I met Sharlyn at a girls’ summer camp when I was 12. That was, umm, many years ago.
Once camp was over, with sleeping bags rolled up and cabins cleaned out, I figured my new found friends would remain only in my memories of summer fun. But Sharlyn lived near me and attended my church, although her family met in a different building. Eventually, we attended the same high school and were in some of the same classes. Our siblings were all about the same age and while we all became close, Sharlyn and I became inseparable. There was something so fun about this red-headed, freckle-faced girl with a wicked sense of humor that just made you want to stick around and hear her next joke, help her plan her next party, or just see what she was going to do next.
Over the years we grew up and while things changed, we were still there for each other. I was there when she met the man who would become her husband (there is an awesome shot of me at her reception, jumping about 5 feet in the air to catch the wedding bouquet) and when her first child was born. She’s been with me through various relationships and apartments and is always someone I can confide in. In short, she is super-awesome.
Sharlyn now has four little boys and it has been awesome to watch them grow up and see how their personalities have taken shape. They also have a ton of energy and their varied interests take them in four different directions. When I asked her to photograph them, I was ready for the challenge. I thought to myself, “If I can photograph them, I can photograph anybody.” And though I was seriously exhausted by the end of our session, I have never had more fun.
Thank you Sharlyn, Logan, Farrell, Cole and Parker. I had a blast spending the afternoon with you in the beautiful autumn light. Here are just a few of my favorites.
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