Once again, I got to spend the afternoon with an amazing senior who is just gorgeous. Meet Rachel, a world traveling teen who can definitely put my passport stamps to shame having traveled to Spain, Poland, Prague, Israel and Italy all within the last few years. Not only has she been active in student leadership and journalism at her school, but she is also busy volunteering in our community. With all of those amazing things she has experienced and has going on for her, meeting her still felt like hanging out with an old friend.

As much as I felt comfortable with Rachel, when I photograph people, there’s always that nervous energy we both have when we get started. (Yep, I’m nervous too.) But I love when we get to the part of the shoot where people totally relax with me and this kind of photograph happens.

Have you noticed her adorable wardrobe yet? It’s official, I’m going to my seniors for fashion advice from now on. (Considering the majority of them list flip flops as their favorite shoe, I fit right in.)

I just love the warmth in Rachel’s eyes.

Remember how I said I love laughing smiles? Yep, still do.

Rachel, you are ADORABLE in this photo. I think your best friends are going to say, “Oh my goodness, that is SO RACHEL!” (Sam and Chandler, am I right?)

I knew the minute I saw that wall of ivy that her chocolate brown hair would look gorgeous against it.

Her little sister showed up for the beginning of her shoot and how adorable are they together? You’ll see more of them in her slideshow.

Take a peek at Rachel’s slideshow for the whole story. John wrote some gorgeous new music for Rachel that is a totally different style than we usually do for seniors, so hopefully you’ll like it.

So you may have noticed that I have photographed Rachel and two of her other friends Sam and Chandler. They all are so great at commenting on my blog and it’s just so sweet to hear them cheering each other on (and my other clients as well!). Many of my other seniors still chime in from college and I LOVE hearing from them more than they can know. I am honored that these busy young women still keep in touch despite all they have going on.

Rachel, I wish you all the best this year and please keep me posted on all of your adventures and where in the world they may take you.