There are some photoshoots that will always be memorable, and Sammy's senior photos are definitely one of those shoots. This photoshoot was a little different for me.
First, I absolutely adore the entire Sauve family. Ever since I met them, they have brought me into their family with open arms, way too much food, and an abundance of amazing times and memories.
Most senior photos are at a nice park or on the water- which is beautiful, don't get me wrong. But when I got asked to do this one, the first venue they chose was at their church. I can't explain how cool it is to know a teenager who is so dedicated to their faith that they request to be photographed at their church. Granted, this church held more memories than Sunday Mass- it also was the school that Sammy attended for the first half of his life. I could tell that the gym of Sacred Heart Catholic School held so much meaning for him, and it was an honor to capture his love of basketball mixed with his love for that gym.
This specific senior photoshoot was extremely raw and inspiring. Too often in life, we lose loved ones too soon. Every now and then, those who we have lost have impacted so many lives while they were on Earth. Sammy's mother was one of those people. After her battle with cancer, Angie left this world leaving it so much more beautiful than when she came into it. The void that so many people feel without her smile, laughter, compassion, devotion- to depend on every day will always be felt. During our time photographing, we made a stop by Our Lady of Hope Cemetery to drop off some flowers, say hello, and show her how missed she is every day- as well as to show off her handsome son as he prepares for graduation. As I braced myself for the hardest photoshoot I would ever have to do, I was amazed at the maturity of Sammy and his sister Marisa, as well as humbled by their strength. This beautiful family is going to continue life walking in the footsteps of an amazing women, and I have zero doubt that they will make this world just as beautiful as she did.
The final location, Trenton High School was also special because this is where Sammy spent most of his time over the last few years. The second we stepped onto the football field, I could tell that Sammy felt at home. While he wasn't a fan of the fact that the football field was painted for soccer- he made his way around the grounds like he owned the place. We took photos on the field, in the bleachers, underneath stands, and up against field houses. The sky was a little overcast, but that just made the photos a little more unique.
When it was all said and done, we left with over 500 photos, many laughs, and minimal eye rolls (Thank you Sammy for putting up with my random poses and humoring me when you didn't want to- PS... you were right, they looked odd HAHA!!).
Thank you to the Sauve Family for allowing me to photograph this amazing guy, for trusting me with such a special photoshoot, and loving me like I was your own. SAUVE STRONG!
