Makenzie – Embracing You Session Bakersfield, California Portrait Photography

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance…

I hope you dance….I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin’ might mean takin’ chances but they’re worth takin’,
Lovin’ might be a mistake but it’s worth makin’,
Don’t let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,
When you come close to sellin’ out reconsider,
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.

I hope you dance….I hope you dance.

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along, tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone.

… I hope you dance …

-Lee Ann Womack

This beautiful young lady captures the hearts of everyone that has the pleasure of meeting her.

Full of life, ambition, dreams… she has endured so much in her young life yet, through it all, she comes out shining and radiant and bursting with positivity.

Every time I’ve had the pleasure of working with her or meeting for a cup of coffee, she is smiling, glowing and giggling.  From the mandatory #Makenzie-with-a-K selfie, to the big hug at departure, I leave our dates smiling and happy.  Her beautiful energy is contagious!

Soooo… when we met for an idea-sharing, heart-warming, girl power, lunch pow-wow (at my all-time-fave-place…Panera!) … and she asked me if I could help her with a personal project, of course I said yes!

You see, as photographers, we are rarely in front of the camera.  We are always behind it.  And usually wearing jeans, leggings or some other very comfy and casual attire… We want to put on makeup… and wear a fancy dress… and look pretty for the camera, too! ;D

This session was all about Makenzie-embracing-Makenzie.  If you follow Makenzie on social media, you’ll know that she’s had a rough couple of years.  From a major car accident that almost ruined her career, to a few huge life-changing personal events, she’s had plenty of reasons to wallow in self-pity and just plain give up.  Did she do that though?  Absolutely NOT.  Through it all, she held fast to her faith; recognizing that Jesus gives us the strength we need to push through the pain, the struggles, the insecurities… she stayed focused and determined and with the beautiful positive energy that she possesses, she remained a triumphant victor!  She refused to be defeated by a few bumps in her road and instead, decided to charge the mountain.  And boy, did she ever charge!

She’s learned to appreciate life in a whole new light and embrace each blessing (and challenge) as it comes.  {Click here to hear more about her beautiful testimony: “A Story of Triumph“}

She may not know it, but this extraordinary young lady has inspired many (including me!).  I look forward to seeing more greatness from her this coming year!

 Thank you for allowing me to capture your spirit, Miss Makenzie! <3