This seems to happen to me more often then not; I meet someone and end up having such a good time that it seems like we have known each other forever and a day! Elisabeth is one of those people.  While it is true, I did meet her many years ago when she was only a few days old; but reality is, that we have not seen each other since. So we really didn’t “know” each other.

Each time I meet someone, particularly  someone who is  in High School, I always tell them the same thing: This is for you!  Not your mom, not your dad;  Today is all about you.  I ask them what they like or don’t like, and encourage them to tell me that an idea that I have (no matter how wild and crazy) is either awesome or stupid. I stress on the stupid as I want them to know it is what they like, not me (or anyone else).  I find it help them to relax and enjoy our time together that much more.

When Elisabeth’s mother found out that I was going to be in California, she asked me to shoot her Senior Portraits.  We went back and forth on locations and finally decided on the pier in Huntington Beach.  I had an idea what I wanted to do, but as it was going to be January, I did not know if the weather, or the water would cooperate with us.  Thankfully both did!  It was a warm sunny day and we could not have asked for better.

I have to tell you that even as I was editing these images, I had a huge smile on my face.  Not just because of my work, but just remembering the fun that we all had that day.  I hope that I will have the chance to do it again with all of them.  Maybe Elisabeth’s wedding??  Just a thought 3D!

And thanks to my assistant Sean who made my life that much easier that day!