the last first prom...

There are a handful of kids in my life that I would take a phone call from at 3am, drive to wherever to get them, and not tell their parents. These girls are a few of them. Carlee, Katie, and Karrigan have been in front of my camera for all 9 years that I have been taking photos, at least once a year, and sometimes more. They know how much they mean to me, because I tell them frequently. I have had the unique POV of watching these girls grow up thru my camera lens, and now love them all like my own.

One of my favorite sessions with each of them has been for prom. Anyone who knows these girls know they can rock a prom dress like no other! It started with Carlee in this epic blue dress, she popped in every photo I took. Best look I saw that night! One of my favorite things about Carlee is girlfriend is always ready for a picture. Through all these years I very rarely have to tell her how to pose for a photo. She is always changing it up before I even tell her to and always gives me variety.

Next up, my fellow middle sister Katie. She was a showstopper in this red gown for her prom. We went to a local golf course with the dreamiest tree lined road. Everything about that session was magical. Right down to her dads clown shoes ;) The best parts of sessions with Katie is sometimes she makes everyone turn around when it's her turn. It makes me laugh every time, especially recently since this little star is dancing for ECU and getting her photo taken in front of thousands of people these days. Katie is always so funny, and down for a gossip session with me, which I LOVE since I only have boys at home.

Last up, takes us to this past Saturday, when it was Karrigan's first prom day. I met her while she was getting her hair done and got to get all the tea on her day, as her hair stylist finished up the perfect hair to compliment this dress that was just made for her. The earrings were the perfect finishing touch. She didn't have a lot of time before she had to move on to the next prom meet up, so I took her outside and we had the quickest little prom session ever. She didn't know I was so emotional on the way home, since it was the last first prom with one of these girls. Here are a few from her first prom night.

I started photographing Karrigan when she was around 6 or 7 years old and she looked like this!

Now she is the most beautiful young woman, with the sweetest manners, very yes ma'am, no ma'am. She always thanks me with the sweetest messages as well. I promise you every time I take her photo that little face is the one is see. I have a few years of firsts and lasts with this one, and I'll be cherishing every one of them.

I could not be more proud of these girls and the amazing women they are becoming, all credit to their amazing mom and dad. I am so lucky that I get to tag along for the ride capturing all their big moments. I love you girls so much! Looking forward to our next session always...

...and then she was eight

A little more than 8 years ago, I was sitting in a hospital room with my camera, my aunt, my cousin, and her man. I didn't sleep or eat or move for over 24 hours for fear of missing a single moment. Then she was here! On this day I captured my very first birth, and who knew it would be my own cousin, and her daughter that changed everyone's lives.

Fast forward many yearly birthday shoots, family shoots, and party shoots, to a quiet Sunday morning a couple weeks ago in downtown LIncolnton. I picked up an almost 8 year old Sophie at her house, and told her this time was different. She'd me having a session alone just me and her. She was allowed to pick out her own outfit, her mama helped with her hair of course. I loaded Sophie in my bronco, and went off to downtown Lincolnton. When we got there I said " alright girl! This is the moment you've been waiting for! No rules! You walk us anywhere you want, stop where you want, pose however you want, this is YOUR session."

We walked back and forth around town for over an hour. Stopping an everything Sophie thought was beautiful. We even ran into her aunt and uncle who were in town staying at the luxuryloft121, and they brought us up to take photos on the roof! A special view in town I hadn't gotten to see before! By the end of the hour we were both tired and I of course insisted we make a starbies stop on our way home! Girl only wanted a cake pop and some water! I have a lot to teach her still lol.

Our journey together from birth til now has been a fun one for sure, but this session might have been my favorite. To watch this little girl be born, have many shoots where she couldn't even talk, to one where she ran the show and we had the best talks walking through our little town was priceless.

Here is one from where we started and some of my favorites from her 8 year old session!