Valley Forge National Park Family Photo Shoot

“Is it okay if we both come?” Sara texted me on Saturday afternoon. “We hardly get to see him anymore, so we’re trying to make the most of our time with him wherever we can fit it in.”

You see, between Liam’s rigorous senior-year academics, college recruiting visits, and driving an hour to and from New Jersey every weekday for rowing, he’s a busy guy! So much for a fun senior year like his mom and I had. Not only have I been photographing the Krausz family for the past six years, but I’ve also known Liam’s mom, Sara, since middle school! We both went to tiny country elementary schools that no longer exist and graduated from a country high school more obsessed with football than academics. Out of our small graduating class, I keep in touch with only a few of our classmates in the real world (not counting Facebook friendships). Luckily, Sara is one of them. We may not get together often because we each have four kids and we live over an hour away from each other now, but every time we do, it’s like old times right away.

Having the opportunity to take her firstborn son’s senior portraits was so special. I dug my stepladder out of retirement because Liam is super tall! For my past clients, I rarely bring Stanley the Stepladder with me on shoots anymore. It’s sad, I know. The shoot went quickly. Liam changed quickly between three outfits: a formal outfit for headshots and to show where he’s going in life, a casual outfit to capture who he is now before he heads into his future, and his rowing polo to signify what was a huge part of his high school life. Liam listened to my directions perfectly.

Liam’s parents were off in the distance for most of the shoot (because if Sara was right there, I would have never stopped talking to her!), but I invited them in here and there to tell the full story. I don’t think senior photos are truly complete without parents stepping in. This kid, who is now a man, is where he is because of them. The tireless hours. The endless pickup/drop-off schedules. The worrying. The silent prayers. The uncertainty. While they watched the shoot from a distance, I could see the pride and hope in their postures. Those moments Sara and Dan had during the shoot, watching from a distance together, stepping back, and feeling the accomplishment sink in… he’s made it. He’s here. Senior year. These last few months before sending him off into the unknown to make his way on his own. So, of course, I said yes; they could both come.

Seeing your child having their senior portraits taken is surprisingly emotional. I’ve had more than one mom cry during the session. And if you’ve been following me for any stretch of time, you know that, in addition to pretty portraits, I am a storyteller above all. When I have the chance, I’ll bring the moments together to tell the whole story. So, while Liam changed into his last outfit, I snuck in a few couple’s portraits for Sara and Dan because that’s where it all began: with them—their love. Their love created this handsome, talented, brilliant young man. Liam is destined for greatness. I can’t wait to hear all the updates from Sara through the years, as I have for the last 17 years since he was born.

Liam,

I couldn’t be more impressed by your dedication to your education, your sport, and your family. I’ve seen countless photos of you on social media, year after year—all the trips you’ve taken and all the history you’ve already lived through. It is such an honor to be part of your story, taking these recent photos to mark your transition from child to adult. I know your senior year will be intense, and the pressure is on, but don’t forget to pause and let it all sink in here and there. Life is lived in the little in-between moments—on that one-hour commute every day, or in those few minutes you see your parents before turning in. Be sure to have some fun in there, too. I hope you love your senior pictures. Many more to come, but there will be a surprise in your (mom’s) inbox later today, so don’t forget to ask her to see it when you get home tonight after your long day. Good luck with your senior year and with deciding which of the many colleges vying for you to accept!

Hugs,

Megan