When I was in high school I knew I loved photography and I knew I could always do it as a small side business but I would have told you doing it full time and earning a living doing it would be impossible. Oh ye of little faith. If you had asked any of my teachers in high school, they probably would have told you I worked hard but I wasn’t really that passionate about anything I was learning. That is, until my photography class. I started taking black and white film photography in tenth grade and I was one of the only ones in that class who tried and wanted to learn. It was clear I had a passion for it and that’s really all you need to turn a hobby into something more.

I bring all of that up because the girl below is my high school guidance counselor’s daughter. Sarah Beth’s mom knew my family pretty well and is one of those people who would have known school didn’t necessarily come easy for me and I didn’t particularly enjoy it.

Finding photography really is a gift. It’s so fun to watch it come full circle and to get to reconnect with people through this art. I honestly get emotional thinking about how lucky I am to do something that combines everything I love in life — photography, connecting with people, and telling stories.

So today I get to share another fall session at the absolutely stunning Market At Grelen with this gorgeous and kind-hearted girl! Sarah Beth, I loved walking around this property with you! You are stunning and I hope the rest of your senior year is great! Can’t wait to see where life takes you next year!

Virginia Senior Portrait Photographer | Market At Grelen Photographer