I’ve only heard little snippets of her story thus far, but my jaw is continually on the floor over this young woman! I know very few, if any, teens that have her grit, determination, and child-like joy in the midst of the kinds of challenges she has faced. I am also really proud to know those who have rallied around her to ensure she has a stellar senior year.
When asked what kinds of backdrops she wanted, “Trees”, was the only word to escape her lips. So, at the end of a week that saw snow on the ground and leaves taking their cue to fall there as well, we sought trees galore on this shoot. I want to give Nettie a world full of trees, because she deserves it in so many ways.
She also has so many ways of expressing herself during this shoot. If I didn’t include some of the poses below, it’d be doing her a disservice! Oh, the faces of Nettie:
We had a good laugh at this first image below. I explained to Nettie that I shoot far away, mid-range and close up for most poses that we do, so I was ready to move into the more close-up option and she leaned in to look more closely at my shutter. This is what I mean by the child-like joy and fun that she exudes:
A quick outfit change and a new location! I have shot at this intersection downtown so.many.times before, but based off of Nettie’s black dress, I knew we couldn’t use it in the same way. So I walked a little farther and found a whole new slew of options that gave a little color but also made her pop as well. Nettie, you are a stunning young lady!
TREES! At least the reflection of them…. 😉
Benefits to having leaves be on the ground…. (And see what I mean about joy?)
Nettie: I am so glad to have met you and been a part of your senior year if even in a small way. In our short time together, you have taught me so much and I look forward to hearing of your journeys post high school. I know you will take your experiences and use them to serve others, whether it’s teaching them English in their developing country, or showing them joy in the midst of challenge. You will move mountains, of that I am sure.
Blessings in everything,
Carrie
PS You can view more of our time together HERE.
