EJ White- A Sweet Sixteen

I am so excited to share these photos with you and tell sweet EJ's story!

During this past summer, in the middle of a pandemic, EJ turned sixteen. Every girl dreams of her sixteenth birthday being something special, and despite having to change plans she still had a great birthday. As a part of her birthday, she got to have some photos of just her, which is when her mom reached out to me.

I met EJ's mom (Laura) in college and count her as a friend. When she reached out about taking some sweet sixteen photos for EJ, I got so excited to see her again and meet her sweet daughter. We met up in cleveland and took some time to sit down and talk through EJ's interests and get comfortable.

Honestly, once we started taking photos we just had a blast! EJ was just a natural, having fun and giggling at all the silly things I did to get the perfect photo (including me laying on the ground a couple times). One time I even got her mom involved, and we could not hold in our giggles. EJ was so ready to jump in and try new things, climbing a wall and making a sassy turn. Each outfit and each space just brought out a different side of EJ and led to a diverse photoshoot that was so fun to edit. I felt that this photoshoot with our easy going and relaxed time led to showing off so much of EJ's personality. She is just so beautiful and her smile lights up the photos.

When all was said and done, Laura texted me to say how thankful she was- because in our short time together, she saw her daughter blossom. EJ can be anxious and shy, but I never saw it after that first sit down. And that is why I love doing this. I want every photo session to be easy going and relaxing in a way that helps my clients come into their own and show off their natural beauty and personality. And that is what happened with EJ.

So- EJ here is to another wonderful year, and happy sweet sixteen!

Stay safe, much love!

Laura Mantooth