I met Heather 10 years ago at Fort Leavenworth, KS. Before moving to Carlisle Barracks I saw her picture on the Facebook page for our new location and kept telling my husband, “I know her but I can’t figure out from where.” It drove me insane. Upon our arrival we went to a social and she was there talking to my hubby. I told her that she looked very familiar and it had been driving me crazy trying to figure out where I had met her. She looked at me and said, “I was at your baby shower at Fort Leavenworth.” Great! I quickly blamed it on pregnancy brain and hoped for the best.
This place is small yet the only time I see them on post is at promotions. We have been to several together. At one of them, in the fall, as I was taking pictures, she asked me about my photography and if I shot seniors. I LOVE to photograph seniors. We discussed the possibility of doing this once spring and green grass came around again. Who knew it would take forever to arrive. It’s May.
I was watching the weather like a hawk because it was iffy. Sure enough, the morning of the session it was foggy, chilly, and threatening rain. We were working around crazy schedules and didn’t want to have to reschedule. It worked and we were able to get some great shots of a handsome young man.
We headed out to a great location on post that I had recently discovered to start the fun. When I picked them up she was excited and Zach was cooperative. I promised her that by the end of the session he would be acting and posing like he was going to be in GQ. The candid shots at the beginning are some of my favorite ones.
His mom’s reaction… “This is soooo him!”
For me the beginning is all about getting him comfortable with the camera and my directions. I want him to have fun and not feel like I am killing him.
What a great smile.
Now the fun really starts because it’s time to start moving around and finding different areas for some different looks. No eye rolling or deep sighs coming from him so I was thinking that I could really get some great stuff out of him. He did not disappoint.
He was already relaxed.
What attitude! Love it.
I was done with this spot and it was time to move on to another section. The best part about my find is that we parked and never had to get back in the car. It was all in the same location.
Does anyone need a male model?
When did he grow up?
It was time to change again and head over to one of my favorite spots. He had to carefully make his way there but you do what you must to get the shot.
This is one of my faves!
Time to take of the shoes.
Mom told him she should have taken him to get a pedicure. I’m thinking, no.
There’s the Colgate smile.
Working on the sexy look.
New spot = new look.
I turned around and saw another spot that I knew would be perfect for Zach. Hey, I let him put his shoes back on.
I know he is loving this now.
How can you say no to this face?
Wow! Just, WOW!
It was time to finally get back in the car and head to the soccer field for the shots he really wanted. I was packing up when I looked over and said, “Just one more. Sit here.”
What a great sport.
We headed out to Indian Field, still on Carlisle Barracks, to get his soccer photos. We lucked out that the goals were still out on the field for an upcoming game.
Love this look!
In his comfort zone.
Ouch.
I got it!!
I have no words for the next few shots. He looks amazing and, thankfully, proved me right. GQ!
See what I mean?
None of this is possible without some great help. I had my hubby out helping to make sure that Zach could be seen. Heather was also a big help and made sure that Zach was looking good. Zach was a big help just by being such a great cooperative model.
Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph Zach before he heads off to Virginia Tech. He is an amazing young man and will do great things with his life. He is definitely not the 8 year old from Fort Leavenworth anymore. I can’t believe we are all moving do different states again. Enjoy the photos and, as we say in the Army, see you later.
“Mothers hold their child’s hand for a moment and their heart for a lifetime.”
