17 is an amazing age. It's kinda like 45 if you ask me. Its a time when you are terrified and excited all at once. Blank canvases. On some level, I can relate all too well to the curiosity of that age as well as the insecurities that come with that age. Let's face it, we all have them, the only real difference is that by *adulthood* we've learned to mask them. When I get to shoot a teenager, I feel as though it is much more than just taking great photos, its about giving them a chance to express themselves, and hopefully see themselves in a way that maybe they never saw before. A good way. We have entirely too much fun and I would like to believe that the senior walks away with better self esteem (and great photos). They are all beautiful, although few of them really know that. For me, I walk away refreshed. There is something brutally honest about that age, unfettered by time. I, personally, find it creatively inspiring and an important reminder - none of us know what tommorrow will bring and many times that is very frightening. But if the hope and wonder of this youthful passage into the future could remain the most powerful thing within us, we would get much further in our own lives.

Sooooo.... if you come in at the end of the session and find us blaring the music and dancing around the studio like a couple six year olds, or engaged in some in-depth conversation, don't be surprised.

(Or if you find them teaching me something on this idiot computer, be less surprised. The fact that you are seeing anything up here is phenominal for me, I can barely program my phone!)