Y'all! It is no wonder the Oak Ridge War Eagles went so far this year. There is SO much talent on this team. It was such a pleasure meeting so many of these outstanding young men.

This dude right here tho.....he not only plays baseball, but football too!! Oh and did I fail to mention that he lettered in academics as well??!

I convinced his cutie pie girlfriend to jump in a few of the pictures. Ugh! How cute are they anyway?

Love my "baseball boys" to pieces. I am praying God's blessings over each of their lives!

Here is another cutie pie athlete from our PHENOMENAL local high school team. 

The 2015 senior class that I have had the priviledge to shoot have been some of the smartest, and most talented kids ever.

His mom was a sweetheart, and his uniforms, baseball equipment and outfit changes all ready to go. We started at the high school, then hit a couple of my go-to locations for seniors. 

And Drew was a doll. So sweet and respectful. I have 2  boys that play Little League. Drew was patient and put up with all my questions of playing baseball at the high school and college level. 

He has already signed to play baseball at college in the fall. I know his parents could not be more proud of this young man. 

Photography is my outlet for self-expression, but it also opens the doors for new friendships to form.

I have known this sweet family from our church for awhile. But during our session, I got to know them on a deeper level. Between shots, we talked about the weather (it was HOT!) how tough and rewarding parenting is, our jobs, our lives. I want to remain friends long after the photos are taken. 

It was a blessing to see such a young family committed to the Lord and each other. Their children are stunning.....obviously.

But to see how loving and patient they are with their babies, just made my heart sing. We are all so worried about the "next generation"...but with young people like this, I think we will be just fine. 

Mother Teresa said, "Want to promote world peace? Go home and love your own family". 

That being said, there is a point in the session, where things naturally start to come to a close. Usually, I start to lose the kids and they give me this face...."Miss Nikki, we are DONE!" LOL! 

But he had nothing on his baby sister, who straight up told me, "Yep,..... I'm out!" Haha!  

It was such a fun day. And I am humbled they allowed me to capture this time in their lives. 

Remember that time back in high school when you were self-assured, poised and beautiful?? Um...Yeah......me neither.

But Terrica is all that and more. She is sweet, kind and on her way to a bright, wonderful future.

Seniors are fun to photograph anyway, but this session was a blast! Here are a few of my favorites from that day.
 

A musician, a reader and a future Aggie. Sounds like a perfect girl to me!

Seriously, just how pretty is she anyway?

 Terrica, go and set this world on fire! (and by the way..... "WHOOP!")

I had a core group of friends in high school, who are still some of my best friends today. There is something about those scary, wonderful, confusing, carefree days and the people you share them with.

 I got to spend an afternoon with some of the best and brightest at our local high school. They comissioned me to take "personality" pictures for the yearbook. Most of these kids are in the top 10% of the senior class this year. Don't believe the hype that kids these days are sullen and disengaged. These young people were funny, respectful and scary smart! Best of all, they were all best friends. Love that.

With kids like this, I have no doubt that the next generation is gonna do just fine. 

PS. I am a member of a local group of photographers who blog on the 10th of the month. We form a circle to each others posts. So please jump on over to the lovely and talented Jenne Vasquez
It is a great way to gather inspiration, and to discover new talent.