Mia Perez
Hendrickson High School
As I walked into the CADY photography building I was impressed by a gallery of captivating photos of teens just like myself smiling from ear to ear. These images, in many ways, were a reminder of the possibilities and new journeys that lie ahead. The friendly greeting from the man at the front desk along with a welcoming “Hello!” let me know that I was in an environment where I was valued. He led us to the changing area where there were many options on where to put my things and allowed me to wait in a calming environment. It was here that I accepted the possibility of coming out of my comfort zone and embracing the unknown. I heard my name being called by my photographer and I was up and ready to go in seconds. The anticipation in the days leading up to my caddy session led me to feel nervous and anxious about the experience.
My dog, Coco has been an inspiring part of my life for the past three years, so when I read that I could take her to my CADY session I was filled with excitement. Whenever I am with my dog, I always have a smile on my face, so the opportunity that CADY gave me to have Coco at my session helped me feel at ease the entire time.
Throughout the session, there were many opportunities to accentuate my personality. Such as CADY allowing me to take pictures that showcased my letterman jacket with the school clubs that I’ve participated in throughout high school. Allowing me to also take pictures with a volleyball that they already had in the studio, made me be able to express myself in the best way. The fact that they already had the volleyball there made my experience memorable. Volleyball has been a pivotal part of my life ever since I first stepped on the court in the first grade. I picked up that volleyball for the first time when I was 8, and never looked back, so when CADY had the volleyball available at my session it was so special because I felt more confident in myself than when the session had begun.
When I got to see the pictures that I took a few weeks later, I was mesmerized by how they came out. I couldn’t believe how confident I looked in the pictures with my volleyball, letterman, and my dog. Looking at the volleyball pictures that were taken during my session made me feel inspired to start emailing some college coaches to try and get recruited so I can do what I love at a higher level.
Before I went into my CADY session, I was hesitant about whether I wanted to continue my journey in volleyball, but seeing those pictures of my passing, and hugging the volleyball made me remember how much I loved the game. My CADY session didn’t just capture these unforgettable moments; it captured a newfound sense of self-assuredness and discovery.
My CADY session didn’t just capture these unforgettable moments; it captured a newfound sense of self-assuredness and discovery.
