The Girl Next Door...

We wrapped up a fantastic June last Wednesday afternoon with a senior that had a long ways to go.

Sixty-one steps, in fact.

I went out this morning and walked it off to be sure. Just over sixty paces puts me at Paige's back door which is within shouting distance of the studio's back door in Montour.

So, while we've had 'em show up from Fargo, North Dakota... St. Louis, Missouri.... Harmony, Minnesota... and Savannah, Illinois for senior portraits... This one was a stone's throw away.

I have no doubt that Paige has watched me work out the back door as I'm shooting seniors, and finally it was HER turn.

Sort of.

With all the anticipation that was undoubtedly there... I called the Eberhart's at the last minute and asked if I could have an extra hour as my morning session was running long (direct complaints to Emily Havelka of rural Marshalltown, Paige) :). Graciously, Paige and her mother Paula allowed me a little breathing room... and I was thankful.

Once we finally got rolling around 2 p.m. it was time to bring out Paige's playful personality. It's pretty easy to get natural smiles on a gal when they are giggling before you even take an image. Granted... when the photographer looks as goofy as this one does... she could hardly be blamed.

So we worked in the dance stuff... the thespian and choir deal... I really loved what I called her Taylor Swift look with the little dress, jean jacket and boots.

I even coaxed Paige into shedding her glasses which she rarely takes off. You'll have to give her feedback as to what you think... but I told her what I thought. (Hint: note the first image... my fav. :) )

If you look closely near the bottom here... you'll see another sign that I've been at this awhile... Mama Paula brought in a portrait of Paige when she was just one year old.

That I did.

Stuff like that hits me hard. I've seen businesses come and go and the market change drastically in 18 years... and I'm just thankful that we're able to still chase our dream everyday.

The month of June was closed with another amazing session and I couldn't have been more happy with our numbers overall. Kudos to those of you that took advantage of our early bird special.

Enjoy Independence Day everybody. Happy Birthday, America. :)