When Jaylee was born, there was happiness and joy all around. Within a couple of years, her Nana, one of my very dearest friends, came to school pretty often with hilarious Jaylee tales. I watched her grow up through Sherry’s eyes- and those were some very descriptive eyes.   But the most vivid memory I have of a little spunky Jaylee is a photo when she was three or four years old outside dancing on the tables at Vanderbilt. Her ponytail was swinging, and she had the most mischievous and lively spirit about her. She had an audience; she didn’t care. That was Jaylee, and still is Jaylee. The only thing I’ve ever seen scare her was when I asked her to step out into the streets of the Scottsville square last week, and she threw up her hands and said, “Oh – I’m gonna die!” There were more cars and trucks coming through than I had promised her would be the case at 8:30pm on a weeknight. So we gave up that idea and got other great shots around our little town, and I laughed inside thinking about how she never backs down from a challenge and always finds a way to come out on top, even though she’s a tiny spitfire.  Well, every challenge except that one.  LOL

I don’t know many people who have a “signature look:” but Jaylee does. As you scroll through her images, you’ll see it pop up pretty often. She’s hilarious, and I hope that her goofy, full of life, “throw it at me and I’ll come out on top” attitude never changes. To me, your senior session should capture the essence of who you are; it should show the core of your personality at this most important time of your life. With Jaylee, that was no problem. Her personality can not stop itself from coming through loud and clear. She’s who she is and that never changes for anything or anyone. Jaylee, that’s one of my favorite things about you. You are so real and your giggles and outright laughter, your spontaneous style of life – all of those make me smile anytime I’m around you. Don’t ever lose that spunk girl. That’s the essence of who you are.   I hope you have the best Senior year ever, that your knees stay strong and that your spirit and soul soar this year.  Never stop being you.   XOXO -Pat

When we were trying to decide the right spots to capture Jaylee’s personality, Paradise Point was where she wanted to start.  The funky decor, the free spirit of this place lines up perfectly with Jaylee.  Sabrina Erskine was super sweet to let us enjoy their paradise for a little while.  Thank you sooo much from all of us!  It was a cool venue to photograph, and it’s a very inspiring place.

Seriously, you can’t do Senior pics of Jaylee woods without some softball photos.  She and I both had lots of ideas, and we spent more time than we had allowed, so darkness caught us before we had planned on the other locations.  But hey – that’s what some creative angles and flashes are for, right?

I almost teared up when Jaylee ran across the field to get her gear, and her mom said, “You don’t know what it means to just watch her run across the field like that.”  Jaylee had an injury in basketball and had to battle through several months of rehab.  She did it and is definitely running just fine now.

So this is the barn that Jaylee threw softballs against for years; it’s right beside her house.  And this is the point where dad joined us; and the laughter exploded.  He can make her laugh quicker than anyone.  I never really knew what he was doing behind me, but it worked to capture some awesome shots.  Thanks, Jason.

This location is dear to Jaylee’s whole family.  Her dad played here as a child, and Jaylee did too.  They call it “the swamp.”

Another favorite location with family ties – the old Trammel Store.

Jaylee’s grandparents’ farm and barn are in these photos.  This was perfect and was important to Jaylee that we capture these places that are so dear to her.

It was getting dark on us by the time we got to our place.  That’s ok.  Made some pretty cool shots.

Oh our town at night.  No kidding – one of my favorite places to photograph, and I’ve been all over the place.  If you haven’t already done so, check out the Heart of Scottsville.

Jaylee, you are are just stunning.   I loved every moment of taking your senior pics.  I hope you enjoy them all.