Taylor Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Senior Anthem, Peoria, North Phoenix Arizona
It turns out that I actually saw Taylor about a year before we ever met! We were chatting about her love of theatre and performance and dreams of acting in college. Taylor is an accomplished actress who has performed in local youth theatre groups as well as at Sandra Day O’Connor where my own kids attend school. The theatre productions at that high school are not like the plays and musicals we put on when I was in hs- they are extremely professional and have amazing production values. That got us talking about favorite musicals, and I mentioned a few recent ones I had been to in NY and locally, including Sister Act at The Arizona Broadway Theatre that friends from church treated us to- it turns out I had already watched Taylor perform as a part of that ensemble cast!!
Taylors brought a vintage vibe to her session, with her favorite records from Billie Joel to Carole King to Fleetwood Mac with her retro sunglasses- she was so effortlessly cool. For the perfect backdrop, she had her sights set on Mill ave with its local indie bookstores and classic flashback style movie theatre - plus Sparky's ice cream parlour.
We soaked up att the sights from tiny garden nooks to parking garages with stunning views of ASU and Gammage before heading over to the Tempe Arts Center for a peachy rose sunset by the water. One fun item Taylor and her mom planned were bubbles- she loves them, and what a way to blow your cares away after a disappointment than colorful bubbles. Bubbles don't fix problems obviously, but they sure speak to the resilience of Taylor's spirit in far less than ideal circumstances. She hasn't totally made her mind up about which college she will be pursuing next year- and with so many universities postponing events it has been hard to get all of the information and auditions in to make a choice. This class of graduating seniors has had so many setbacks and pivots disrupting their lives- yet they are all seemingly taking it in stride. They have adapted to the new normals with amazing recovery rates from grief and are comfortable with their emotions and taking on hard challenges head-on with a sense of humor- anticipate remarkable things from them in the years to come. No pressure ;)
Taylor you are a star, cannot wait to see what you tackle next year and beyond!
“Seventy-five years ago, a generation found the clarity and resolve needed to save the world. Another generation of young people is now on track to do the same.
We’re now witnessing the emergence of a new generation of equal moral importance: a Greatest Generation 2.0. This generation is seeing with clear eyes that they are living through yet another existential crisis that threatens all life on Earth: a global climate emergency, (not to mention the Coivd 19 Pandemic and possible second great depression)
Crisis that too many of their elders have chosen to ignore or deny. But as the seas rise, so will this cohort of young people. The best thing the rest of us can do is to help them win.””
Back when we had this session I had no idea it would be my last for....months? It was the middle of what should have been a busy senior season with exciting grads to be getting photos to celebrate their 12 years of primary and high school. Photos for invitations and announcements. Photos to decorate grad party tables. So much has changed...so many of my seniors are waiting and on hold until everything is safe. Pictures will be here when it is over. Parties with dancing in the very streets. Even if proms and ceremonies are officially canceled don’t lose hope that things can be rescheduled- or that you will find new and more amazing ways to celebrate! I will see you all when it’s over. stay safe and prepare for the next act!
Max Liberty HS Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Phoenix
Met up with Max at DC Ranch earlier last month and he did a fantastic job posing, what a fantastic smile! Who knew then that his spring break would turn into senior year finished at home? Liberty grad to be Max is a roll with it guy however, his music and drums will get him through. I loved his Eddie Redmayne fashion model vibes! Great job Max!
While the COVID19 pandemic surrounds us, I am still working on sessions from weeks back before it all hit. So thankful for clients and seniors who have been able to postponed sessions for safety, and in accordance with the Stay-At-Home orders of March 30th. I can’t wait to meet up with them later this year! Also really blessed so many folks had sessions planned earlier before everything happened. Keep your chins up Class of 2020- roadblocks have never stopped you before. Use this time to plan . You are the most optimistic and driven digital natives ever born. You CARE about what matters, you are unique, authentic, creative entrepreneurs. You are a generation poised for success, and can strategically navigate challenges- even global pandemics- to your advantage. Got get it!
Chloe DVHS Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Senior pictures Phoenix Arizona
Bubbly and vivacious Chloe's senior session was right before the Pandemic- literally just weeks before the "stay at home" orders were issued for Arizona and I closed up shop as a precaution for everyone's safety! Don't worry, we were still 'legal' and I used a 200mm lens to social distance :)
The tough news couldn’t hold back Chloe’s smiles though. She is a determined young woman, ready to take on the world. Plans change, and things beyond our control come up throughout life. Chloe is ready to pivot, to adapt, to be strong.
Class of 2020 senior skip day champions- event cancellations do not mean you have to miss everything about senior year! Find the joy and zoom your friends- virtual games and hugs- get through these uncertain times together! When things are back to 'normal' and it is safe, we can reschedule and plan those special events as much as possible. If prom and graduation are permanently on hold- we can always have an amazing portrait session in your formals and caps and gowns when it is safe for everyone. This is a momentous time in history- it will be talked about for generations. Feeling broken-hearted that so much has changed- from sudden goodbyes to realizing the last time you were on campus already happened- that is normal. It's ok to feel grief, to mourn that loss. Know that like these hard times, that sadness and grief will not last. Be gentle with yourselves, know you are loved. Do what you can from online learning to personal enrichment, to naps or tik toks and Animal Crossing to take care of yourselves. Find ways to have peace and serenity. Journal these moments in writing, video, or art. You still have the power to make positive memories.
“Praesent id libero id metus varius consectetur ac eget diam. Nulla felis nunc, consequat laoreet lacus id.”
Gen Z is are poised to change the world. Not since the greatest generation that lived through WWII and the great depression has a group of young people who care been on target for success. Later when things are more settle we can celebrate.
Right now you are going through the fire- and that strength is what will make you resilient!
Teagan Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Senior Anthem, Peoria, North Phoenix Arizona
It is no secret that one of my favorite places to take senior pictures in Phoenix is the Desert Botanical Gardens- the gardens are so good to clients and photographers! Even popular spots become unique, even nooks and crannies that are my personal favorites are made new - the personality of each senior shines through! Teagan was no exception- her bubbly light and big gorgeous smile outshone the sun on this fantastic Arizona spring day! Teagan came ready with a plan, her mood board, and four awesome outfits, as well as her own camera so that we could capture senior year memories to express her artistic journey to graduation. Love that I get to be creative for a living - which is why I had so much fun meeting Teagan for her portrait session -she is a photographer and artist too!
Glowing Teagan and sunflower in the Desert Botanical Gardens Herb Garden.
“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you." Maori proverb.
Bella Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Senior Anthem, Peoria, North Phoenix Arizona
Simply amazing session with fashion-forward beauty Bella downtown PHX! This soon to be ASU Prep Class of 2020 graduate is poised, polished, and ready to set off for NYC in drama studies- the absolute BEST place theatre in the world!!. Great to meet with her for fun mural art-packed senior pictures on a gorgeous Arizona spring day. After a walking trip around the best of the Roosevelt Row arts district and my favorite coffee spot BeCoffee, we took a quick trip to check out the architecture outside the Orpheum. We finished in the heart of Phoenix with cityscapes and neon courtesy of Lucky Strike bowling and Stand Up Live clubs off Jefferson Street. Congratulations Bella- excited to see all you will accomplish!
Logan SDOHS Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Senior Anthem, Peoria, North Phoenix Arizona
The commitment Logan continues to make with everything he does is pretty exceptional. He heading to NAU as a top academic achiever while part of the Academy of American Studies (SDOHS's 4-year program focusing on civic engagement and advanced placement classes), which earned him the coveted Lumberjack scholarship. Additionally, he is an Eagle Scout, and a trumpet player in his school's competitive marching and concert band. On top of all that- he has the mindset, dedication, and made the sacrifices to push his limits in bodybuilding fitness. Amazing!
Three of Logan's images were picked from guys senior photos from across the country to be featured on
Senior Guy Style's Instagram account!
Larissa MRHA Class of 2020 | Anjeanette Photography Senior Anthem, Peoria, North Phoenix Arizona
Larissa rocked her senior portrait session wearing hip black ankle boots and skirts in Anthem Az! One of my favorite places to take senior pictures - a lush garden full of cultivated grassy lawns with musical waterfalls - was the backdrop for Larissa wearing her soon to be college sweatshirt and then boho tops to compliment her beautiful long hair. Even the nearby desert granted her wish with a vista of saguaro cacti and dense brush making the mountainside green as I have ever seen it for far as the eyes could see. How big are her beautiful eyes?? So gorgeous!
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation Larissa and your very bright future ahead!
Taylor ASU Class of 2020 | Phoenix senior pictures by Anjeanette Photography
I first met Taylor when she coached my daughter's winter guard team, and boy can this lady dance! However, I always associate Taylor with colourful sunsets- the first time I saw her was in band photographs taken by another photographer for a school we were checking out before we moved across the country to Arizona. So I guess you could say that even before we were introduced I knew that Taylor was amazingly photogenic!! I am so honored to have been chosen for her ASU college graduation senior portraits! Have a fantastic final spring term Taylor and congratulations on your upcoming accolades!
Ben Class of 2020 Shadow Mountain High | Paradise Valley Senior | Anjeanette Photography Az
Awesome senior portrait session and awesome conversation. Great meeting up with Shadow Mountain Matador Ben for his senior session this month! We checked out the Scottsdale Civic Center plaza area with the incredible Contemporary Art Museum, a very, VERY, green grassy quad, and one of my favorites for golden honey light- the parking garage with an amazing view of historic Olde Towne Arizona! I met Ben a few years ago through the SMHS Marching band, where he is an accomplished trumpet player. Ban's band is a fantastic organization where kids learn, laugh, and find a home with music. For this year's Band Senior banners we designed custom posters on vinyl to hang in the stadium. We went for epic and determined expressions on blue to partially match their show theme of space- and it was no surprise to me when the Marching Matadors qualified in State Competition to moved onto Super States! During his session, I enjoyed chatting about cameras and gadgets, and hearing about Ben's adventures in New York with his family, his music, and GCU plans for the future! A bright future ahead for this sharp kid!
Jake Class of 2020 | Roosevelt Row | Phoenix Senior grad portraits Anjeanette Photography Peoria Az
Jake is just really effortlessly cool- like a little bit fashionable B0RNS, a little bit rock n roll- and classical pianist twist. Had a fantastic time shooting his senior portraits in downtown Phoenix at BeCoffee and hitting all the new the RoosRow murals. Awesome backdrop for an awesome guy!
His mom Kerry is an accomplished photographer as well, (check out Native SKy on IG) and we had a blast walking around posing him and setting off Enola Gaye Smoke bombs. How GQ IS this guy??? Great session Jake- thanks for choosing me as your senior photographer!
