I have had a tough time deciding on how to start this blog because I am in complete awe of this young man who is about to go off and do some amazing things with his life. He is a great student, athlete, and person. He is, as a friend said on this image, “our All American in every way”.
It just so happens that Jakob and his family have lived across the street from us for 2 years. I knew that he was a runner but if you were to see his family you would automatically know that they are all runners. I run vicariously through them and I wouldn’t have it any other way. .
This year my 6th grader was having trouble in math after missing a few days due to an illness and we were unable to help her (she didn’t want our help). Jakob began tutoring her in the evenings after his track practice. He had his own homework and responsibilities but he was always here when she needed him and with a smile. He was patient and she loved having him here helping her. We can never thank him enough for his assistance.
I had secretly hoped that I would get to do his senior photos and was jumping for joy (inside) when Yvonne asked me before Christmas. Our only obstacles were the weather and his schedule. He is one busy senior. Once we the date we needed the location. For some reason they like to run up McKelligan Canyon so I figured that would be a great place to start. I will begin with one of my favorite images from the canyon.
It’s not easy getting a shot of him not smiling.
I do love his smile. It’s infectious.
It was fitting that the rays of light were always on him.
We finished in this area and started walking up the canyon some more. I have only been to the amphitheater so I was just looking for spots with possibilities. Done!
Had to stop on the steps before continuing on.
“I’m getting in touch with my softer side.”
I wanted to get some shots of him moving so I sent him on up ahead of us. This makes me teary thinking of the very near future as he prepares to start a new chapter in his life. However, he had us laughing as he came back towards us. All I told him to do was act like he was talking to his friends.
It was time to move on to our next location but as we were walking back down the trail I saw something and had one of my brilliant ideas. “See this slope? Carefully lie down with your arms relaxed in front of you.”
Mom had to help.
Next we were off to Chapin High School to take some photos on the track. We arrived and realized that due to construction we couldn’t get to the track without going inside the building. Not going to happen on a Sunday. For a split second Yvonne and I thought about jumping the fence, not that high, but were reminded by the 18 year old that it wouldn’t be a good idea. So, the track would have to wait for another day and I decided to use the school’s courtyard as a backdrop instead.
I mentioned at the beginning that Jakob is quite the runner. He’s our track star and has the medals to prove it. He brought them along so we could incorporate them in some images. My favorite from this group is on my Facebook page. Did I mention that he has broken records? Well, he has.
USATF Junior Olympic All American
Track Nationals Summer 2015 Jacksonville, FL
Cross Country Nationals December 2015 Albuquerque, NM
It was time for another wardrobe change and a few more shots before finishing up for the day.
J- I just want to bite it.
M- So bite it.
Just a couple of more images before heading home with two very hungry passengers. I always have to get a shot the parent who has come along with the senior and I think Jakob may have misunderstood the intent of the image. Nah, it’s just a mom and a son with an amazing relationship.
“The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your son.”
Fast forward 4 days and we are at the Chapin High School track for his final images. I had my friend, Kris, with me for assistance and we had a good laugh making our way through the gym side of the school to get to the track. I had forgotten that lovely smell after a practice. Luckily, we would be outside on a beautiful day with a slight breeze that would become a cold wind as the session progressed. Jakob was cooperative and smiling as long as I kept him running. One of my favorites from the track can be seen here.
I threw him off when I asked him to stand and start from the number one instead of on the line. Again, I am not and never have been a runner.
The wind was strong and had a bit to it by this point and it’s when I had him stop running and sit still. He kept on smiling for me. I love this kid.
He couldn’t stop laughing.
Just like that we were done. As we were getting our stuff together I asked him what time they lock up and did they know we were still out on the field. He didn’t know the answer and you can see by his posture he was in a hurry to get there to find out.
Doors he checked were locked. I got a quick shot of him while Kris went to check the door we came out of…success!
Thank you, Yvonne, for asking me to do this for you. I had such a good time with you both and Jakob is such a kind and gracious young man. I look forward to finding out where he decides to go to college. He has a few offers on the table but has not yet made a decision. We are all waiting for the big announcement later this month. I’m sure he will succeed wherever he chooses to go. I will miss you all and hope to run into you again.
“You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You’re on your own and you know what you know.
You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
~ Dr. Seuss ~
Dolores Loza - You did fantastic on my grandson’s pictures.