When I announced the Super Senior contest back last fall, I was so excited about the prospect of who would win. Shooting seniors is one of my favorite parts about my photography business, and I’m loving that my senior business is really picking up. However, I do know the expenses that come with seniors – I was once one, a loooooong time ago.

From announcements, class rings, graduation cap & gown costs, homecoming/prom attire, and every little nickel-and-dime items all add up to quite a bit. Senior pictures usually take a back seat to all of these things, and sadly, many seniors don’t get to commemorate this very special time in their lives. Even if you don’t have a session with me, I encourage students and parents to plan and budget for a senior session – this is a very special time in their lives and having beautiful photographs by which to remember this final year in school will be priceless.

With that being said, I hatched a plan late last summer to find a deserving senior and give them a special session with Stephanie Greenwell Photography. I received only a few nominations, but each one of them touched me. Each nomination pulled at the heartstrings and I knew it would be a hard decision. So, I did what I felt was best in judging: I had friend draw names. Yep, it works perfectly every single time. But I even did the best 3-out-of-3 kind of drawing. And within four draws, Miss Destiny won. How I was so excited to send that email to her!

We planned our date and location, and as she wished, she wanted to shoot at her home. There’s a tractor in her large backyard that has sentimental value to her family, especially her grandfather. And then, the greenery in her backyard was just perfect for her chosen outfits and the lighting. Meeting Destiny, she’s a very soft-spoken girl (unlike myself) and very beautiful. And sweet. She made my shooting very easy and fun, and we had quite a few laughs. Her father was there to support her as well as her cousin, and you can tell that there’s a lot of love for this young lady.

Destiny, you are an absolute sweetheart, with a subdued charm about yourself. I’m so very happy that I had the pleasure of shooting your senior session and I’m just thrilled with your images. Best wishes to you in your future – I know you’re determinationn will carry you along as you make your way in this crazy world!