When I was growing up, I went to church camp with my dad. From the time I could walk, I would be the cute little director’s kid who just got to tag along and do all of the fun things without any work! Sometimes, he was a lifeguard, so he taught me how to swim in our free time. It was one of my favorite things because he could take me to the pool, even when swim time was over! He would teach me how to do proper strokes and how to float on my back. When I was ready, he would let me jump off the diving board into the deep end without any floaties! He was a great teacher, but I certainly didn’t turn into a swimmer. I’m not even sure you could call me “doggy-paddler!” I remember trying to swim laps for a workout… keyword: “trying.” I think I made it half a lap before realizing just how much work and athleticism it takes to swim, let alone be an actual swimmer. There’s a reason Micahel Phelps doesn’t have an ounce of fat on his body!

Emma knows what I’m talking about, except she’s an actual swimmer! Swimming requires incredible stamina and full-body strength. In fact, swimming burns 40% more calories than biking and 30% more calories than running. It takes practice. It takes perseverance. It takes commitment. It builds more than just muscle – it builds character! And, it comes with a warm parka!

We love Emma! She goes to church with us, and she’s just the sweetest person you’ll ever meet. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her without a smile on her face. That’s why we jumped at the chance to do her senior session! Emma made us smile more than we made her smile, which says a lot! It was so encouraging and exciting for us to see her light up when we showed her the back of our camera. Our time together was full of laughs and just got better as we kept going! The more we took pictures, the more we got to know Emma and see her true self. Emma, we hope you see in your images what we see in you: a beautiful kind young woman full of contagious joy! ConGRADulations Emma!