Laura's senior session was an adventure. We started at the studio, with her casual look and then left to explore. I knew that Laura liked abandoned houses and she also loved the beach, with big rocks. We found a great house way out in Suffolk. After photographing her there...we set off to the beach that I had in mind. When we arrived at the beach, it was way too crowded. I had heard about a cool beach in a neighborhood in Hampton. When we arrived at the neighborhood, we were disappointed because everything was private property. We were leaving when I saw a sign at the end of a road. I was curious. We found access to a public beach that was tucked away in a neighborhood. I had never even heard of it. After the very long walk, we arrived at a beautiful, secluded beach with big, beautiful rocks. We had very little time because a big dark storm was quickly coming our way. I stood in the ocean to photograph her.  My assistant, Aiden, took video and her mom helped throw the dress. With dark clouds behind her and a vibrant red dress, it made for beautiful portraits.

On the ride home, I looked out my window and saw a rainbow. I noticed that Laura and her mom got emotional when I pointed it out. Laura's mom told me that rainstorms and rainbows carried a lot of meaning with their family. When I asked why, they explained that they lost Laura's father a couple years ago...and rainstorms and rainbows were their "thing". I think we all held back tears, knowing how the day ended with a rainstorm and a rainbow.

If we had gone to the original beach, it would have been sunny and pretty....but because we sought out the other secret beach, it was perfect timing for a storm to be behind her in the portraits. Somehow, these things happen on all of my sessions. Everything happens for a reason. So, I've learned to trust that and it never fails me.

#rainbows #rainstorms #beach #memories #ocean #storms #everythinghappensforareason #seniorportraitswithmeaning 

FYI - This session was photographed and recorded last summer.