Starting from the time I was about 15 years old until I was about 18, my parents would drive me from the big city of Houston, TX all the way out to my cousin’s home in a very, very, VERY (did I say very?) rural town in northern Louisiana each summer. I would spend a couple of weeks with my cousin. It was always a huge culture shock for me – their country way of life was fun and different and such a nice change of pace from the suburbia I lived the rest of the year. My cousin and I got along great, and I always looked forward to spending part of the summer with her.
Once I graduated from high school, summers with Angie stopped happening. Our lives went in different directions and though we are family, we ultimately lost touch. It had been over 10 years since I had seen or spoken to her when she found me about a year ago on Facebook. We’ve been slowly catching up as time permits in our busy lives, but I was still shocked and so incredibly honored when she asked me if I would do a senior session for her son, Chase. First, I had to pick myself up off the floor because SURELY Angie was not old enough to have a son about to graduate from high school, and second, we had to figure out where on earth we would do the session since she and her family still live about 8 hours away in Louisiana.
The fabulous thing about all of this was that Chase wanted senior photos that he couldn’t get in his home town. He wanted something different and unique, and it worked out fantastically that he and his mom have such a great bond and friendship that a 16 hour road trip with her would be a fun and enjoyable time. So, they came here!
Of course, I HAD to take him downtown. Our first stop was one of my favorite graffiti walls on South Congress. We walked up and down the popular street, catching all the cool and colorful walls we could find. Here is a behind the scenes shot from my assistant, Kim.
And below are some of the resulting images from that blue wall. He is such a handsome guy. He’s got his momma’s good looks. 😉
It was fun learning all about Chase and his life. He’s a country boy of course, but he has a wonderful artistic and creative side that makes him fit in a place like Austin as well. He is one of the most polite, kind, well rounded, interesting seniors I have met in a long time. I thought this sign in front of one of my favorite stores on SoCo fit him perfectly – love the street scene look of this image. Love the sign. Love the old man sitting on the stoop. Love. <3
After hitting several places, Chase wanted to change his clothes. We were on a side street and the nearest business with a public bathroom was a block or two away. So, Chase, the pro model in the making that he is, changed clothes (pants and all!) right there on the street. We tried to tuck him into a little corner of a fence and his mom blushed profusely while standing in front of him trying to block view from passing cars. My assistant and I were cracking up! But, he did it in record time, no bystanders were harmed, and it was so worth it! This black shirt, yellow pants combo was AWESOME. He was instantly transformed into Mr. GQ Supermodel…
We had so much fun on South Congress. The sun set on our session and we all went to dinner (Freebirds, baby!) to visit. It was a great night. The next afternoon, I met up with them again at a second location north of Austin and we shot the dressier side of Chase. Let me tell you, he rocks the bow tie!
I had fun getting him to loosen up and play around a little. I was really going for the relaxed smile that comes after the jump, but the jump shot itself turned out so great I had to share it instead. So fun!!
Chase still hasn’t decided on his college plans, but this could be an option. I love the metal wall and the dramatic lighting in this shot.
And of course, we had to go sit by the lake when we were done and enjoy the company one last time before they drove home the next day. It was so nice to spend time with them. We had to do the traditional grip-and-grin shots for the memory books! 😉 I am so blessed to call these wonderful people family!
Sometimes when I am leaving a session, I think of one shot that I wish I had captured, or forgot to take, or somehow didn’t get. This session was like that only because, after I hugged them tight, fought back the tears and left them at the restaurant, I got in my car and drove out of the parking lot. And as I did, I saw them walking toward their car together. Chase had his arm across his mom’s shoulders and they were smiling and talking – it was the sweetest moment between a mother and her grown son. If I hadn’t had packed away all my gear I would have stopped traffic in the road just to take their picture. I am kind of sad I didn’t get to capture that particular moment, but I am so glad that I witnessed it and get to keep it close to my heart. Angie and I are the same age, and though my boys are still small, I hope I someday have that kind of relationship with them. It was so amazing to experience their bond.
I love you guys! Thank you for letting me share the weekend with you and this special time.
