my fellow Janeite; Eastern Iowa senior photography

What a blessed young lady -- homeschooled by a loving mother; raised on a beautiful farm, surrounded by amazing landscapes and feasting on natural foods; and she discovered the literature of Jane Austen early in life. :) I didn't begin reading Jane Austen's works until after I was married; but once I read my first -- Sense & Sensibility, I believe -- I quickly found and devoured all of Austen's novels and short stories (even those begun by Austen & finished by others). My favorite? Pride and Prejudice! So I was delighted when this lovely senior walked outside with a copy of P&P to incorporate into our photoshoot. I love meeting kindred spirits!

Looking back at some of my favorite images from our afternoon together, I imagine that Miss G is not so unlike Miss Austen who walked this earth 200 years ago. A quiet beauty, grace, humility, intelligence.... Can you see it? Can you feel it?

Good genes; Clinton, IA senior photographer

Here are a few more images from the Stormin' Norman mini-sessions. These good-looking seniors are actually cousins, born only 4 months apart. How awesome it must have been to grow up in the same town with a cousin so close in age! Beth and I had a great time running around Eagle Point Park with these fun guys. Good luck, J & B! Hope you enjoy the rest of your senior year!

Senior Portraits for Stormin' Norman; Fulton, IL Senior photography

I recently had the pleasure of helping out with a project called "Stormin' Norman Portraits." A friend from the Muddy River Camera Club, Beth Wiersema, has organized this fundraiser for the past 2 years to raise money for Relay for Life.

Beth is a member of the Stormin’ Norman American Cancer Society Relay for Life team of Clinton County and sprearheaded the portrait sessions because she wanted to help her relative, neighbor, and friend, Norm Criss, who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer almost 8 years ago. This year, Stormin' Norman Portraits raised over $2,000!

Beth and I had a great time shooting senior portraits for this beautiful and very sweet young lady. Here are a few of my favorite shots....