Senior Spotlight: Mr Ian; East High School, Iowa
It's that time of year again: Senior Spotlight Season!
Every year we recognize MGP Seniors and their accomplishments over their last year of high school!
First up is a new face around here, Mr. Ian from East High School in Waterloo, Iowa!
Ian was actually my very last senior I worked with before winter hit this busy season and boy did we end the year on a bang! I typically do not work with many students from the Waterloo area, but if they're anything like this young fella (and his momma & aunt), bring them on! This last fall's busy season hung on for the longest in my photography career because of the nice weather. So shooting Ian's session late-November really was a breeze!
We started our day up in his neck of the woods (ok, city) and then ended back in the studio for some specialized lighting work. He even got in the "rain" set when it was 30*. What a CHAMP! Ian was more than willing to try anything I had asked him to, which from what I understand, has been pretty common for him growing up in front of his mom's and aunt's camera! And BONUS, he sang for us not once, but TWICE! The guy just gave the whole day his everything!
It really is fun meeting clients on their home turf and letting them show us around. There are so many hidden gems in the Waterloo area and thanks to their local insight, I have a few ideas going forward!
Every year I send a questionnaire to graduating seniors for them to fill out. Before we get going too far into his images, let's get to know Ian just a little more:
What are your major accomplishments your senior year? What are you most proud of: "I was on homecoming court and finished three fall sports seasons."
I know the year isn't quite over just yet; do you have any big plans to finish out the year? Is there something you are looking forward to before graduation?: "I will be running track in the spring, hoping to qualify for the state track meet and Drake Relays. I will also be playing baseball this summer."
Were you involved in any sports or extra curricular activities? If yes, please list them: "I ran track and cross country, played football, baseball, and travel volleyball."
What's your plan for this summer?: "Play baseball and do as many trips and fun things with friends as possible."
What does the future have in store for you? Have you already picked your school? If so, what major? (Or explain whatever future plans you have): "I’m planning on going to an undecided college to run track and get my undergrad in kinesiology before I eventually become a chiropractor."
Do you have any advice for your underclassmen?: "Have as much fun during high school as you can. Hang with friends, go to school events and dances, and try some different sports or clubs!"
What are your absolute favorite images/sets from your senior session?: "I really, really loved how the photos under the rain with the blue and purple lighting turned out! I also thought the pictures on the track turned out really cool too!"
Now, let's look back at some of our favorite portraits from his session!
I can't thank you all (Peggy, Stacey and Ian) enough for trusting this small-town photographer with your vision and having a blast together! You guys were a dream to work with and the perfect ending for my Class of 2022 senior season!
Marie Grace Photography is now booking 2023 seniors! Click Here to get in touch with us!
Alley Tish
Marie Grace Photography
Sigourney, Iowa
Sigourney Iowa Professional Photographer
Senior Spotlight: Miss Dylan; Montezuma Iowa Photography
It's that time of year again: Senior Spotlight Season!
Every year we recognize MGP Seniors and their accomplishments over their last year of high school!
First up is none other than Miss. Dylan from Montezuma High School!
I first met Dylan when she tagged along with Katie (an MGP Senior Model) for a BFF shoot! I am sure our confusion on the correct date for this shoot really set the tone and made Dylan instantly fall in love with the business! The shoot went off without a hitch though and it really was a lot of fun! I'll throw in a few images from that shoot so you can enjoy them, too!
Dylan's senior session was way back in August of 2020; right before school opened back up. The colors were vibrant, the air was warm (ok really it was hot) and Dylan was a champ through it all! We had a great mix of country/urban and sports for her session, and I really love how some of her personality really shows in these!
But before we get to her images, let's read a little more about Dylan from her questionnaire!
Me: "What are your major accomplishments your senior year? What are you most proud of?"
Dylan: "The year is only a little over half way over and there are still so many great things that have happened. Some major accomplishments for me this year have been being on homecoming court and crowned queen, being runner up conference champions in volleyball and conference champions in basketball. Over all I’m super proud of how my school and friends have adapted to make this year seem more normal even through all the hard times."
Me: "I know the year isn't quite over just yet; do you have any big plans to finish out the year? Is there something you are looking forward to before graduation?"
Dylan: "I don’t have any major plans to finish out the year. I’m just hoping that we get to have the rest of basketball season, prom and graduation and normal as possible."
Me: "Were you involved in any sports or extra curricular activities? If yes, please list them below."
Dylan: "I have been involved in volleyball, basketball, track, student council, FFA, and National Honor Society."
Me: "What's your plan for this summer?"
Dylan: "This summer I plan to work and earn money for college in the fall. I also plan on spending time with my friends and family."
Me: "What does the future have in store for you? Have you already picked your school? If so, what major? (Or explain whatever future plans you have below."
Dylan: "Next year I plan on going to Simpson College and to play basketball. I’m not sure in my major and will most likely be going in undecided."
Me: "Do you have any advice for your underclassmen?"
Dylan: "My advice for the underclassmen would be to be thankful for every moment. High school really does go faster than you think and after all it is only 4 years of your life. High school can bring some of the best moments and you never know what can be taken away from you. Never talk anything for granted and live life to the fullest."
Me: "What are your absolute favorite images/sets from your senior session?"
Dylan: "I absolutely loved all of my pictures but some of my favorites would have to be in my jeans with the black see-though cardigan."
And now let's see some of all of our favorite images:
A sprinkle of BFF images:
And then from Dylan's senior session:
Thank you, Dylan, for choosing Marie Grace Photography to document your senior portraits! You were so fun to work with and it was great to get to know you! Enjoy the final months of your senior year and I wish you all of the best as you head off to Simpson next year!
Marie Grace Photography is now booking 2022 seniors! Click Here to get in touch with us!
Alley Tish
Marie Grace Photography
Sigourney, Iowa
Sigourney Iowa Professional Photographer
Senior Spotlight: Miss. Jenna; Oskaloosa Iowa Photography
Last but not at all the least, there's Jenna.
Where do I even start?
Jenna's soul is deep. I knew it from the moment I first worked with her. I didn't know why, but I saw it.
I learned why over time.
When we first worked together Jenna was very quiet. She was an observer. She watched and took it all in. But as the year progressed, she grew and bloomed. Her guard has dropped little by little every time I've seen her, and I will treasure the opportunity I've had to earn her trust and to get to know her.
The very first time I got to work with Jenna was waaaaaay back in the winter months of early 2019. She was one of the models for the Bridal Dreams prom dress styled shoot in the snow. It was COLD. Very, very cold! But all three girls, including Jenna took it in stride!
From there Jenna decided she wanted to be a part of the Class of 2020 MGP Senior Model team and it made my heart so happy that she wanted to be apart of it! From there we had multiple shoots together from styled shoots to group shoots with the rest of the team.
For now, let's learn a little bit more about Jenna from her questionnaire!
Me: What are your major accomplishments your senior year? What are you most proud of?
Jenna: "I am most proud of receiving a huge scholarship that I dreamed of. I’m also proud of getting to work with a local interior designer so I get an inside look of what it will look like for me."
Me: I know the year isn't quite over just yet; do you have any big plans to finish out the year? Is there something you are looking forward to before graduation?
Jenna: "Well I was really looking forward to prom this year and I’m crossing my fingers it will still happen."
Me: Were you involved in any sports or extra curricular activities? If yes, please list them below.
Jenna: "I was involved in dance my freshmen year and I managed the girls swim team my junior and senior year. I also decided to play tennis this year but that has been put on hold for now."
Me: What's your plan for this summer?
Jenna: "I plan on working a lot to save up money for college but I am holding to have an amazing summer with my friends before we all go off to college."
Me: What does the future have in store for you? Have you already picked your school? If so, what major? (Or explain whatever future plans you have below).
Jenna: "I plan on going to Iowa State University for Interior Design."
Me: What are your absolute favorite images/sets from your senior session?
Jenna: "I love all of the picture but some of my favorite have to be worth my niece and the ones in the sunflowers."
Me: Is there anything else you would like shared?
Jenna: "It has been so fun to be a senior model for MGP and I would encourage everyone to do so if they have the chance."
And now let's look back at the very best year (and a half) ...
At the beginning there was the Bridal Dreams Snow Session.
Following this was the Lighted Styled Session.
And then there was her MGP Senior Model Announcement.
Next there was the floral Styled Session.
The Americana Styled Session came next.
Her BFF Session followed.
Her next session was her Sunflower Session (which was also one of my favorites).
And then the other half of her session..
The following shoot was the Christmas Pajama Pizza Party Session.
Next up was the Print Competition Session
And then there was the Bridal Dreams Prom Dress Session at The Studio in Des Moines!
Jenna; I cannot thank you enough for giving me the chance to get to know you. You are incredibly strong and smart. You are a light, whether you see it or not. I believe so much that you were put in my life for a very big reason. You, my dear, are meant for big things.
I wish you all of the very best luck as you head off to Iowa State this fall!
Marie Grace Photography is now booking 2021 seniors! Click Here to get in touch with us!
Alley Tish
Marie Grace Photography
Sigourney, Iowa
Sigourney Iowa Professional Photographer
Senior Spotlight: Miss. Jazmine; Montezuma Iowa Photography
Today's Senior Spotlight is focused on none other than the fabulous Miss. Jazmine who has now graduated from Montezuma High School!
Remembering back to Jazmine's session and what I remember most was how chilly it was but how well she handled the cooler temperature! We started out at her place near the water (with the cutest little doggo ever) since she is such a lake girl and then traveled around Diamond Lake for some images and then ended up on the ball diamond to finish up the session!
I love Jazmine's personality so much! I love that she knows what she wants and she's not afraid to go after it. She is so strong, even if she doesn't feel it. She is quick to hand out a compliment and to make everyone feel better and I absolutely adore that about her too.
I loved her outfit choices, she even brought her own awesome hat (and we all know how much I love hats)! She had everything on hand from cozy trendy to edgy and fun! Just wait until you see them all!
For now, let's learn a little more about Jazmine!
Me: What are your major accomplishments your senior year? What are you most proud of?
Jazmine: "I am most proud of how our class is handling this Covid-19 and not being able to be together. We aren’t together but we stick together."
Me: I know the year isn't quite over just yet; do you have any big plans to finish out the year? Is there something you are looking forward to before graduation?
Jazmine: "I’m just hoping we get to graduate! I’m honestly looking forward to walking across the stage with my 2020 class."
Me: Were you involved in any sports or extra curricular activities? If yes, please list them below.
Jazmine: "Softball, Track, Cross country , Basketball, Vocal, Speech and drama, Band."
Me: What's your plan for this summer?
Jazmine: "To have fun with family and friends. Be ready for college."
Me: What does the future have in store for you? Have you already picked your school? If so, what major? (Or explain whatever future plans you have below).
Jazmine: "I will be attending DMACC fall of 2020 to become a dental hygienist!"
Me: What are your absolute favorite images/sets from your senior session?
Jazmine: "My favorite photos were the ones where I was in the yellow shirt in the tall grass."
Me: Is there anything else you would like shared?
Jazmine: "Stay strong class of 2020."
And now let's look back on the images from her session!
Look at their matching hats!
One of my favorites! ;)
Even though it was chilly, it was still an amazing session. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to meet and work with Jazmine and her mom for her senior session. Jazmine is truly a blessing and will do GREAT things.
Best wishes as you head off to DMACC this fall Jazmine!
Marie Grace Photography is now booking 2021 seniors! Click Here to get in touch with us!
Alley Tish
Marie Grace Photography
Sigourney, Iowa
Sigourney Iowa Professional Photographer
Senior Spotlight: Miss. Brianna; Montezuma Iowa Photography
The Senior Spotlight today is for the one and only Miss. Brianna!
And the one and only she really is.
Brianna is another one of the Class of 2020 MGP Senior Models and she has been a BLAST to have around this year. I knew from our very first meeting that she would be absolutely perfect for the team. Her showing up in her little hippie style made my photographer heart just melt. And her sarcasm and quick wit always has me rolling, too!
Every session I know B will be at will be a good one. She is a leader when needed and isn't afraid to try whatever I ask her to. Her style is always on point. ALWAYS. It makes me so sad to think that our time together has run its course, but I know that Brianna is on to such big things!
Brianna is a graduate of Montezuma High School and here is a little bit more about her..
Me: What are your major accomplishments your senior year? What are you most proud of?
Brianna: "I never got my senior sport season but working out with my track coach after school is something I was proud of. Seeing the results of the hard work paid off."
Me: I know the year isn't quite over just yet; do you have any big plans to finish out the year? Is there something you are looking forward to before graduation?
Brianna: "Track was what I was most looking forward to all year but I am holding on to some hope that we’ll get a bit of a season."
Me: Were you involved in any sports or extra curricular activities? If yes, please list them below.
Brianna: "I have been involved in Track & Field all throughout high school."
Me: What's your plan for this summer?
Brianna: My plans this summer is to make some memories with my friends and all those I grew up with before leaving to meet all new people."
Me: What does the future have in store for you? Have you already picked your school? If so, what major? (Or explain whatever future plans you have below).
Brianna: This fall I’ll be attending University of Iowa to major in Speech and Hearing Sciences with a minor in American Sign Language."
Me: What are your absolute favorite images/sets from your senior session?
Brianna: "Some of my favorite pictures are in my grandmas dress in the awesome sunset, the pictures I got to honor my dad, and my pictures out on the track."
Me: Is there anything else you would like shared?
Brianna: "Alley, you are the BEST! Thank you for being so awesome and making this whole experience something I looked forward to!"
Ok excuse me while I go get a tissue to dry my eyes real quick...
From the beginning..
To the LuRoo & Co Styled Shoot..
Then her BFF session (with her little nieces)..
To the Americana Styled Shoot..
Her Senior Session..
To the Rock N Roll Styled Shoot..
Then there was the Christmas Pajama Pizza Party Session..
And then finally, the Bridal Dreams Prom Shoot at The Studio in Des Moines!
Thank you so very stinking much for being a part of this team Brianna. You make my heart happy and it has been a blessing to get to know you and your momma.
Much love to you as you go on and take on this big big world. You got this.
Marie Grace Photography is now booking 2021 seniors! Click Here to get in touch with us!
Alley Tish
Marie Grace Photography
Sigourney, Iowa
Sigourney Iowa Professional Photographer