Once or twice... fine.
But it after awhile... it became obvious.
She had been spying on me.
I shouldn't have been surprised. All the signs were there.
Her sister had been here. She had sat through an entire senior session with a friend a year ago. A plethora of classmates, friends and her community's seniors have dotted our blog for years.
I should have seen it coming.
So when I started in with my explanation of the five points of light and she swept her face toward the main light before I could finish. I shouldn't have been taken aback.
When she hopped up on the background for the first time and put her weight back and popped her front leg... I shouldn't have been shocked.
Time after time she felt perfectly into poses and she knew what the grey card was and what it was for... and on and on and on.
All my thunder was stolen... yet it didn't matter to her.
She was here anyway.
Caitlyn Purcell was another in a long line of BCLUW seniors that have kept me busy over the years. It was her turn last Thursday... and needless to say at this point, she had done her homework.
Nevertheless, other than bringing her cheerleading stuff and her sister along for some image... her wants, requests and demands were nil. The ball was in my court. She had seen enough to know one thing. She trusted me.
How cool is that?
A quick glance through the images will make it readily apparent that while I had a big job to do... it was hardly work.
Even though a mixup with getting the wrong cheerleading uniform size caused Team Caitlyn to be a few minutes late, eventually we were off and running.
In a rare twist, we started the session with cheerleading. (Most times we'll leave sports stuff to the end) But in this case she wanted her hair DOWN for cheer and then went UP for "regular" outfits later.
The fun then kicked in as we plowed through her first series with the famous Comet cheer uniform that I've seen so many times in the past. As I had mentioned, Stewart Photography Alum, Sarah Jo Purcell (also known as Caitlyn's sis) was along for some sister shots, and while it wasn't planned, their mother Michelle asked at one point after Caitlyn had switch from her Comet Cheer to her Comet Dance uniform if it would be ok if Sarah hopped in the cheer uniform for some images together.
Time to party like it's 2010!
In a Throw Back Thursday for all-times, Sarah hopped back in that black-n-gold uniform that she used to work like it was her job... and you know what? She hasn't lost a step. I didn't make her do any jumps or anything crazy like I did five years ago (Caitlyn wasn't so lucky... she got in her jumping workout for SURE!), but the images were so much fun, nonetheless. Some of my favorite images from the day came when I asked the girls to hold hands... go cheek to cheek and be kinda serious.
The result? Anything but serious.
As often is the case when I do ask for a calm, serene expression... the giggles eventually win out. And while I eventually did get the serious image I was hoping for... the black and white series below shows you it took some doing to get there. ;D
It was wonderful catching up with absolutely one of my favs from the Class of 2010. Add in a mom who was seemingly having the time of her life (see the high heels saving piggy-back pics below) and you get the picture... I have an awesome job.
Unfortunately, Michelle informed me that this was her baby... so next year Caitlyn will be off to UNI to pursue and elementary education degree and eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches... the years will go on... and there will be no more superfun Purcell daughter's to photograph.
That makes me kinda sad... but I hope we made forever memories that day. Beyond the amazing images that this brown eyed beauty made, there an experience to be had. And while there's no way to guarantee it, it's my hope that all of our seniors have a unforgettable day. Cait had seen it first hand before... and wanted it for herself. I can't be for sure... but I think we delivered.
Thanks so much ladies... it was wonderful to see you all again.
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