I’ve often said that most seniors that I photograph have at least one idea that drives them.
The thing that’s most important in their lives... at least at that moment anyway.
And after twenty-two years, you can imagine, I’ve seen it all.
Every sport under the sun... nearly every make and model of vehicle... musical instruments... pets of all kinds, including cats, rats, snakes and blue tounged skinks. Odes to rock bands and Mickey Mouse oversized hands. Hunters, fishers, bakers and those that think they’re trend makers. Hawkeyes, Cyclones, Vikings, Bears, Chiefs, Packers and Denver Broncos backers.
Much of it is an effort to express who they are... or who they wish to be.
Most of us choose to be fans of our favorite teams and musicians. We choose to spend our free time being passionate about going hunting with our family or friends... tailgating at that big game. Training to meet that goal... whatever it may be.
But what if your passion, chose you?
When GMG senior Anna Scheidel came to me for her senior session a few weeks back. She, like most seniors, had really only one request. Some have more... some put it all in my hands. But most just have really one thing that they have to have for their session.
And Anna’s was personal.
She didn’t choose to be diabetic. But what she has chosen is how to react to it.
A positive mindset, and an attitude of wanting to gain strength in numbers by helping others in a similar situation is what’s she’s done. And rather than letting it get the best of her... she wears it on her sleeve... literally.
With a plethora of t-shirts chronicling her years of taking part of a camp for diabetic children called Hertko Hollow every summer, Anna is showing the world... This is who I am.
I’ve seen plenty of t-shirt collections over two plus decades. And while this one wasn’t touting conference or state championships, I might argue that no one should be more proud of their collection.
And speaking of proud, I’ve had the fortune of photographing for the Scheidel’s twice now. Older brother, Noah was a member of the GMG Class of 2014. And I can safely say that Mama Scheidel can be proud. Both kids, while soft spoken... were polite, insightful, conversational... and I could tell... very intelligent.
All attributes that will take you far in this life... no matter what obstacles have been placed in one’s way.
Keep on keepin’ on, Anna Scheidel. It’s clear to me... you got this.
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