The Class that was quarantined

I've been photographing the high school seniors of Smithfield to celebrate the accomplishment of them graduating. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience for me because in spending "quality" time with these young people, I've been so impressed with their poise and grace. I put the word quality in quotations because photographing folks using strict social distancing protocols - long lenses, subject a minimum of 10 feet away from me, and wearing a mask, makes me feel like I'm a stalker. I'm an up-close and personal individual. I like to laugh, show images on the back of my camera, and I love to hug! You can't do any of those things while adhering to the restraints of social-distancing. But I digress…

As the COVID-19 pandemic ripped the rug out from underneath their feet, they've continued to look forward to their future with enthusiasm and anticipation. These young people worked long and hard throughout their academic careers to achieve this crowning moment of jubilation. This was the year of celebration - dinners and banquets to acknowledge accomplishments, early class departures, yearbook signings, walking through the elementary schools in their caps and gowns, senior prom, class graduation… soo many fun and awesome things to look forward to. All gone in the blink of an eye.

All the things that make these kiddos feel special are gone. These sessions are my gift to the class, something to make them feel special. I’ve asked them to put on their Sentinels gear and bring a great big grin to their “stalker” mini-session (I know, I’m weird).

So if you are a member of this class - reach out to me! Let’s celebrate your accomplishments! If you know of someone who is in this class, send them my way. The session is FREE! Yup, you read that right. Just schedule a date and time that works for you. The only thing that would keep me away is torrential rain - because photographing in the rain is only fun in the movies.