Sydney, Asbury University 2020

I spent a gorgeous evening in Louisville with this beautiful spitfire of a human being earlier in the week. While we were unable to shoot on Campus in Wilmore, we had a great location option in L-ville to make up for it. It was the kind of evening that made you quickly forget what Covid took away; not just in the number of people enjoying meals together, the beautiful weather or the folks playing with boats on the pond, but especially in a smile that never left this beauty. You wouldn't have known that she missed her friends or felt a little jilted from the losses in her last semester as an undergraduate, for she carried herself with a joy that put any disappointment in its place, and in turn illuminated a hope in her as she spoke to her future. Sydney, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you, thank you for entrusting me with your portraits. And congratulations on all of your achievements and your graduation! Lisa, congrats to you to, momma, great job! ~ B

Bella, University of Cincinnati, DAAP 2020 …

I cannot begin to imagine the number of pictures I have snapped of this beauty. There have been photos covering birthdays, vacations, proms, museum trips and art ventures (remember the blue series, Bell? 😂). I knew shooting her senior pictures for college graduation would be bittersweet but it is so much more than that. It’s noticing that single little dimple on her right cheek all over again. It’s seeing those bouncy curls as if it’s the first time. It’s observing her tiny, little pigeon-toedness, the way she swings when she walks and that smile that always likened her to Shirley Temple, this time with an added grace that wasn’t there before. I have looked at these pictures forwards and backwards and I see a young woman that I’ve not seen before. One that I knew would come, one that was likely always there but like a star in our galaxy, I’m seeing it in light year measurements. It is unfathomable to me that both the speed of time and the feeling that it’s been many years coexist on the same plane. There are brief moments I long for the days she was small; those ridiculously sweet moments and many, many belly laughs but they pass quickly because this person before me continues to draw me in more and more each day. It is a privilege to know her, to listen to her, to converse, to laugh with and to love her. I’m so grateful that I’ve reached a point in my parenting that there is a shift, while I’ll still parent, I can also, now, revel in a friendship and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Bella, congratulations on your graduation. You killed it my dear girl and I am not, in the least, surprised. I cannot wait to see what unfolds from here and I am so looking forward to being a part of it! I love you beautiful girl! Many many good wishes!
~ Momma

Logan, Class of 2020

A quick and easy mini-shoot near St. Peter in Chains Cathedral for one of my Senior Models, Logan.

New Baby Bryn ...

This sweet girl wasn't even 24 hours old when I was lucky enough to meet her. She is a sweet addition to an already beautiful family. Big brother was quick to watch everything that was happening, as his eyes would shift swiftly between Mom and baby, not fully willing to share Mom yet. I'm sure it won't be long before these two are fast friends and fierce advocates of each other. Bryn, welcome to the world beautiful girl! I have no doubt you'll feel the vast amount of love that surrounds you, sweet baby!

Shawn and Tiffany, congratulations! Thank you for allowing me the time, again! I wish you guys the absolute best there is! ~ B

Your heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant ...

I find it a little ironic that I'm quoting the Golden Girls theme song for a shoot with young friends but I find the words fitting. It's not often that you acquire folks in life, at any age, you genuinely feel connected to while feeling comfortable being exactly yourself and it was a pleasure seeing that kind of exchange with these three beauties.

Girls, I loved the time with you all and hope that you all continue to value your friendship. I pray that it is encased in love, grace and loads of laughter! Love you girls! :)

The Williams Family ...

I first met this family when their little guy hadn't even made his debut. Every single time I'm with them, it's a ton of fun. This little 18-month-old bundle of energy has the best little toddle in town and watching him run around with his wonderful parents is such a highlight. Tiffany, Shawn and Adyn, once again, thank you so much for letting me shoot you guys, it is always such a pleasure! ~ B

1, 2, 3 months, soon 4 ...

This little guy steals the room without a trying. His smile, those rolls and that gorgeous head of hair ... there just aren't adequate words. In addition to all that cuteness, his easy going tempermant is over the top. Could've just oogled this guy all day. Tiffany and Shawn, once again, thank you for allowing me the time. Adyn is as perfect as they come! ~ B

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A Wee Bit of Heaven ...

This sweet boy was wide eyed and incredibly chill the entire shoot.  And while a sleeping babe is easy to position this little guy was brute strength each time we placed him on his belly; holding himself up on his elbows, pushing with his feet, trying to lift his head.  It blew me away how strong this wee babe is and made me smile, knowing full well that his gorgeous Momma, Dad and big brother are gonna be kept on their toes keeping up with this guy.  He may be little and the youngest in the beautiful family but I'm sure his might will be obvious with each passing day and if he is anything like the rest, his strength won't only be seen in his physique but also in his intelligence and humility.  Tiffany, Shawn and Shawn, Congrats on on baby Adyn.  He is as handsome as they come.  Thank you so much for allowing me the time with you all, it was a true pleasure. ~ B 

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Mason, Class of 2017 …

This Handsome guy and his beautiful Momma met me at Devou Park on a warm Sunday evening.  The weather was beautiful and we were able to freely enjoy the park as we wandered into several spots from the Behringer-Crawford Museum to Rotary Grove.  The park was bustling with folks, many of whom were enjoying a good game of golf in the unseasonably warm weather.  From there we found ourselves on the old brick roads of downtown Covington, where we admired the gorgeous architecture and character that was around each corner.  We could hear Reds fans cheering across the river as they watched their favorite team in the last game of the season.  I genuinely enjoyed the great conversation and ease of our walk with these two.  It was easy to see with these genuinely kind and brilliant folks that "beauty and handsome" aren't only skin deep in this fantastic family.  Thank you, Tina and Mason, for the wonderful time and for the opportunity to photograph the start of this new season for you all.   I look forward to round two on the Soccer Field with you both! ~ B 

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Thunderclouds, Sun and Windswept Whispers ....

I met this gorgeous Senior, her beautiful Momma & even the handsome guy in her life, on a night where the thunderclouds hung overhead.  We kept a close eye on the forecast and wound up with a perfect night for shooting.  I had the pleasure of wandering this beauty's backyard of a couple hundred acres which was home to many a critter and many fantastic corners, even snapping pictures on the very spot her own sister was wed. There the towering trees provided a perfect canopy of shade on the area, a location not much different than one you'd find in a classic film.  This senior, a talented one, with such an ear for music, managed to teach herself how to play a variety of instruments and still stay grounded.  She truly commanded the attention around her with the least bit of intent.  It was easy to capture her in a place she called home, where she has likely run barefoot more times than can be counted with the sun falling on that smile like it was made just for her and where the wind's in her hair like it has sweet whispers of her beautiful future.  Alex and Sherry, Thank you so much for the wonderful time, for allowing me the opportunity to catch a glimpse of your world and for allowing me to document this place in your book.  I am sure there are wonderful things in store and I wish you many blessings en route!  ~ B   

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