August 13, 2019 / photography Seniors
Goshen County Senior Photographer - Kadra C., Southeast Cyclones
A few years ago (okay, it's been like two-plus decades, but who's counting?), I met an amazing girl who was serving as a state FFA officer. She was driven but kind, outspoken but approachable. Later...
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A few years ago (okay, it’s been like two-plus decades, but who’s counting?), I met an amazing girl who was serving as a state FFA officer. She was driven but kind, outspoken but approachable. Later I would work with her on different projects as young professionals in the agriculture industry. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit her family’s ranch and take senior pictures of her own daughter.
What an amazing thing this photography gig is…working with old friends, meeting new ones and serving my community.
But these images weren’t about us moms, even though Kerin and I had a tremendous amount of fun. They were about Kadra and celebrating what a beautiful, talented and accomplished young woman she is. This Southeast Cyclone is truly one amazing girl. Her quiet confidence shone in each setting, whether she was rocking a on-point jumper she bought as part of her 4-H project or her western attire. She was patient, kind and focused and about as down-to-earth a girl as you can find.
This shoot was also about connecting Kadra with her past. It was an honor for me to shoot on the Albany County Ranch that has been in Kadra’s family for generations. We shot at a house her ancestors built from stones gathered at the ranch more than 100 years ago. We even used spots where Kadra’s mom and aunt had also taken their senior pictures.
I told her “I love that you wanted senior pictures here.”
She looked over the valley that her family has nurtured, tended to and loved for more than 100 years and said quietly, “It’s one of my most favorite places.”
Our past doesn’t define us. But it does shape us in ways big and small. The same work ethic her grandparents rely on to see them through the tough times in the ag industry, the passion her mom has for agriculture, the same quiet determination her father brings to his job as a rodeo coach are all evident in Kadra, along with a quality that is all her own. I love that she feels rooted to her family history. But I also love that Kadra is ready to find her own wings and build her own place in this world.
Best wishes, Kadra, on your upcoming senior year. Your future is wide open in front of you. I have no doubt that whatever path you choose, you will remain rooted in family and faith and find tremendous success. Thank you for sharing your self, your family and your heritage with me.
