The last of the Hopper kids—I can’t believe it. I photographed Jack’s siblings, Matthew and Katie, in previous years. I actually had the privilege of meeting Jack when he was around 10 and I was taking family photos. (But what 10-year-old boy is going to remember a random photographer? :))
His mom Kristin told me Jack was the most introverted of the bunch. Although I’m very comfortable with silence, I do truly love getting to know the kids I photograph, and I set out to ask Jack questions that could start a conversation. I used to think that you had to have common ground with someone to make a connection, but that simply isn’t the truth. After over a decade of portrait shoots, I think teenagers in particular are so attuned to sincerity; if you aren’t truly interested in what they have to say, they can tell. I tried to find out what Jack was interested in, and once I asked him about the world of anime, it was on! The more he taught me, the more I felt invested in learning about it. If I can ever find the time, I plan to curl up and watch one of the shows he recommended. (Maybe during the newborn phase, when I’ll try to “sleep while he sleeps”—as if any mother actually could!) My 13-year-old is already knee-deep in one of Jack’s recommendations and she seems to love it.
At the end of the day, I really enjoyed bouncing around Deep Ellum (seems like the location of choice this year) and getting to know the youngest Hopper. This family is dear to me, and it’s not lost on me that they fly from Houston to Dallas for me to take their kids’ senior portraits. I’m so thankful for the clients I have every year and the way my business keeps on rolling with referrals! The more I trust in the organic process of growth, the more I get to photograph the most amazing people like Jack—who was a natural in front of the camera, by the way. It’s all a gift and I hope I get the opportunity to keep at it for a long time!
Jack’s Senior Portrait Session | Class of 2021
