chs senior: kai W.

I’m a big fan of Kai. And basically his whole family. He’s somehow quiet and not at the same time and is also really funny. So, I was excited when I heard from his mom asking to schedule his senior session, like we did a couple of years ago with his older brother Cale.

With football season in full swing late in the summer, finding a date that worked well for this busy senior was a bit of a juggling act, but we made it work like we always do! I wanted to start his session on the amazing trails at our local Loveless Park, but when we arrived on session day, there were children and families running around EVERYWHERE. Clearly there was a party of some sort happening.

So, after a quick pivot, we headed to one of my favorite spots on Blackburn’s campus that never lets me down. The light was gorgeous and the trees make it look like you’re out in the middle of nowhere.

Often, we photographers get nervous using locations that seem pretty predictable and basic, but I will always love going to the courthouse. The thing is, you need to look at it for what it is. It’s not about taking photos in front of a big gorgeous building. It’s about the different scenarios that this building presents in such a small space. The huge staircase gives you a perfect spot for some fantastic sitting portraits against a neutral background. To those of us local, we know where this photo was taken, but to others, it’s a fantastic photo on a large set of stairs.

See? The building’s a bit more prominent in this portrait, but still, the photo is about Kai and the gorgeous sunset light that’s on him, rather than the building in the background.

Then it was off to the CHS football field for a few photos on the bleachers and a ton of encouragement from the CHS cheerleaders who were practicing just feet away. He was obviously “thrilled” by this, but his mom (former cheerleader) and I (former Cavalette) were all about it!

Thanks to the Williams family for allowing me to photograph Kai’s senior portrait session. He’ll finish up his senior year and head off to college while also serving in the Illinois Air National Guard. It’s crazy to think this guy I’ve known since he was little is going to be protecting us in Illinois and beyond if needed. We spoke at length about what he’ll be doing, and we can all rest easy, he’s going to be great!