Live. Laugh. Photograph. | Rylee | Senior 2011 | Zillah, WA Senior Photographer

The first time I met Rylee she was 10 years old, I was introduced to her as her brother’s new girlfriend. I found out quickly that that was not what Rylee wanted to hear! She did not want her big brother to have a girlfriend! Not only did Rylee have one big brother, she had three brothers and one older sister and to this day they mean the world to her. Looking back, I don’t blame her one bit for being a bit protective of her brother at the age of 10. He’s a pretty awesome guy and family is super important. At the time, I was a teenager and saw it as cute and funny. Fast forward to almost 8 years later… I’m now married to her brother and not only did I gain a husband, I also gained one awesome little sister. I can’t believe I’ve watched Rylee grow from a brave, expressive, 10 year old little girl to an amazingly beautiful, confident, smart and funny Senior. Time goes by way too fast!

Last week, I took a little trip to Zillah, Washington just to take Rylee’s Senior Photos. Before this session, I decided it was time to step out of my box and shoot 100% Manual! I’m not going to lie to you, shooting manual is something that I have been just a tad bit intimidated by. You have to be 100% aware of all of your settings for every single shot. I have the knowledge of all of my settings, it was just time to put it to use and not to allow the camera to do any thinking for me. I’m happy to report that I did it! I feel I have pushed myself one step further to becoming the photographer that I dream of being. I was so proud of myself for manually setting my shutter speed, f stop, iso, white balance, exposure, focus etc. while shooting on location in direct sunlight using multiple props and shooting a gorgeous subject. Yep, that’s how I roll but I guess I’ll let you be the judge of my work.

Rylee – Being a Senior is a huge crossroad in your life. As Dr. Seuss said, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” I just know you’re going to GO far. I love you like you are my very own sister! Thank you for being so fabulous and for listening to all of my photography mumbo jumbo!