Category Archives: je ne sais quoi {high school senior portraits}

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je ne sais quoi {Katelynn} l Michigan Lamphere High School Senior Photographer l Kari Dawson

This particular post is near and dear to me as so many of them have been recently. I remember the first time I saw her. I was at a carnival, polish festival, to watch Todd polish dance for the first time. Her mom stood in the crowd with this amazing curly, strawberry red hair, cradling all two months of her in her arms. She had, what I thought, was the cutest strawberry patch on her forehead that later disappeared; I’m sure she’s thankful. We’ve celebrated birthdays at the mall and old navy. She’s driving a car. She’s gone to her junior prom. And now, she’s planning for her graduation day and now I’m a mess. Katelynn is my neice. Kate, it’s been such a delight to watch you grow. Yeah, you had your bratty stage at about age 12 but what girl doesn’t. You’ve got you life set before you. You’ve already chosen a path. You’ve already made so many great choices and set goals so you know exactly where you’re headed. I couldn’t be more proud. Just keep that level head about you in this final year and you’ll be more than fine! Life will throw you curve balls; that’s a promise. But, just keep your eyes and your focus on your goals and stay the coarse. I’m honored to be your aunt and I am looking forward to the many years ahead that will bring you to your future. Thank you for trusting me with what is THE most important thing in your life right now.. senior pics! Good luck in all your future endeavors, so proud of you, and love you.

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

peices of me l {Photo Walk} l Southeastern, MI Photographer l Kari Dawson

I make it a point to shoot ‘just for me’ as often as I can. To get to a session early, lag behind after an appointment, or set out to photograph on the days I’m not booked. So when I heard that Boka Studios was going to host a photo walk open in and around the area of Eastern Market in Detroit I was all in! There were about thirty of us who met for lunch before we hit the streets. My Karli was a model for the afternoon. As a side note, Karli may have had more fun than I did, she totally LOVED it! The locations Travis Smith of Boka Studios choose and the area mapped out for us was just dreamy. I love having time for just me, it keeps me inspired and motivated and fresh when I work with clients. I adore connecting with people who do what I do so having the afternoon with a handful of my favorite photogs was worth it all by itself. Okay enough with the mouth… on to the images.

My favorite of the day and of course it’s my Karli… it’s the perfect reflection of the afternoon. The weather was gorgeous, the light was dreamy, and only proves that beauty can be found any where, even in the midst of Detroit people.
Kari Dawson Photography

But that yummy golden field isn’t the only beautiful thing I found.
Kari Dawson Photography

I knew when I hit the shutter release that this image would also be a favorite and while I can’t choose another person’s child over my own, this is a pretty close one for my favorite from the day.
Kari Dawson Photography

Found a few tables, okay a lot of tables with various items for sale. This one featured belts and the thick stench of incense was all over the place.
Kari Dawson Photography

I love her and the sun, they’re both so warm and golden and sunny and sparkly and make me happy.
Kari Dawson Photography

Um, way mature but I still love it.
Kari Dawson Photography

So me yet so Karli yet so me :)
Kari Dawson Photography

Hello gorgeous!
Kari Dawson Photography

And another beauty!
Kari Dawson Photography

Such a doll face!
Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Jean Smith set this one up and Karli was cute as a button. She did exactly as Jean asked and when she realized that all thirty of us were aiming out cameras at her she giggled and bent over and got so bashful but promptly jumped right back in.
Kari Dawson Photography

Anyone else think she looks like Nicole Richie?
Kari Dawson Photography

Couple more of my faves of Karli…
Kari Dawson Photography

To the fabulous models, thank you tons for making our journey through Eastern Market so very beautiful! Thanks a ton to Travis and Jean Smith for putting the whole shin-dig together, I appreciate you. Models, I’ll be e-mailing my favorites of you over to Jean and Travis so you have copies. Unfortunately, I don’t have images from all the models and children because I was hanging with Karli so there was a lot I missed so if you don’t get images from me it’s not because I don’t think you’re adorable, it’s because I didn’t have a chance to catch ya with my camera.

Je Ne Sais Quoi l {Tyler} l Chippewa Valley High School Senior Portrait Photographer l Kari Dawson

This isn’t the first time Tyler has made an appearance on the blog. He LOVES everything about the camera from both in front and behind the lens. We had a tough time getting his senior pics scheduled and the day we finally met the weather and light were both gorgeous. While wandering about we also met a very, let’s just say, colorful dude who entertained us with chat for a bit. Tyler is one of those fellows with an exuberant personality and killer smile. I don’t know where life will yet take him but I’m certain it will be filled with the fulfillment of his dreams and living out his passion. Much luck in your grand future Tyler!

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography

Kari Dawson Photography