I can't help but to feel the foreignness in knowing that every second that goes by is a second closer to "future".  A second closer to leaving life as I know it.  The idea of it is enthralling, yet intimidating.  God only knows what life beyond high school (and college) holds.  So, what exactly does that leave me to do now? I guess, dream.  The future, I cannot control.  The here and now, is what I can handle.  So, I will continue sending God my invocations.  I will continue working my hardest. I will continue seeking my dreams until I have captured them.  
Only then, will I stop and hold them close to my heart.  
Only then, will I undoubtedly feel conciliated.
Always, will I thank God.

Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

Kyle told me to write. He knows me well enough to know that my best coping strategy is writing everything down. So here it goes.
I never expected my senior year to go this way. I never thought I'd be so in over my head that getting an 85% on my first pre-calc quiz would push me to the breaking point. I had no idea that flagsquad would become my most dreaded period. Out of all people, I never thought I would be the person rushing to get all of my last night's homework done in 1st period study hall. Nor did I think I would be struggling to stay awake while doing so. I never thought that scheduling college visits would become a burden because of the sessions I have to cancel and reschedule. I'm always so on top of things. How did this happen? I'm always so eager. How did bedtime become my favorite part of the day?
Sometimes, I wish I could go back to the days when mom saying, "it's bedtime" was my biggest dilemma.

So, for right now, I'm living for the day that I will look back at this post and laugh at my melodramatic self. 
Things will get better. I just know it.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

Things that made my last-first-day of high school a little sweeter:
#1- fresh peach pie
#2- Mrs. Humphrey
#3- the discovery of Lightroom
#4- Epiphanie bags
#5- my new favorite dress
Truth is, I am excited for this school year. I definitely have a lot on my plate. This year, I have been asked to be in charge of the Senior Slideshow. Of course, I can't pass up an opportunity like that, so I will be attending many sporting events and school related functions taking photographs and filming (eeeek!). I have also been asked to take the student of the quarter photographs, and again, I couldn't pass that up either. I also expect to be a part of the yearbook staff which I am very excited about. On top of all of that, I have piano lessons and flagsquad to keep up with. 
Whew.
I think I'll grab another piece of peach pie.

These three shots are of a sweet little miss named Payton. I have been looking forward to her arrival ever since I photographed her big sissy, Taylor. Payton is so angelic, and as you can see, her lips are just to die for.

Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

The show began with our lovely little announcer, Carly:

Act #1- Morgan showing off her impressive skills with a hula hoop:

Act #2- Alli and Mara singing their version of "Part of Your World":

Act #3: Jack singing the alphabet:

 Act #4- Jylan doing his best impression of Micheal Jackson:

Act #5- Jamie and Darren stunting (almost gave me a heart attack):

Act #6- Brayden showing off his balancing and tossing skills with a baseball bat:

Act #7- Maggie and Mollie singing "Baby" by Justin Bieber:

Final Act- The Elchert sister's (my aunts) singing and dancing to "We Are Family":

After the show, I headed straight for the pool! Believe it or not, I didn't have my camera in hand for more than 10 minutes. I took a lot of time to enjoy myself and my family!

Mara has the biggest crush on my boyfriend. 
"Kyle, I got a little somethin' for ya!"

Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

I'm focusing on things that make me happy.  
I'll begin with hazy Summer light and my cousins whom I love very much.

It's no secret that I've been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and all-of-the-above these past couple of weeks. Sometimes, all it takes is some time with loved ones and, almost as if by magic, all of those feelings are gone.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

My beloved green chair+golden hour+my wonderful boyfriend= spontaneous senior session

This one below cracks me up. I'm telling Kyle EXACTLY what to do which is made very apparent by my "eyebrow action". I can hear my own voice right now, "Kyle, please turn the camera... and for goodness sakes, ZOOM OUT!"

I'm glad to see that he listened;)
(note to self: edit out the bruise on my knee before mom wants these printed)
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

There's something I love about photography... the way that I get to know a family when I go through their photos.  Sure, I get a feel for their relationships and bonds during our session, but it's much different when I load the images onto my computer, pore over them,  discover the connections, grasp the sincere expressions... that's when I really know a family... when I sit alone with their still moments.  There's just something about capturing such a beautifully genuine moment. 
Something indescribable.

Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful holiday weekend. Nothing beats celebrating this amazing country we live in with our loved ones. I enjoyed some much needed time off at the lake, in my pool, and at the park. I didn't take a ton of pictures, actually, believe it or not, I probably only had my camera in hand for a total of 10 minutes! I did make sure that I took some photos to show off my red, white, and blue attire- and I know of a certain little miss that would be proud of my red bow! Enjoy!

Well, it's back to work for me! Things are about to get very crazy with my ACT prep class beginning next week, which means driving to Findlay at 8am every day. Then, of course I still have AP Bio work on top of that... and I never did get caught up on all nine of those sessions that I said I would in my last post. Oh, and who could forget the 2,000 untouched wedding photos? Hmmm, the holiday is over. Back to work.
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

Happy 87th to my amazing Grandma Elchert. I love you so much!

Yesterday, my family had a big birthday bash in honor of my Grandma turning 87. There was a ton of swimming and a lot of fun and it was so wonderful seeing everyone (and eating delicious food, of course)! 
Before the party festivities began, I did a very fun morning session. The Newmans have had aviation in the family for years, so we headed to the airport to get some shots with their plane. I have a feeling they have two little future pilots on their hands!

Smiles and lots of love, Taylor

My boyfriend says that I'm a workaholic. And, well, it's hard not to be when working is this much fun (and when clients are this darn cute!). Today though, I am taking a break.  I left myself some time to throw a little pool party in honor of my 18th birthday.
You many recognize miss Grace in the photos below.  She was my very first client about 3 years ago. Since then, I have photographed her regularly, but now she's a big girl. It's a bittersweet thing seeing my clients grow.  It's a constant reminder about how time flies, but it's also a reminder of the special relationship that I have with each of my clients.  I will always be remembered for capturing sweet milestones in little ones' lives. After all, the next time I see little Gracie, she will be a big sister!

I love this location. Not only does it have beautiful flowers and gorgeous rural backdrops, but I can also bribe kids with seeing the piggies! Thanks Grandma Crabill!;) <3

Happy first birthday to a brand new client of mine, miss Madalynn! She was full of smiles and giggles and boy, did she love her cake! This session is by far one of my favorite cake smash sessions ever.

My work is done. It's time for play. If you need me, I'll be here:

(Photo credit- thanks Allie!)
Smiles and lots of love, Taylor