Onward and upward...

The date was October 28, 1997.

A gal named Cindy brought in her ornery little boy to me to be photographed.   Just a little over year old at the time, Nate Rosfjord made his first appearance at Stewart Photography, and in typical Nate fashion, he excelled.

Little Mr. Rosfjord won his very difficult birth to 18 month category in the national kids contest we used to enter annually... and thus began yet another episode of the author of this blog watching as a local child grows up before my eyes.

Fast forward almost seventeen years, and Nate finally made his repeat appearance in Montour... just a little over a month shy of his 18th birthday.   I've had the pleasure of watching Nate grab nearly every male lead in the musical at East Marshall High School the past few years, as well as stepping up his game on the hardcourt and on the golf course.

It's surreal to me during these life-coming-full-circle moments.  One year.   Senior year.   It doesn't get any better than being trusted by a mother to bring out her son's true spirit in images.  And that's what we were charged with attempting to do last Wednesday afternoon.

It was another in what was a perfect week for weather as Mama Cindy, Nate... and Mr. Rosfjord's main squeeze, Holly were on the scene to take full advantage.

We had a couple of regular outfits to plow through before getting to the real fun stuff that our senior wanted to highlight.  But before we got to the athletic art, we had to pay photographic homage to The Shed, at least one more time.

Many Stewart Photography clients are familiar with the red barn/storage shed that sits on the property of my very first secretary, Alice Garrett.  Alice and her husband Ron have been so very kind to our business over the years since Alice "retired" from her post here in allowing me to take advantage of their unique property on the north end of this little town in which we do business.   I was told three years ago that the rustic old shed was going to be torn down.   Days, weeks and months went by... and that creeky old red shed was still there.   Every nook and cranny has been photographed from every angle over the years... and I'm not really sure why it's demise was delayed 3 years ago... but I certainly wasn't asking questions.

It's Saturday morning as I author this... and facebook tells me that indeed the destruction of my beloved shed has begun.   I should be over there helping after all the Garrett's have done for me over the years, but that would be kinda like cutting off my right arm in an ill-fated attempt to lose weight!

So, the shed is coming down, but we got atleast one more tour around the structure with Nate and my camera Wednesday.   In another twist of fate, Mama Cindy put 2 and 2 together and recognized Alice as a client at her former job as a hair stylist in LeGrand.   While the two ladies caught up with each other... Nate and I and Holly spun around the building one last time.

*sigh*

So the shed would be no more... but we still had to regroup and find a way to carry on...   And like the gamers that Nate and I are... we somehow found a way.

It was off to the aforementioned town of LeGrand to hit up EM High School to capture some images in the gym.   Nate had some ideas of his own, but after listening to his suggestions... I twisted a couple of them to put my own spin on it... and I think they'll end up being some of his favs.

Just like our guest of honor is hoping that his senior year tops everything he's experienced thus far, we too decided to save the best for last on this day as Nate's passion for golf was the capper.

He and his mom had spied some of our golf effects that we had attempted in the past and wanted to take their stab at them as well.   I was told that Nate and Holly were off to have a golf date at Oakland Acres right after the session, and I know this... Nate's swing shoulda been good and warmed up by the time they left!

Nate told me during the session that at this point in his life... he could really see himself as a psychologist.   I hope the young man that I photographed this week, isn't afraid to chase those dreams with a child-like carefree reckless abandon...  just like the wobbly one year old explored the space instead of sitting still 17 years ago.

Thanks for allowing me to capture the bookends on your life so far, Team Nate.