I’ve known Kate since she was a little girl. She and my son have been friends for all these years. I wasn’t sure about taking her on as a client because in many ways she’s still Little Katie to me. At one point during the session I looked at the back of my camera, showed her the picture, and with a little more than an exclamation said, “Oh my God, Kate, you’re not a little girl anymore!”

In fact she’s not. She’s stunningly open and beautiful. At 22 she’s grown into an amazing human being. She’s currently in Peru, doing a work study program and her burning desire to see more of the world, and not just be a passer-by, makes me proud to know her. I feel blessed to have had the time to get to know her a little better and am happy to know my son keeps such amazing friends. The world is better for people like her in it.

She chose the Mercer Museum to take her portrait and since I’d never been, I was more than game. It was a lot of fun in a unique environment that bounces crazy light around everywhere. It was pretty hot that day so we were relieved to have found a fan…

Katie, wherever this finds you today, I hope you are loving every minute of your journey. No matter where the path takes you, I hope you always find your way home safely.