I love presenting portraits in black and white. And I really enjoy portrait photography, but I don’t get a lot of opportunities to focus on it. Therefore, I’m always excited when I get the chance. I love seeing the differences in how people react when they know they’re being photographed compared to when they’re just going about their everyday lives. And I love being a part of the process of helping them get comfortable with the camera.

My daughter Maria‘s friend Ashlee asked if I would shoot some photos of her for her to help her celebrate her 18th birthday. I was honored to do it. “But I want to pay you,” she said. And so I said, “no.” What I asked instead was that she make a donation to her favorite charity. I take photos because I love it, not to make money. She agreed. And the three of us had a blast doing it. Here are some of my favorite shots from the session. Thanks, Ashlee!