Seniors :: Down-to-Earth Brandon

I know my titles all sound silly, but I really truly believe everything I write in them about the person/people I'm talking about. Brandon is such a sweet-hearted, down-to-earth kind of kid and is one of the kindest young men I've met! I work with his mom and she was who contacted me about photos. I guess originally they'd had someone else lined up to do them, but it somewhat fell through. I was more than happy to take Brandon's photos!

Brandon is one of those kids who does a lot, is recognized a lot, and yet still has the most level head on his shoulders I've seen in a long time! He is going in to Petroleum Engineering at the University of Wyoming and has so many awesome scholarships to back him up - he's worked so hard in school in order to get them and his hard work sounds like it has definitely paid off! A few things about Brandon: he plays tennis, football, and soccer, but only played tennis for the high school. He also plays the trombone in the band. He was voted both Prom Prince his junior year and was crowned Mr. Tooele at the boy's pageant (the male version of homecoming queen pretty much).

He has been dating his sweet girlfriend Kylie for 2 years in less than 3 days. She is also planning on going to the University of Wyoming. They are adorable together by the sounds of it and from what I learned from Brandon, you can tell he is willing to do just about anything for her! They are definitely a High School Sweethearts story :) (I'm such a romantic). He is so comfortable in his own body and has confidence that just rolls off of him, and yet he is so kind and had impeccable manners - he was always offering to help me up or down things to take photos or carry props.

I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors, but without further ado, here is Brandon's senior photos!

He didn't even know this photo was being taken :)

He has such an easy-going smile!

I love how he incorporated this photo he and Kylie had taken!

Good luck at the University of Wyoming - I know you'll love it there Brandon! You are going to do amazing things!

Seniors :: The Longest Awaited Session with Melanie

To know how much this session means to me, you'd have to know how long I have known Melanie. I remember her as a little kid taking her brothers up to be blessed in church. I remember her as the best friend to my mom's best friend's daughter. It wasn't until Mel reached Jr. High/High School that I really got to know her. As they say, that's all it took! Mel is the funniest, crudest, most honest person I have ever met. If you don't want the truth, don't ask for it! She also has the loudest mouth which is ironic for how small it actually is ;) (sorry Mel, I had to!).

There was a time when there wasn't a time Melanie was at my house. We were the best baking buddies and would stay up all hours to bake. Her family was one of the first ones to entrust me to take their family photos. They were one of the first repeat customers. It was a given I would take Melanie's senior photos. We have been talking about it for so long that I was shocked when Mel's life took a turn for the future and she got a job at the nursing home with rare free time. I watched as I took not one, not two, but five other senior photo shoots in front of hers!

Melanie is the strongest, most mature 18 year old I know. She is like a mom to her younger brothers and helps out her family all the time. She loves them beyond anything else. She is driven and always keeps an eye on the future with a realistic mindset. She has decided to go to Salt Lake Community College to complete her generals and then wants to transfer to the University of Utah to finish up a Pre-Med degree and eventually on to her Doctorate. As proud as I am of her accomplishments, I am going to miss her borrowing (for years at a time) my clothes, and swapping stories, and staying up till 3 am baking because we couldn't pinpoint one thing to make so had to make it all. I'll miss her easy laugh and relaxed nature. It was a very bittersweet session, but one I am so proud to present!

Mel, you are such a beautiful young lady!

This picture sums up our relationship!

Melanie, you have been so much like a sister to me! I can't wait to see what you accomplish - I know you can do anything you set your mind to!