Upon first meeting Cate, she seems like a normal girl. But in about 30 seconds of talking to her, she handles herself as an adult. Cate loves sports, she’s looking forward to college and wants to do something that incorporates engineering and some sort of humanitarian cause like the water crisis in third world countries and creating water systems.

Cate is brilliant! She has also played the piano since second grade. Her family welcomed me into her home to photograph Cate by the piano. I asked her to play for me to get some really genuine shots. While she played, I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I have never gotten emotional when anyone else has played for me. I watched Cate and she allowed herself to be so vulnerable in that moment. She just like the music be created from the tips of her fingers onto the keys of the piano. It was moving. I wasn’t the only one though, mom was getting misty eyed too.

Cate, thank you for allowing me to photograph you. For sharing your story and bits of your life with me. I hope you love your senior portraits.