Teen Inspirational Portrait Session- Hollimon Girls

There is so much going on in our world today- so much uncertainty, so much controversy. Kids today are faced with problems and fears within their school walls that just didn’t exist when most of us attended school. With all the recent school shootings, students are speaking up more and more about their concerns with safety and some even recently participated in a national school “walk out” in response to the shootings in Florida last month. There are so many strong opinions when it comes to the 2nd amendment and our rights to protect ourselves and bear arms. What is the right thing to do in order to protect ourselves as well as our children? I don’t have all the answers- there are decisions that need to be made that go well beyond my abilities and understanding of government. But I do know that we need to do something- that doing nothing is not an option.

Being in a job that works with and celebrates teenagers, I have to say that I am so proud of the way the students are speaking up for themselves and talking about their fears. We are raising a generation that truly celebrates individuality and diversity. We as parents are encouraging our children more than ever to express themselves and be who they want to be. We strive as parents to provide the resources for them to achieve their highest goals and dreams- efforts that comes to us with much sacrifice. We want our children to be strong, empowered, motivated and reach for their stars. Are we providing too much? Are pushing too hard? Are we micromanaging our children? I don’t know, but what I can tell you is that my kids- the seniors, teens and tweens that I have the pleasure of working with- are strong individuals, highly motivated, and thankful for the support and love they have to help them achieve their goals. They are standing up for what they feel is right and speaking up for what they want changed. It leaves me hopeful, proud and fearful all at the same time for what’s ahead for them.

In the wake of all that is going on- I made a commitment to myself this year to bring more inspiration to my business and my clients this year. I want to be inspired as much as I want my clients to leave their sessions with me inspired as well. I have a unique opportunity to influence and to empower our students- to set a positive example- and I take that very seriously. When I had the opportunity to work with the Hollimon girls a few weeks ago, I was racking my brain on a concept that would inspire. I had the vision of a beautiful cherry orchard and flowing dresses but as I talked more and more with their mom, Heather, and got to know and understand a little more about her 3 beautiful girls, I realized that the inspiration was not in me and what I was visualizing, it was in who they are and what they represent. Tavia, Trinity and Tiara and 3 strong, athletic, and God loving young women and so we decided to let the girls pick T-shirts that most represented them for their first outfit. I loved what they chose- T-shirts that celebrate their faith, their ethnicity and being women- absolute perfection. For the second outfit we came up with a concept to celebrate their femininity and mix that with their love of sports. Each of the girls play multiple sports and pour a ton of their heart and time into their craft. It was so fun to mix the dresses with their jerseys to showcase who they are. This is what my job is all about. Helping our young women and men express who they are in an environment that doesn’t hold judgement or expectation. To provide a platform where they can be who they are at this time in their lives and capture all the hopes, dreams and prayers they have for their future. Accept where they are and be themselves- Accept and Be You. Thank you Heather, Tavia, Trinity, and Tiara for coming out and spending your afternoon with me. It was an absolute pleasure to get a glimpse into your worlds. Enjoy looking at some of the fun we captured. Thanks for reading….