Alexis’ Ballet Inspired Teen Session

I love it when spring arrives in the Pacific Northwest. I can typically feel the change in February when I notice the spring bulbs breaking ground and the temperatures slowly start to warm up. After our dark, dreary, Pacific Northwest winters, spring brings the promise of dryer days (eventually), beautiful colors and sunshine. I get excited to get my camera back out and start photographing my Spring Teens and Seniors.

I first met Alexis and her family last spring when she came to work with me during her first teen session. There was so much going on in this family’s life at the time. Alexis is the oldest child with 3 younger siblings and their mom, Amy, had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. During Alexis’ session I just remember thinking how incredible and strong Amy was for working as hard as she could to keep her home, her kids, and her environment as normal and positive as possible. I could see the bond that Alexis and her mom had and I was so humbled to have the opportunity to work with them during such a trying time. I can only imagine the fears and worries that Amy had, but her positive outlook and “matter of fact” personality was inspiring.

It’s an incredible thing- to work with families, teens and seniors that each have unique situations and stories. To be able to offer them an uplifting experience- a chance to get away from whatever stressors or craziness that may be going on in their lives-even for a couple of hours- is a very sacred thing to me. Over the past year I have had the honor to get to know this gorgeous family and follow their tremendous story. Alexis dances for Ensemble Ballet Theater and I have enjoyed watching her perform in Peter Pan and the Nutcracker this past year. She has grown so much as a young woman and a dancer, putting herself out there and auditioning for the Houston Ballet Company and the Bolshoi Ballet. What an outstanding accomplishment as a 14 year old- to have the confidence to put yourself out there and do what you love. I commend you, Alexis and I am so proud of you.

I met up with Amy and Alexis a few weeks ago for her Teen Session to celebrate Alexis getting her pointe shoes this year. How much fun was it to see both of them, get caught up, and photograph Alexis’ amazing confidence! Wow, has she changed in the last year! I am also happy to report that Amy is now one year post surgery and cancer free. What an amazing blessing and incredible milestone to celebrate. Thank you both, Alexis and Amy for coming out and spending time with me. Enjoy looking at a peak of Alexis’ Ballet Inspired Session and make sure you check out her video in the link below!

Hair and Makeup by Joy Richardson

Alexis White 2018 from Tammy Dahlquist on Vimeo.