Kaylee Eldridge | Muscle Shoals High School Senior

Last week I got to work with a girl that I’ve known since she was a little kid, Kaylee Eldridge. Kaylee’s family went to the same church as I did growing up, her mom was my high school science teacher, and her sister was only a couple of grades below me in school. Your typical small-town dynamic.

That being said- I have a whole new appreciation for that exact dynamic now that I am a photographer. I’ve learned so much about myself and the relationships that I have with those around me. It’s crazy how many people you say that you “know”, but you don’t really know at all. Doing photography and working through these intimate photoshoots with people has shown me how little I know about those around me (some even in my daily life), and how similar we all really are. Each person has their own personality, and that tends to beam through photos…intentionally or not. But we all feel the same goofy way infront of a camera, care about how we look in the photos, and are somewhat (admittedly or not) a little excited to be there.

Kaylee has always been a beautiful girl, but she truly blossomed into such a mature, stunning young lady. Her more timid, quiet personality translated perfectly with the camera. Her bright blue eyes have the most unexpected, yet insane pop with her dark features. Her feelings are relatively the same as all other seniors in this weird time. Her excitement for the next chapter is higher than ever.

I feel for the senior classes of 2020, and the disappointment that they are all experiencing in their own ways. However, I am so thankful for each opportunity that I have to work with a new senior and connect for that hour or two that we spend together. I now know Kaylee for Kaylee, and she is one of the most genuine, loving people I’ve witnessed in a while. I hope that these photos translate all of that well.

Lord,

I thank You for making spirits like Kaylee’s. I thank You for the beauty that each human you create holds within them. Seeking that beauty out and capturing it with a camera is what makes my job so rewarding. I thank You for allowing me to know such a special family for all of these years, and I pray that You continue to bless the Eldridge family as they have another daughter leave the nest. I pray for guidance along Kaylee’s path as she navigates all of the “new” ahead of her. I pray for welcoming arms to greet her in college. I pray that You let nothing harm her beautiful, innocent soul.

Amen.