The day I was scheduled to shoot Madison’s senior portraits, I was having a really bad day.  It seemed like everyone I talked to wanted me to do things even faster, make one more album change, or cancel their appointment, and I was just generally worn down and cynical.  It was one of those days that I wished, wholeheartedly, was already over.

I drove down to Salida blasting Tool and wallowing in my grumpiness.  Then… I met this girl. She is absolutely gorgeous and she brought an entire tray of amazing hand-decorated cupcakes.  Cupcakes!  She felt like an old friend immediately.  I hung out with Madison and her sweet sisters and mom, and her smile was totally contagious as she shared all of her epic plans with me.

I’m pretty sure I need to hire this girl to style all my shoots.  Everything you see below was 100% Madison’s idea – I really can’t take any credit at all :)   It was so refreshing to watch someone get that excitement about pictures- that same crazy look in my eye that I get when I’m dreaming up things to put in front of my lens.  She gets it.

I drove home from Salida watching the sun melt into the mountains, just smiling.  So, we did this shoot and everything was great… blah blah blah.  Honestly, when I look at these images, for me it’s not just about a beautiful girl, a fully legit creative mind at work, or amazing  lighting.  When I look back at this shoot, I will remember how hanging out with her totally refreshed me and made me less cynical.  Madison – congratulations, and thanks for everything.  You have no idea how much hope you gave me that day!  Love ya, girl!

Oh yeah – did I mention she’s a Pocahontas look-alike? :)