Pullen Park Family Photo Session | Veraolivero Family

“Not everyone is meant to make a difference. But for me, the choice to lead an ordinary life is no longer an option.”

— Peter Parker

Considering Alex sported a Spider Man graphic tee at the end of the session, I figured a Peter Parker quote would be acceptable. ;) 

I had a blast with these guys last night! Alex is graduating this year so this was technically a senior session, but it's so much better when the whole family is involved! Having Joey tease him in the background and asking him questions about crushes and his future brought out his natural modeling skills. Then Joey stepped in showing they were BOTH naturals! Love it! 

Elizabeth and Roscari were no different, everyone came prepared to have a great time and there was plenty of joy to go around. The weather at Pullen Park was amazing allowing us to walk all over the park, and Elizabeth was the hero of the day walking the entire park and climbing hills and train tracks in her heels! She kept skewering a few leaves which always made the boys laugh, we had so much fun! Here's a few images from the day!

Addy Miller Senior Portraits at JC Raulston Arboretum

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable ”

— Mary Oliver

Oh my goodness, I tried not to be toooo excited as I gave Addy a hug and asked her what her vision was for her session. I've technically known her family for a few years now but never had the opportunity to take her portrait. She's worked with so many different photographers in her incredible acting career I was a little intimidated. It's much easier to work with someone who's never been in front of a camera because they don't know what to expect. She has so many amazing portraits by phenomenal photographers on IMDB I was honestly shocked she asked me to do her seniors.

That said, she was incredible to work with, super professional, relaxed and didn't take herself too seriously. We talked about the same things I talk about with any senior: prom, future plans, her boyfriend Drew (who accompanied her on the shoot), and perhaps a little about her upcoming films. ;)

Addy I'm so excited for you! Both for graduation and your future, you're quite the gem, can't wait to see where the road takes you. Have SO much fun!

Wake Forest High School Senior | Lindsay

“Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them”

— Rabindranath Tagore

Wow, it blew my mind this morning when I realized how long I have been photographing the Rifenburg family! What began as a wedding for Lindsay's aunt Colleen, turned into family portraits, then senior portraits for all three girls now, and even the totally epic holiday parties for her parents' company. These guys seriously know how to have fun and it is most evident, I think, in Lindsay's passion for race car driving. Seriously a girl after my own heart. 

Not only is she a skilled driver, she's incredibly intelligent. She'll be graduating from Wake Forest High an entire year early so she can knock out her Bachelor's and move on to her Master's Degree quickly. 

This October weather was perfect as we explored Downtown Wake Forest, her friend Rachel joined us to make the session more fun and of course we had to snag a few of the two of them together. Congratulations Lindsay, this year is going to be amazing!

Arianna - Senior at Heritage High

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars and change the world”

— Harriet Tubman

Arianna is the type of person you like right away. She's easy going and friendly, she takes interest in your life and always has a smile on her face. (She also brought her three super sweet pups on the shoot, so you know she's awesome) :) She's had a lot of great memories over the past few years and is excited to make some new lasting one in this final senior year at Heritage High. She loves the idea of traveling and is looking forward to the possibility of Appalachian State in her future. We had a blast today!

What she didn't know what that her parents had me show up secretly to one of her lacrosse games (as disguised as I could be with purple hair and tattoo sleeves) to catch her in action. The cover was blown half way through the game when she recognized me (I shot her sister Haylee's wedding) BUT she still didn't know WHY I was there until today. So Arianna, I hope you enjoy a few of these favs from your portraits and your big game. You're so very talented, I know you're going to accomplish great things! 

Western Carolina Senior - Emily

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen… There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly”

— Patrick Overton

This girl. 

When I first met Emily she was a bouncing light keeping her sister Caity, mom, and all the other bridesmaids calm yet super excited for Caity's wedding. She was super encouraging, full of joy and helped make the day truly memorable. We were friends before we knew it and already discussing her upcoming graduation portraits before the end of the night. 

Well that day has arrived and she'll be graduating SO soon from Western Carolina with an Education degree and while she wants to teach, she's definitely leaning more toward what the Boys and Girls Clubs are doing in the world and she'd love to continue making a difference there. She's so amazing. If you get the opportunity to meet her, you must. 

Emily I'm so excited for you and all that's in your future, I hope you love these favorites from our adventure around Durham's American Tobacco Campus!

Alana Rolesville High School class of 2017

I usually know a little something about my models before I walk into a session because they find me through Facebook and I can view their pages. Sometimes they were recommended by a friend and the friend tells me a little something, but today felt a little like a blind date. 

Walking into a venue I'd never shot before, I of course arrived early to make a plan and was blown away by the beautiful colors the Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden had to offer this time of year. I wrongly assumed the flowers would be gone but they were gorgeous and the trees were breathtaking. It made the perfect backdrop for this beauty. 

Alana is an athlete at Rolesville High, playing softball, basketball and volleyball with a focus in softball and loves the community and friendships that have formed from it. She's planning a few trips with all her friends before she begins college in the fall. Alana tried to tell me she'd never modeled before, but she was such a natural, I hardly believer her ;)

Her whole family actually came with her for the session which made my day because I got to sneak a few photos of all of them and got to see them interact together. I love a family that's comfortable experiencing all the big life events as well as the little ones side by side. You can tell they have a great relationship. I hope you enjoy viewing a few of these favorites from the day!

Jordan Class of 2017 - William G. Enloe High School

“Authenticity is more than speaking; authenticity is also about doing. Every decision we make says something about who we are”

— Simon Sinek

Oh my goodness, I’ve known this beauty since she was in middle school. She is one of the most driven and intelligent seniors I’ve had the pleasure to photograph. 

Jordan's been accepted to Belmont and already has her CNA and has been working to help other nurses fulfill their duties. She said she loves being able to make sure folks get served faster because there are more people helping. She's experienced a mission trip to the Dominican serving children, volunteers in her youth group, and on her 18th birthday received a butterfly tattoo symbolizing how God has changed her life. 

This tells you so much about who she is as a person. She truly cares for people and wants to spend the rest of her life doing so. Such an inspiring teen. 

I had so much fun hanging out with you Jordan! Here's a few of my favorites from our adventures in downtown Raleigh and the WRAL Azalea Gardens. :)

Haley Graduating! Historic Oak View Park

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Haley is one bright, driven and charming high school senior. I can't believe I'm even saying she's a senior! (I've known her family for a few years now) Haley choose to be homeschooled for high school and due to her intelligence and motivation she'll actually be graduating a semester early! She even has the opportunity to take a CNA program at Wake Tech this fall if she wants to. I am so super impressed. 

Though she may choose something involving children or more in the field of photography, she's got everything she needs to blaze a trail. Proud of you Haley! Hope you enjoy looking through some of my favorites from this morning!