“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” - Oscar Wilde
It takes the right kind of person to rock pink lip stick, switch to a glamorous black dress in a matter of minutes, and then change into a plaid shirt and jeans and suddenly become comfy in nature and ready to head out finishing. It was nothing for Marieke, and she even found a way to include her dog in her senior photography session. Confident, relaxed, playful, and 'nature girl' are the vibes I got when I worked with her.
Marieke takes 'being yourself' to a whole new level. It's just what she does. When I was with her, she easily expressed many different aspect of her personality. It wasn't fake or forced. It was natural, confident, and fun. Honestly, it was beautiful to witness.
Marieke had quite a few touching moments in senior portrait session, including her explanation of her very first outfit and setting. She wore a lovely white dress and stunning pink lipstick. She wanted to be photographed out in front of their magnolia tree.
I could tell we were creating a significant image, and I worked hard to get everything right. I was on an off of a step stool trying out many different angels.
Then Marieke shared with me that the magnolia is in the remembrance of her Aunt Janneke who passed away from cancer in 2013. Marieke has always held her close to in heart because in her own words, "she was the most amazing woman I had ever met. Always so inspiring and truly beautiful inside and out with the most amazing smile."
Marieke, what a privilege it was to help you create a senior image that honors the memory of your beloved Aunt.
One of the sweet moments of her session (second only to puppy kisses) was when she put on the plaid shirt that coordinated with the shirt her mom was wearing. She was excited to share a matching look with her mom and the two of them laughed, joked, and played as they sat on the dock together.
Marieke may be getting ready to graduate, but she still hugs her Mom. As a mother to my own daughter, I know the day will arrive when my little one will graduate. I hope we have as much fun at my daughter's session as Marieke and her mom had at their session.
One of the other amazing things about Marieke is her ability to make friends. One of her favorite memories from her senior year was having her senior seminar class with a bunch of cool people that she didn't know all that well. Instead of staying in her comfort zone, Marieke expanded her friendship circles and got to know the people in her class. She's made some really close friends because it.
Before she graduates, she hope to "double nickel" on her AP Econ exams, meaning she wants to get a 5 on both Macro and Micro. Even at the end of her senior year, she is reaching for more and challenging herself to do her best. I love this about her.
Then she plans on taking the summer off to work and relax with her family. In the fall, she will be off to Washtenaw Community College to study Culinary Arts. I see an amazingly bright (and delicious) future ahead of her!
Marieke, wishing you all the best. It was an absolute delight getting to know you. Congratulations! May you shine your light everywhere you go.
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