Monthly Archives: September 2008

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Jason: Class of 2009

September 28, 2008 – 9:10 pm

First impressions are big…like it or not it’s a fact of life. When I met Jason, here was a young man that got out of the car, reached for my hand, looked me in my eyes, placed his other hand on top of my hand and said, “I’m Jason, nice to meet you.” Impressive coming from a young man of 17. I’ve met adults that could take a lesson from Jason’s social grace. Jason plays baseball, short stop to be exact and even has been known to throw a pitch or two. He’s interested in video and video production and even has a project dealing with the local police department coming up. Man, I wish I had these kind of programs when I was in high school!

Jason, thanks for spending your afternoon with me. It was a true pleasure to meet you and photograph you at this stage of your life. There is without a doubt big things to come for you. I know I’ll look back one day and say…I knew him when… ;-) Have a fantastic senior year, my friend.

 

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (0)

Trevor: Class of 2009

September 21, 2008 – 9:18 am

I love stories of people overcoming challenges and excelling in spite of them. Meet Trevor! When he was in the fourth grade it was found out that he was dyslexic. His parents, being the loving care givers they are, enrolled him in a private school that catered to those students that had learning differences, I love that term, “learning differences”. It’s not a disability, just a difference in HOW they learn, and as Trevor is witness, they CAN still learn AND excel. Since then, Trevor has not only overcome dyslexia but is now on the honor roll, thriving academically, and giving back to the community. He’s also an Eagle Scout. I’m lucky if I can keep my shoes tied for an entire day and here’s a kid that has so much tenacity that he achieved the highest ranking offered by scouts. There are few things you can accomplish as a teenager that you can put on a resume that can make the difference in getting a job as an adult. Keep in mind, this not an easy school either, they really push these kids. That’s why 98% of their graduating classes get accepted to major universities! This kid is going somewhere!

Trevor, it was an honor to get to hang out with you. Thank you for spending an afternoon with me and inviting me into your life. You’ve got some great times ahead of you and I’m anxious to see what life has in store for you. I wish you nothing but the best.

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (0)

Taylor: Class of 2009

September 14, 2008 – 7:05 pm

She was 15 when I first photographed her. She was a freshman going to the senior prom. Her parents are very good friends of mine and they have a son my middle son’s age who play on the same sports teams. Over the years we’ve gotten to know each other and have and the good fortune of having Taylor watch my boys when my wife and I are both working and they’re off from school.  It takes a very special person for my wife and I to trust the care of our children with and Taylor is THAT person.  She’s confident yet humble, beautiful AND smart. When I was asked to photograph her and her two friends for their senior session I knew it was going to be fun.

Taylor picked me up at the local King Sooper’s parking lot and drove me to Kristen’s house were the scenery and “props” were limitless. Adam was instrumental at keeping the girls at ease and making them laugh when he didn’t have to be in the picture. It really made for some fun imagery. Taylor and Kristen are heading to CSU to party…um I mean study…yep that’s right STUDY…umm study WHAT is yet to be decided but rest assured mom and dad…they’ll be studying. Nothing to worry about with these girls! ;-)

Taylor, I’m amazed that your already a senior. It’s been an honor to watch you grow up into the young woman you are becoming. THANK YOU for introducing me to your friends, and for trusting me with theirs and your senior photos. I hope you enjoy them! :-)

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (1)

Kristen: Class of 2009

September 14, 2008 – 6:54 pm

“Hi, I’m Kristen!” She said as she shook my hand and smiled. She had just gotten back from picking up her boyfriend, Adam for our senior photo shoot. She was very kind and confident in her introduction and was more concerned about Adam’s participation than anything else. Of course it’s amazing what a guy will do for a pretty girl. Kristen had nothing to worry about.

Kristen was quite the competitive soccer player prior to suffering some injuries that forced her early retirement. Undaunted, she still excels in academics and loves journalism and art. She’s even designed two of her own tattoos. Apparently tattoos and seniors isn’t all that uncommon. Who knew!?! Her and Taylor have been best friends since their 8th grade trip to New York and Washington and have been inseparable ever since. They both plan on attending CSU and being roommates.

Kristen, thank you for your hospitality and for suggesting we use you house and property for the shoot. Your sense of humor and easy to smile nature is a photographer’s dream. You are a beautiful girl both inside and out and I wish for you nothing but the very best. :-)

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (1)

Adam: Class of 2009

September 14, 2008 – 6:40 pm

OK…I’ll do it. Nah…I change my mind…Finally, Kristen went and picked him up at his house and MADE him come over to her house for the group  senior photo shoot. Adam has been dating Kristen for the past year and a half and she finally had to pull the girlfriend card to get him to show up. Kristen and her best friend, Taylor, thought they could all do their senior photo shoot together. Pulling off a single senior session can be a big enough challenge, but three…all at once…this should prove interesting!

Luckily these were GREAT “kids.” Adam is looking to go to either CU Boulder or the Colorado School of Mines. You’re looking at one of the potential minds of being able to find a solution to our dependency on foreign oil. Adam wants to be a chemical engineer and to hear him talk about his goals is to listen to a young man who knows where he’s going. VERY COOL!

So not only is he cool, but look at the girls that wanted to have their senior photos with him! This group was a blast and I’ll be posting the girls senior sessions with some different group pictures as well. So make sure to check back for Taylor and Kristen’s post.

Adam, it was a pleasure meeting you. Your sense of humor and easy going demeanor was great. You helped keep the girls at ease and got them laughing which made for some great images. I’m excited for you and your future and am proud to know that their are seniors out there like you willing to make a difference in our world!

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (1)

Ryan: Class of 2009

September 7, 2008 – 8:59 pm

Colorado sun in September…few things beat it. Except for maybe a cool senior that you stick in front of it! I’ve been extremely blessed to meet and work with some very cool seniors this year. Ryan was waiting for me at his high school with his mom in tow. The introductions are always somewhat awkward especially with guys because let’s be honest, we don’t like having our picture taken and certainly not in front of our mothers. I mean really, how cool can we be with mom present? Well, take a look at Ryan’s slide show below. This kid rocked it… WITH mom in tow. Truth be told Ryan’s mom was cool, too. We even got her to throw some baseballs for Ryan to catch…unfortunately, she throws like a girl and he had to dive to make the catches but at least they made for some cool images. I’m kidding…about throwing like a girl…not the images…those ARE cool.

Ryan plays baseball for Castle View and also plays for the Rockies Scout team. Growing up in Oklahoma and then moving to Georgia he’s always played second base. Until he moved to Georgia and his coach sent him into the outfield. Everyone knows you get sent to the outfield if you aren’t any good…when your 8…NOT when your playing high school ball. Once his coach told him they needed his speed in the outfield and Ryan saw how many balls got hit his direction he never looked back. And just to make sure you realize that this athlete is extremely good…he batted .425 last year!

Ryan, you were a BLAST to photograph. Remember you only get out of life what you put into it. These photographs turned out as good as they did because of YOUR willingness to just be you and have fun with the whole process. You seriously killed these images, my man. I’m honored to have met you and your mom. Thanks for the fun Sunday afternoon!

Enjoy your slide show!

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (0)

Richard: Class of 2009

September 6, 2008 – 7:31 pm

He pulled up in his Chevy Blazer right on time. My parents would have been THRILLED if I was as responsible when I was seventeen. He got out of his car self assured and ready to get this “task” off his plate. He shook my hand, was confident in his introduction, and it was then that I knew we were going to hit it off. This is a smart kid who enjoys writing and is exploring all his possibilities for college. Although he was born in Colorado he spent much of his life in Arizona only to have to move back to Colorado his senior year. That’s a tough order to leave all your friends your last year of high school. Richard, however, seems to be taking it all in stride. This ended up being a fun shoot for two reasons. One, Richard was great to work with and we were able to get some super cool stuff (check out the slide show below) and two, I got to bring my wife along on this shoot. Richard and I both got a kick out of watching her maneuver the Red Rocks’ trails in her flip flops and avoid the cactus. Who knew flip flops weren’t meant for hiking?!?! ;-)

Richard, thanks for the great time this afternoon. You were a blast to hang out with and get to know. I wish you the best Senior year ever. Good luck and God bless. :-)

By Dain | Posted in Photography, Seniors | Comments (0)