By now, all of the 2018 Seniors I get to photograph will have had their last first day of high school … which means most are mourning the summer of 2017.  Pool, beach, and lake time is replaced with homework, college applications, and exams.

Hardly seems like a fair trade.

But every night when my kids were little, I would ask them, “What was the best part of your day?”  I used the question as a way to teach them to see and appreciate little life blessings, and not to wait for BIG events to find joy.

So today I will give you my list my favorite things about fall coming, as I share with you some of my favorite images from Kate Starnes’ Senior Session… because this sweet girl is joy personified.

 

 

1.  Friday Night Lights and All Things Sports

Hey, what can I say?  I was a cheerleader and a runner, and grew up in a family full of coaches and athletes.  There is nothing to me like the thrill of competition, and the excitement and community of pulling for my school to come out on top.  Plus, going to the games as a spectator gives me a chance to see people and chat with them, even as I get loud for my teams!

I even got my photography start as a sports shooter.  Give me all the sports… and when I get to shoot AND pull for the kids that have become “mine” by stepping in front of my camera?   EVEN BETTER!

 

 

2.  Pumpkin Spice and Seasonal Coffee Drinks

I DO love coffee.  So much so that I usually meet clients at Starbucks, and treat them with their favorite flavors on their Reveal Nights… but I digress.   Call me unlucky,  but the flavors I love best only seem to show up on limited edition menus.  Pumpkin Spice, Caramel Brulee (Oh my stars, the caramel brulee link is to a recipe so we can have this drink YEAR ROUND!  WHAAAT?!?)

… they all taste so delicious.

Plus the remind me of….

 

3.  THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS

My FAVORITE holidays.  I am a girl who loves spending time with family.  They are my crew… and I love that we take time out of our busy schedules to get together.  If we have learned anything this year, after the unexpected loss of my bigger than life cousin Kenny, is that we are not guaranteed tomorrow.

So for the rest of my life, I will be hugging my people more tightly, forgiving more quickly, cherishing conversations more fully, and both being in, and taking more pictures.

 

 

4.  Cooler Weather

North Carolina summers are hot and humid.  Plus, fall clothes are cute.  ‘Nuff said.

 

 

5.  Fall Leaves and COLOR

They may not last forever, and they may be a pain once they fall from the trees, but there is PURE ART in the colors trees paint as their leaves turn.  I am so fortunate that my job forces me to SEE that as it happens, and helps me to appreciate how the sunlight sets the trees on virtual fire in the most amazing way.

 

 

6.  Photo Sessions, Photo Sessions, Photo Sessions

Remember when I said that North Carolina summers are hot and humid?  Although my shooting calendar stays busy in those summer months, people around here enjoy having photos taken once it cools down some, when we have that gorgeous fall color and light as the backdrop.

And the people I get to photograph are my happy place.  Serving them, interacting with them, seeing their reactions when they get their images… pure joy.

What are YOU looking forward to as we say goodbye to the summer of 2017?  Where will YOU find hidden joy?  I would love to see your thoughts in the comments.

 

 

Annnd… if you would like to learn more about the portrait experience with me, click here to download the LPJ Photography Client guide.  Or just email me at lymarie@lymariepjacksonphotography.com.

Hearing from YOU is another thing I look forward to!

 

Love and Blessings,

Lymarie