Let’s be honest, how many people actually enjoy having their photo taken by a stranger? Even teenagers, who seem to live on selfies, usually freeze up a little when someone else is holding the camera. And I don’t blame them. I’ve never had a client show up completely relaxed from the start. Everyone has a few nerves, including me.

So when I heard Avery wasn’t a big fan of being photographed, I was ready for the challenge. But once I met her and saw that smile, I knew we’d be just fine.

She absolutely nailed it. Once we got talking about wrestling, because yes, Avery is a female wrestler and that is ridiculously cool, things clicked. We wandered around La Purisima Mission, found some great light, and just talked. That’s really the best part of sessions like this. It’s not about forcing poses. It’s about connecting, loosening up, and just letting someone be themselves.

If we all walk away thinking, “That was actually fun,” then I call that a win. Avery, you did great.

Thank you, Avery, for trusting me to capture this special time.