desert vista high school senior | sarah

trusting me to allow yourself to be in front of my lens is a scary thing.and something I completely understand the fear of.when you stand in front of someone's lens, you're allowing them to see:every flaw,every blemish,every pore,every wrinkle,every bump.BUT...you're also allowing me to see every glint in your eyes...the way it looks like a starburst when the sun hits it just right.you're allowing me to see the way your hair glows and catches light in the most beautiful way.you're allowing me to pose and position you so that those legs that you frown at surprise you when you look at them through my lens because shocker, they're actually ridiculously long, graceful and even more - strong.you're allowing me to notice all the beautiful things that make you YOU.and that is trust that I don't take lightly.I was thinking about this girl and her beautiful group of friends that I've had the pleasure of meetingand photographing this senior season.these girls are outwardly beautiful.undeniably so.I can only imagine the pressure to have to maintain that kind-of beauty as they walk the halls everyday...but I think the thing that makes me smile most about these beautiful girls and this one in particular...is the way they encourage and notice each other and challenge each other to be more than just beautiful.each of them have the battle scars of being younger versions of themselves and feeling the sting of hurtful words.I know because I asked...their answers surprised me.my maddie is entering the age that these girls went through six years prior to her.these girls eyes darken when they remember not-so-fun memories of girls teasing and saying unkind things.sadly, I suppose it's just something that all girls have to go through...I hate it.taylor swift got it right "haters gonna hate, hate, hate..."and so I admire these beautiful girls.they are on the other side of that insecurity.I have no doubt that insecurity still creeps in for these girls...but these beautiful girls saw the hate for what it was - just insecurity in another.and even more, they found beauty in themselves and together.beautiful, oh yes...but also strong, poised, confident, intelligent, ambitious, funny and well-liked and well-loved by many.I've loved this season getting to know a bit of these beautiful girls.so thank you for the beautiful afternoon and for trusting me, sarah! :)you are truly stunning! :)