Molly Shines On The Stage of Life

Chelsea High School Senior Portrait Photography

I love capturing growth, change and amazing transformation.  It is such a amazing experience for me to get to know people over the years and photograph who they are and the person they are becoming.  Sometimes in their senior year in high school, I get to see people change right before my eyes. This is the kind of experience I had getting to know Molly.

It all started when I was backstage photographing everyone getting ready for the Co.C performance this spring.  I mentioned to Molly that there were a lot of new faces in Co.C.  She smiled her kind and radiant smile, and explained that each year Co.C welcomes new members into the group.  They are all new buds getting ready to bloom.  The older members take care of the younger members, and they grow together.

When Molly took the stage her explanation came back to me.  I wondered if she realized all of the amazing ways that she was blossoming?  The growth was astonishing.  Molly was full of life up on stage.  Her solo took my breath away.  Not only did she sing beautifully, she was so present, vibrant and completely herself.  It's not easy to perform in front of friends and family.  It takes a special kind of confidence to be completely at ease while doing it.  Molly was living life in her essence.

It was just as fabulous photographing Molly's senior portraits.  Molly and I found beautiful benches down by the weeping willows and a cool rock wall that was certainly worth the drive.  We played in the bonsai garden and we felt alive and in love with life as wind blew through our hair and rustles the leaves in the treetops. 

Molly's kindness and gentle laugh was constant throughout our session. She told me stories about growing up and the fun times she has had with her sister.  I could tell that family is very important to Molly, and I was touched by the loving and open relationship that she has with her mom.  I hope I am this close to my daughter when she is in high school.

Molly, it has been such a pleasure getting to know you.  I will always remember the way you reached inside and became your best, shinning self.  You are an inspiration.  May your light always shine.  Thank you for spending time with me. 

Michelle Massey Barnes Photography
Shine On