Four years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Maddy, the daughter of close family friends, on a trip to New England before relocating there. At the time, she was a young middle school student filled with curiosity, talent, and an unmistakable but somewhat uneasy sense of grace. Last week, as I prepared to photograph her for her senior portraits, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much she has grown into an inspiring young woman, set to graduate in the spring of 2025.
Maddy stands out from the crowd. She has always been a bit of an old soul—soft-spoken, thoughtful, and full of quiet ambition. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to watch her evolve, balancing a wide range of interests and talents that have only deepened as she’s grown older.
What I admire most about Maddy is her unique combination of passions. She has a genuine love for cars and a deep desire to become a mechanic in a world where young women are still often underrepresented in automotive fields. At the same time, Maddy’s interests go far beyond that. She’s also a talented musician and performer, excelling in both music and theater throughout high school. Her ability to switch from discussing engine parts one minute to rehearsing for a play the next speaks volumes about her diverse talents and her open-hearted approach to life.
It’s that open-hearted approach that ties all of these seemingly different interests together in that uneasy grace I mentioned earlier. She is smart, talented but only beginning to see the power that lies within her. The confidence will come though. Maddy has a natural ability to bring warmth and kindness to every interaction, and yet pursue her dreams with quiet determination. Whether she’s in the garage or on the stage, she is always herself which is honestly just, refreshing.
As she enters her final year of high school, Maddy is on the cusp of a bright and exciting future. Her passions and talents—combined with her strong work ethic and caring nature—are sure to lead her to success, no matter what path she chooses. It has been an honor to witness her journey over the past few years, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable young woman. Her graduation in 2025 will not only mark a significant milestone in her life but also celebrate the unique blend of talents, passions, and grace that make her one-of-a-kind.
Here’s to capturing this special moment for Maddy and celebrating the incredible young woman she’s become.
