Natalie : Class of 2026

This young lady is one of many hidden talents! I know her from her musicianship and Speech prowess, but you can also ask her about her County & State Fair entries ;) A musical connoisseur, her favorites are Wicked & Six, so you’ll see how we sneak in a nod to those in her photos below. We started Natalie’s photos in Greenwood Park near the Des Moines Art Center and played with composition of lines, florals, foreground, and the treeline. Also, shoutout to that dress with pockets!

Earlier in the day of Natalie’s session, I drove by the high school and a slew of cars were leaving from the “band parking lot”, most upperclassmen. Section Leader time! Some activities or athletics have a defined season start and end. The music department, quite literally, never rests. Marching Band yields to concert band and jazz band seasons and as jazz season is wrapping up, marching band show decisions are being made! Natalie is an amazing section leader who, at first, seems reserved and calm. But then, you land on a subject in which she has an opinion (or you put a child’s book in her hand to read for State Speech) and her animation goes through the roof! (As do her animal impersonations and voices!)

We traded the Art Center for Grey’s Lake, where the fish were jumping, little kids were ker-plunking rocks and Natalie acted as if it were just she and I in the whole wide world. Her focus is commendable!

Natalie, Kristi & Ed - Thank you so much for having me as a small part of Natalie’s senior experience! It’s an honor to get to know your family more and celebrate all of Natalie’s accomplishments and interests at this point in her life. Natalie - enjoy your travels this next month making music with IAM - soak in all the lovely scenery & the musical in London!!

Be safe and take care!
Carrie

PS You can view the rest of our time together HERE.