Taitum’s Senior Session
Being an aunt is such a funny thing. You get to love these kids fiercely without being the one responsible for all the hard parts of raising them, and somehow you still feel incredibly proud when you see who they’re becoming. Taitum is my niece, and I’ve known and loved her for her entire life, so photographing her senior year hit me a little differently. I know I’m supposed to be the professional behind the camera, but there were definitely moments when I looked at her and wondered how in the world we were already here.
This session was really about Taitum. We spent most of our time creating her senior photos, giving her plenty of variety and letting her have this moment that was completely hers. There’s something pretty amazing about photographing someone you’ve known since they were little and getting to see them through your camera as the young adult they’ve become. I know all the younger versions of Taitum that came before this one, which made these photos especially meaningful to me…they tell a story. We also brought her sister Tessa into a few, and that made my aunt heart happy all over again because Tessa is my niece, too. Sister pictures are always worth taking, but I think they mean even more during senior year. Life changes quickly after graduation, and sisters who are used to being part of each other’s everyday lives can suddenly find themselves in different places with completely different schedules. I’m glad these two have photos together from right before all of those changes begin.
Tessa’s friend Anna also joined us for a few photos. She was an important person to have there, and I was happy we could make room for those pictures without taking the focus away from Taitum’s senior session. Friendships are such a big part of these years, and sometimes one quick photo together ends up meaning much more later than anyone realizes at the time. I really love being able to do this during senior sessions. We can spend the majority of our time making sure the senior gets everything she needs, then pull in a sister or a close friend for a few frames along the way. It doesn’t have to become a whole separate photo shoot. It’s simply a chance to include a couple of people who matter during this particular season of life.
For me, though, I know I’ll always look at Taitum’s gallery a little differently. I see a beautiful senior who is ready for what comes next, but I also see my little niece and all the years that led up to these photos. That’s one of the best parts of being an aunt. You get a front-row seat while they grow up, you cheer for them along the way, and every once in a while you get a reminder that those little kids you love don’t stay little nearly long enough.
Taitum, I loved getting to photograph you and I’m so proud of you. And if you’re planning your own senior photos here in Southern Oregon, you’re always welcome to ask about bringing your sister or a close friend along for a few. Your session will still be yours, with a little space saved for the people you’ll want to remember beside you.