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A change is gonna come *Menifee Senior Portrait Photographer*
Posted on March 12, 2010
I love that Sam Cooke song.
“It’s been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come”
When I lay in bed at night
willing my mind to calm itself,
this is the lullaby that I hear in my mind.
I can’t help but be excited about
what the future holds.
I can’t help but be scared [to death] about
what the future holds.
I can’t help but be impatient about
what the future holds.
All I can do is
visualize
picture
imagine
believe
hope
pray
about what the future holds.
The uncertainty drives me crazy
but what I know is that
a change is coming for me,
and I am headed toward this
with open arms
with unabashed thrill
with overwhelming optimism
with unending faith.
Yes, a change is gonna come,
and like Sam said,
“It’s been a long time coming.”
Veronica, you are down to the last 3 months of your high school career. In June, your life is going to change, just like mine is. Of course, our lives are changing in drastically different ways, but it’s a change nonetheless. I wrote the little ode above for me, but I was thinking all of it as I prepared your photos. I was inspired by you and the thought of you graduating from high school and saying goodbye to an important chapter in your life. It’s been 13 years (including kindergarten) that you’ve been in school, completing all requirements, taking all the tests, writing all the papers. Like I said above, “It’s been a long time coming.” Now it’s your move. You are a young woman of poise, character, kindness, compassion, faith, potential, and love. You have an amazing future waiting for you. I am thrilled for you. Much love and luck!
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Some people just have it. Destine *Senior Session* Riverside County
Posted on October 27, 2009
Destine is a student whom I’ve only known a few weeks. In those short weeks, I’ve learned some things from her and about her. For one thing, I’ve learned that some people just have IT. What is “IT?” I can’t seem to explain in words, I’ve tried. I’ve stared at this black cursor against white background, thinking of the best way to explain “IT.” Well I’ve given up, I’m just going to show you what IT looks like…
See what I mean? She’s got it!
Destine is a proud member of the class of 201o, and owner of mixed emotions. Happy that college and independence is on the horizon, sad that high school is coming to an end, excited about the future to come. I’ve learned from her that it’s okay to feel all of this at once.
I’ve learned that Destine is a girl who wants everyone around her to be happy.
She is ever the peacemaker, the compromiser, the constant pleaser.
I’ve learned that Destine is the dreamer of big dreams and that she will settle for no less.
Destine, I had tons of fun on this Senior photo session! I want to leave you with one of my favorite quotes…
“Aim for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll be among the stars.”
Have a great senior year!
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Sneak Peak *Amazing* Senior Portrait Session – Menifee Senior Portraits
Posted on October 13, 2009
Saturday morning, the heavy fog lifts to reveal some of the most amazing light ever imagined for a photo shoot. Destine (who is too gorgeous for words!) is nothing short of perfection in front of the camera, then…”Uh ma’am, you can’t take pictures here.” Drats! Thank goodness, I had already taken more than 200 photos by that time. Here’s a sneak peak of Destine, super graduating senior! It’s going to take me a little bit to go through each one of the shots because I just love them all! Here are my faves so far…stay tuned for more! Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.
Meet Destine…
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One of a kind…Isaac
Posted on September 6, 2009
BIG guy. BIG smile. BIG heart. BIG Isaac. I met this senior recently because he started hanging around my classroom, then joined my classroom. There was something different about him, I’ve been around high school students for years and years, but when Isaac walked in I thought, “Hmmmm, this guy’s not like the others.”
A typical conversation with Isaac goes like this:
me: “Hey Isaac, how ya doin’?”
Isaac: “Good, ma’am.”
me: “You feeling good today? You ready for the football season?”
Isaac: “Yes, ma’am.”
Isaac is a true gentleman, so wonderful to meet a high school senior like this when I typically get grunts or “yup” “nope” as a standard reply. A gentleman…that’s how I describe this young man…gentleman.
Isaac lives and breathes football…literally. When he literally couldn’t breathe, he came to school just for football.
I love his smiling face in these images…but I guess football players are supposed to not be smiley…right?
Here’s some Patriot Pride.
Isaac, I had so much fun on our day at the football field, even though it was 107 degrees outside and we were melting. You are an extraordinary young man. Like I said, a true gentleman in a world that so desperately needs more young men like you. I wish you much success. Here’s to a great senior year.
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First born girl *Riverside County Senior Photographer*
Posted on August 12, 2009
I have learned that Marlene and I have much in common…we both have a love for the written word, both value education, both have a fierce determination to prove ourselves. I was pleased to find out that our similarities extended beyond the world of “school,” it turns out that both Marlene and I are big sisters. Not just big sisters, but the big sister, the first born.
When I met with Marlene to shoot her senior portraits, I also had the pleasure of meeting her little sisters, America and Vanessa. But first…meet Marlene:
Upon meeting Marlene, you are dazzled by her luminous smile.
when you talk to her, you instantly feel her strong will-power,
you can feel how much she cares for those around her,
Marlene is true, she is honest, she is steadfast, and has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever encountered.
(not unlike another big sister I know well 
)
Meet the sisters…
3 very distinct personalities…
America is adventurous, a free spirit. Completely unafraid, and absolutely unique.
and this is Vanessa…adorable, girly, absolutely precious…
So full of personality in one cute, tiny package…
Marlene is an amazing big sister, America and Vanessa are lucky to have her.
Marlene, it is an honor to know you, and it was an honor to meet the wonderful women in your family. Here’s to a great senior year!
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Ms. Editor-in-Chief *Riverside County Senior Photographer*
Posted on August 11, 2009
It’s hard to believe that I’ve known Samantha now for almost 3 years. Starting at a new school is always difficult. Thank goodness her first year at Heritage High was also the school’s first year, it’s not so bad being new when everyone is new. All I know is that the moment I met Sam, she took charge. She is my right hand woman and this coming school year, her last at Heritage, is bittersweet. I may not know all there is to know about Sam, but I know enough to understand the reason why she glows everywhere she goes. I hope these images do her justice.
I just wonder if she sees what I see…
I wonder if she realizes the gentleness of her character?
I wonder if she sees the curious child within.
I wonder if she realizes how much of a perfectionist she is.
I wonder if she knows that when she talks, people listen.
I wonder if she understands how much potential she has fighting to get out.
I wonder if she knows that her cheerfulness is contagious.
I wonder if she knows how much so many people depend on her and look up to her.
I wonder if she realizes how bright her future is!
I wonder if she knows how proud I am of her.
Samantha, here’s to a great senior year. Work hard, play hard, make sure to have fun.
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Quiet Confidence *Riverside County Senior Photographer*
Posted on August 11, 2009
Emily is unique among other high school seniors in her class. When you meet her, you instantly feel her quiet confidence. You’ve heard the saying, “Wise beyond their years,” that saying truly comes to life in the form of this extraordinary young lady.
When other high school girls are concerned about how others perceive them, Emily is secure in who she is.
When other girls giggle at everything (and at nothing), Emily doesn’t join in to be a part of the clique.
When other girls shop to follow the latest trends and attempt to look unique while all looking alike, Emily creates her own style.
Emily’s confidence is without arrogance, it is without an air of superiority.
Her confidence is within, it is something reminiscent of a person who has lived, truly lived.
She is who she is, with no apologies, and with no hesitation.
Emily is the type of girl others wish they could be, but can’t come close.
Emily, you are on your path to success. You know what you want, and I know that you will stop at nothing to achieve your goals. I admire you so much. Here’s to a great senior year.
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Ready for my close up…
Posted on August 11, 2009
So much personality in a little package. Delaney. A firery ball of energy and joy. Delaney. Enthusiasm oozes out of every pore of her skin. Delaney. So easy to shoot and capture. Delaney. How much fun is she? Answer: Too much!
Delaney was such a joy in front of the camera. She knew how to turn it on!
I love love love this image. This “windswept” thing was definitely working!
Her eyes really sparkle just like that!
This may be my all time favorite image!
Delaney, though I met you indirectly through Sam, I am thrilled to know you. You often laugh at my enthusiasm, but I say the same for you! The camera loves you lady! Here’s to a great senior year!
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Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde
Posted on August 11, 2009
The Mireya I know is silly, hysterically funny, exuberant, and a shining ball of joy! That Mireya looks like this:
and this…
and this…
The day she was in front of my lens, I met a Mireya that I have never met before. I was pleasantly surprised to meet this Mireya:
and this…
and this…
Either way, both Mireyas are intelligent, loving, determined, and kind.
That Mireya glows brightly as if the sun lived within her.
Mireya, you are the kind of daughter every mother hopes for. I wish you continued happiness and joy. Here’s to a great senior year.
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