Pumpkins, her ol' puppy, and a girl called Squid...

Don't let the pictures fool you...

It wasn't as easy as it looks.

A quick glance at the images from South Tama senior, Sydney Upah's senior session and one might be inclined to think that the warm and vibrant fall colors came forth from a equally comfortable and beautiful morning.

Negative.

With freeze warnings hitting for the first time all season subsiding in the early morning hours, it was little consolation to a senior gal that had a little flowered dress and a short sleeved shirt in her repertoire.   Yet... despite the biting temps... the girl that they call "Squid" would not let it stop her.

The first order of business was to meet Team Squid at her father's well known Pumpkin farm just northeast of Toledo.   It's been a part of Syd's entire life, and it provided a unique and playful spot for us to start her Stewart Photography experience.

So with a warm jacket and a couple of scarves to help offset the 30-degree temperatures, we hit every nook and cranny around the ol' farm.   

By our side nearly the whole time was Squid's best friend, Colby.   Mr. Colby was a sweet yellow lab that could no longer hear me, but was as friendly as they come.   It was almost like he KNEW what we were doing and that he needed to stay out of our way, but nevertheless... he wanted to BE there.   Oh sure... we wanted Colby to be in a few images... and even then it seemed like he felt like it wasn't his place to be the center of attention.   Despite all this, I'm sure the image will be one that Syd will cherish for years to come.

Undoubtedly, the jacket and scarves outfit seemed to be most appropriate considering the conditions and the scenery.   That being said... I eventually had to part with that look and move to the you'd-better-be-braver-than-brave little white dress.

The goose bumps were a plenty and as I'm in my heavy coat and black stocking cap, I was marveling at Sydney's toughness.

Undaunted, she even went to the cold hard ground a couple of times and deserves a medal for her willingness to even put ON the garment in those conditions!

OH!... I forgot to mention!   Before Sydney got into that dress... at one point there was a tractor in the way of where I needed to be to photograph her from a particular angle.   And while the dumb photographer stood there... our senior girl hopped right up on the thing and moved it out of the way confidently.

Whoa...   I was impressed.

Tough as nails... and able to operate large farm machinery.   Someone needs to wife her.   ;)

Until that happens however, we'll let her enjoy her youth and her senior year in particular.   While she had to "earn it" perhaps a little more than most seniors due to the cold morning, a quick glance at the results don't show it and I think all the credit goes to Squid for that.

Special thanks to Mama Marlys for all over her help with her extra set of hands and eyes and thanks to Upah's Pumpkin Farm for the spectacular sights, spots and seasonally appropriate backgrounds.