I had the incredible honor of photographing the entire 8th grade class at my sons’ school.  This was definitely a “stretch my wings” kind of project ~ but I am so happy I dove in and took it on!  I love working with babies and young children, but just haven’t had as many opportunities to work with the middle school age.  To be honest, I was a nervous wreck the first day I showed up at school.  It is one thing to photograph a young teenager with his or her family, but with so many buddies standing around watching ~ I just wasn’t sure what was going to happen!  I was pretty sure my tricks about “watch the lens and see if my eyes change color” weren’t going to work too well with this crowd 😉

I have to say, I was so very impressed with these kids!!  They were fun and friendly, kind and grateful.  What you say?  Grateful?  Yes!  I had several of the students come up to me afterwards in the hall or on the school grounds and tell me how much they enjoyed having their photos taken, thanking me for doing it, telling me they were excited to tell their parents to buy their “Locker Portrait” at the school auction.  The whole experience really became such a blessing.  In the end, I am the one who is grateful for the opportunity to have worked with these amazing kids.  You see, I have two little boys, ages 4 and 6, who attend this school.  And the idea that my boys are going to a school that helps raise up kids like these, well, it certainly makes my Mama Heart happy….

And I also owe a huge thank you to the Hoban Family and Prairiebrooke Arts for the custom matting of all of the prints. Prairiebrooke was so generous to donate their time and materials to take these photos and the display up another level.  I hope many of the parents take advantage of their beautiful custom framing offer that was included with the purchase of the print ~ the custom framed sample was just gorgeous!  I played the role of guest and parent at the auction, not photographer, so I didn’t bring my big girl camera.  But I did grab a couple iphone shots of the display so I could share them all with you 🙂

PS I would love to hear from you!  Are you one of the 8th graders featured here?  A proud parent or grandparent? Please “like” the studio FACEBOOK PAGE and leave a comment here on the blog.  On Friday February 14th I will choose one comment and that 8th grade family will receive their choice of a FREE 8×10 Gift Print or a Set of 16 Wallet Prints.