And this one goes WAY back with me.
From the time my wife and I joined Ferguson Bible Church sixteen years ago, she and her family have been there. And since our congregation is small... very small... you know everyone.
When we started there, I was carrying my only daughter around in a baby carrier. I remember taking a parenting class on how to do this thing we call bringing up children... and right there beside us... just one step ahead in the process, were Trent and Michelle Upah.
Sure... they had a son a few years older... but just the one daughter, Emilee Rae. And after watching her grow up side by side with my girl, it's kinda hard for me to believe I'm actually writing this.
Em is a senior.
Maybe it's just the first step into coming to grips with the fact that MY daughter will be doing this in one more cycle of the seasons, or maybe I can't believe that the tiny two year old that I watched in nursery on Sundays is all grown up.
Either way, I knew this would be a special session.
I greeted Miss Emilee when the walked in the door that Monday morning the same way I've done for countless Sundays by dropping in a "hey, Em!" and she smiled her classic sheepish Em grin, probably because she knew she had a LOAD of things for me to tackle on this day.
We hit the road early with a trip to Bob and Kay Roseland's barn to get her country girl vest/dress-n-boots photographed. We dodged the dogs, chickens (and even the baby chicks) to get that done, and then it was off to Rob and Amy Gage's property.
Not far from outside of Ferguson where the Upah's call home, there was a wide open prairie of wild flowers next to the Gage's, and we took the H3 back into the outback to get that done.
Next stop was, fittingly enough.... our church. I had photographed a wedding or two there back in the day, but I can't recall ever doing any senior images there. I'm happy to report that Emilee's faith is a big part of her life, and watching her sing shoulder to shoulder with my daughter in the worship band has been neat to see develop in the last year.
We completed those images and it was time to back track a bit to Casa de Upah. While there, we reunited with brother Sam and Max... got some images done with the families' 'baby'... Their Victory Motorcycle (manufactured proudly in Spirit Lake, Iowa! Did you know that? I didn't. Learn something everyday!). Adorned in matching shirts and even a belt buckle emblazoned with the bike manufacturer's logo... I'd say the company owe's the Upah's some royalties!
We survived the inevitable barrage of sarcasm that is always abound with Papa Trent around (not too mention the equally facetious, young Maxwell) and we then had to work in her ball of white feline, Mia. Mia wasn't too fond of the idea... but we got it done nonetheless.
Em's older brother, Sam, has had the eye of a young lady from Marshalltown for quite some time now... so it was fitting that Haley Groth, who undoubtedly feels like family to them by now, was there for the rest of the session.
So the three ladies and I were off to Marshalltown for a quick urban set in Emilee's blue dress and heels, and when that was done, we clearly needed a bite to eat as it was already past the noon hour. Mama Michelle said she'd spring for lunch if we stopped by Haley's Grocery and Deli on North 3rd Avenue. The crime was that I had NEVER been in the long time Marshalltown establishment, but that came to an end as owners Stan and Leslie Groth hosted us for our brief break from senior picture taking.
With our tummies full and a boost of energy, it was back to the studio to knock off another couple outfits, including chronicling her obsession with Batman as well as chowing on cupcakes, and even after ALL that... we still had one thing left to do.
If felt like we were saving the best for last as Michelle had asked me earlier in the week if I had any ideas of capturing something of her girl that may look authentically 1950s-esque. After considering a couple of locations, I proposed the same question to my wife that night... and as usual... she knew just what to do.
The vintage Candyland Station in Grinnell became our final destination, and boy did we hit the jackpot here. Take Em's lil' black dress, and pair it with her red bow, purse and smokin red heels... no WONDER traffic along 146 through town was slowing down to a crawl. The staff and patrons at Candyland was gracious to Team Upah and I as we took over the place for a few minutes, and the results? Well... I think they speak for themselves.
I can't believe you're a senior, Em. I've come to grips with the fact that I'm getting old... but YOU, aren't supposed to be nearly all grown up just yet. Regardless, despite our families tendencies to razz each other like it's our job, I can say with certainty, that something very right was done by your folks... as you've turned into a fantastic young lady. Thank you for trusting the guy from church to do your images. It means alot.
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