sarah and jenna

Years ago, when I was first trying to improve my photography skills, I begged my friends to let me practice on their families.  And luckily I have a lot of friends because at the beginning I had a LOT to learn.  I still have a lot to learn, but I have definitely improved since those early years.  Back then, I never considered that photography could be a business.  At the time I just wanted to improve my photography so that my scrapbooks would look better.  But I studied, practiced, and worked extremely hard.  I invested in quality camera bodies and lenses – but most of all I invested my time.  My skills improved enough that people were actually willing to pay me to photograph them – so Elise Beall Photography was born.  And now, my photography business takes so much of my time that I don’t have the time to scrapbook anymore. There’s probably a moral to that story somewhere, but darned if I can figure it out.  I’ve just gone from one passion to another – which keeps me on my toes.

Sarah and Jenna were some of my first models.  I wish I had pictures to show of them when they were much younger – but that was the old days when I was shooting film.   I’m not sure exactly how long I’ve been taking their pictures, but it has been at least 6 years – maybe more.  The thing I remember about them most was how kind and sweet they were to each other – and to me.  I don’t have experience with sisters, but I can tell you that my brothers and I definitely were NOT kind and sweet – especially to each other!  I remember one year their mother, Laura, promised them that if they were good, she would take them to the newly opened Geoffrey.  Jenna just couldn’t understand why I wasn’t excited to go to Geoffrey with them:-)  It’s always fun to photograph Sarah and Jenna because they are still just as sweet as they were when they were little children.  And, I can always get Jenna to giggle by fussing at her mother when she gets in my way.  These girls are just growing up a little too quickly for me.

Thanks, Sarah and Jenna, for putting up with me through the years.  You’re great!

lindsey

Friday was a gorgeous fall day.  The sky was brilliant blue and there was just a little chill in the air.  In other words, it was a perfect day for outdoor portraits.  At first, Lindsey wanted her senior portraits done at the beach.  But when it turned cool, we decided to shoot in town where it would be a little warmer and less windy.  I think that was a great decision.

Lindsey was great to work with.  She has huge blue eyes and a beautiful solemn expression.  And like nearly all of the seniors I work with, she was open to all of my suggestions.  I really like young ladies who will do things MY way.  That never happened much with my own child!  Thankfully, Lindsey liked the locations I picked out.  I need some new places to shoot – so if anyone has any ideas, let me know.

I’m several days away from completing the edit on Lindsey’s session, but here are a few of my early favorites.  Of course, my favorites change regularly.  Every time I edit another picture, it becomes my favorite.

I really enjoyed working with Lindsey.  And it was nice to get to know her mom, too.  One of the things I really love about this business is getting to know new people – and showing them how beautiful they are.