This is Kari, who wanted to do something just for herself, but instead of going on a shopping spree or having a spa day, she decided on something more permanent — a gift of portrait photography. Having some beautiful, timeless portraits made is a form of self care, if you ask me! Kari and her husband have successfully raised a son who will very soon be graduating from high school. In no time they’ll be empty nesters. She has spent her entire adulthood focusing on being a great mom to Peyton, a partner to Rick, and a professional in her rewarding but demanding field of work. It’s high time she did something utterly self indulgent!

These portraits truly celebrate Kari’s beauty at this time of life. No longer the ingénue but certainly not a dowager either, she’s in the same age group as me and I understand completely the treacherous minefield of self esteem that we now face in mid-life. I was so pleased to be able to spend an afternoon with Kari making these gorgeous images of her (especially because, like me, she loves the idea of a classic black and white portrait). And if you think about it, even though this portrait photography session was theoretically just for her, it really wasn’t. Images like these have staying power. I imagine her future great grandchildren will proudly display them in their homes some day.