Sometimes in life, you cross paths with a truly amazing person. And sometimes as a photographer, you get the chance to photograph that person. I was one of those lucky ones. I met and photographed Kirstie for her high school senior photos and from the very beginning I was so excited! If she was anything like her beautiful sister, Amy, that I've been doing family photos for these past few years, then I was certainly in for a treat! The planning and prepping for the session wasn't easy as I had a lot of personal things happening at home that kept interfering, but when it finally came down to it...everything fell perfectly into place! I found myself at a beautiful location with an even more beautiful young lady and she nervously prepared for her 15 minutes of fame :)
Kirstie was such a natural in front of the camera despite the fact that she was insisting she wasn't LOL I mean, heck, even her test shots were breath taking! She was so fun and carefree. She never stopped smiling and laughing! Her mother attended the session with us as well and I remember seeing the love and pride in her eyes and she watched her little girl rock out an amazing session. By the end of the session I wanted to adopt Kirstie so I'd have a muse at my beck and call. Alas, her mom said I couldn't have her LOL but it didn't keep me from being inspired by her daughter. Not only was the session jaw dropping, but she inspired me to start a Senior Role Model program. A platform in which I can praise that particular senior for truly being an all around role model for future generations.
Without hesitation, my first role model would be Kirstie. She is everything that I feel young women could look up to and more! In this blog post, I am going to share some of her beautiful photos and let you read her personal interview. She is going to do big things in her lifetime and make waves. I am just honored to have been a part if it all :)
My Interview with Kirstie
When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian because of my love for animals. However, once I understood that vets also have to euthanize animals, I realized I could never perform such tasks. I'm one of those people who sob while watching movies in which animals die- "Hachi" almost killed me! I then moved on to wanting to be a marine biologist, but that thought soon dwindled due to my lack of interest in the profession. When I was about eight I began taking violin lessons, and my family and I noticed that I seemed to have a knack for music. At nine I joined a choir and performed several solos in front of hundreds of people, and at ten I began taking piano lessons. The further I got into the world of music, the more I knew that I never wanted to leave. While at a Christian concert when I was about thirteen, I felt God calling me to be a Christian recording artist. I fell in love with the idea, and soon I began filling notebooks with songs I had written. Since then I've taken up the guitar and now have an insatiable desire to learn as many instruments as possible!
When you first booked with me, you told me you were home-schooled. What is your most favorite and least favorite part of home-schooling?
My favorite part has to be the fact that I don't have to get up as early as other kids! I love sleeping in. The second-best part is that you can complete your schoolwork while you're lazing around in your pajamas, lol. I really love home-schooling, so there aren't many things I can say against it. What can I say, my mom's a great teacher!
Is there any obstacle you had to overcome and how did you do it?
When I was a preteen I was very shy. Most people would expect this from a home-schooled kid since they don't "get out much". Yes, this was true, and I knew I had to change it. I started pushing myself to socialize more and began attending two different youth groups at local churches. During that time I met the people who have become my best friends. I couldn't imagine life without them. I've made many friends and have become quite sociable since my preteen days. Some of my friends find it hard to believe that I was ever that shy and quiet!
Over the years I've called many different celebrities my "role models", from Lucille Ball to Tim Tebow. However, I would always think of these celebrities as being perfect, and of course, I was eventually let down by something I heard on the news or read on the internet. Eventually I came to the conclusion that if I didn't want to be let down, I needed to find a new role model. One that would never disappoint me, but instead always be there for me. Ever since, my role model has been Jesus. He's the true definition of the word "hero". I've never heard of any celebrity or philanthropist bearing a cross to take on the burden of our sins, have you? I aspire to be like Francesca Battistelli someday. She is a very gifted Christian artist and writes incredible music.
Most of the time you can find me practicing my instruments or singing in my room while strumming my guitar! But I love spending time with my friends, especially my best "buds", Christine and Levi. We three have a great time just being together, because honestly, we are all equally crazy. I also enjoy "mud-running" Maine-style in my go-kart!
I plan on attending a university for vocal music business and working on getting some of the songs I've written on the radio! I'm hoping to also hone my piano, violin, and guitar skills. I recently recorded my first CD of songs I've written in a local recording studio and can't wait to record another!
I would honestly die without my instruments and my Bible. Next comes my Converse sneakers. I'm a bit of a fanatic and have several pairs. Lastly, I would be very sad if the world was void of bacon.
Work HARD! Find something you really love and never stop pursuing it. Never listen to anyone who says your dream is unobtainable.
Oh, my reply to this one could go on forever. If you ask any of my friends/family, they'll tell you that I am definitely unique. I laugh all of the time.. so much that some people have given me the nickname "giggles". I am always singing or humming, everywhere I go. Several times I have had people ask if the radio was playing while I was singing throughout the store and I just smile and say "I don't think so." I'm a bit of a klutz and am not the most graceful person in the world. I'm usually tripping over my shoelaces or bumping into the wall. Also, I've always made up random nicknames for our pets. How I ended up with "Kiwi" for my dog I will never know..
Laura did everything perfectly with my session. She kept in contact beforehand and made sure that I was well-informed about the details of the session. The session was SO much fun! I never expected to have such a good time while having my senior pictures taken. Laura is very friendly and instantly put me at ease while I was posing I originally thought it was going to be very awkward since I had never had my photos professionally taken before. In my opinion, there is no other photographer that measures up to the quality of Laura Lee Photography. I will definitely be scheduling another session soon!
Now, didn't I tell you? Kirstie is simply amazing and her session...EPIC! I was being serious when I said she is my new muse...I just adore, adore, adore her! I hope you enjoyed getting to know my 2013 Senior Role Model and that you love her images as much as we do!!!
I will end by telling you that it's never too early to reserve your spot for your upcoming 2015 Senior session! I am currently booking them out until March of 2014 for those interested in a winter or spring senior session. In April I will open it up for booking for the summer and fall months. With 4 unique collections to choose from, you can't go wrong :)
Interested in booking your senior session with Laura Lee Photography? Then click here to inquire and get started planning your epic session: http://www.lauraleephotographymaine.com/#!high-school-seniors/cyg1
