photography alums..... and God Bless.

Bringin' the Wood

Derek finally made his appearance at the studio Thursday.

I say finally, because it should have been much, much earlier.

The problem? Shaving his head for football.

Naturally, Mama Connie would have none of it, and the result was a Nov. 6 session date! :-)

As things turned out, shaving the head for the cause was not in vain as Derek and the G-R Rebels were a playoff team with a respectable 8-3 record that included losses to the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the state (Aplington-Parkersburg and Emmetsburg for those of you keeping score at home).

I will say that there was a time yesterday (45 degrees and a frigid wind out of the south) when Connie was REALLY regretting the late session date. Holding an auxiliary flash in the middle of a football field with no wind break will do that to a gal! I can't say that I disagreed that much as I was lying prone on the muddy gridiron.... check the image, though... totally worth it.

Back 2 Back Pharmers

A topic of conversation during sessions typically turns to the jobs that seniors have.

Strangely enough, at this late point of our senior season we had clients on back to back days that work at the same place.

Tuesday's Marisol and Wednesday's Griffin are co-workers at the Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Marshalltown. In addition, former East Marshall lefty slugger Jamie Stalzer (also a Stewart Photography 'alum') is employed there as a pharmacist. (keep those kids in line, Jamie!)

Griffin can tickle the keys and brought in his Casio to let me help him depict that. Cool stuff.

Special props to Griffin for putting up with his mother and I's political discussion. Nancy and I are like-minded thinkers!

Sea and Sun

Marisol in English means "sea and sun." And while there isn't much in the "sea" department in these parts... the best I could do was get this Marshalltown senior to the bridge over the Iowa River. Check out the sun in the background in the first picture below.... truly a stunning image.

Marisol is the third senior that has picked us from this clan. I got another visit from Mama Ignacia and this time I met the kids' aunt Anna, who was particularly adept at holding reflectors and studio fans. :-)

Little sis, Natalie (8 mos.) was also along for the fun. Let's hope that I'm still around in 17 years to complete the Aguero quad!

Something in common

Jesse capped my week of seniors with my first visit from a Grundy Center senior this year.

Through discussion with his folks, I discovered that Jesse and I have something in common....

We both work in very small towns! :-)

While Montour and it's 285 residents is tiny, Jesse's employer, Lone Tree Restaurant, is nestled into a town of just 250 in Holland, Iowa, just a few miles northwest of Grundy Center. Jesse is a master cook at this establishment......... although I wonder because I've been told to never trust a skinny cook! :-)

Jesse and I also had the common thread of being passionate about football. I didn't let my Steelers affinity get in the way of discussing all things Packers. It was clear that while Jesse was enjoying his session..... he had an eye focused squarely on Sunday's big matchup with the undefeated Tennessee Titans!

Special props to Mama Paulette who takes home "most organized" mom of the year. It was also nice to see Jesse's father, Dean along for the festivities.

All Iowa Boy

When you think Iowa, you think farms.

Thursday's senior was the epitome of an Iowa farm boy.

David had his jeans... boots, plaid shirt, Ford truck, FFA awards, belt buckle and a "war story" that includes a heifer-induced broken arm.

David's mom put it best when she mused... "Let's put it this way, David doesn't own a pair of nikey's."

That says it all my friends.