This is Hiedi.

She likes peppermints

a lot.

She is newly pregnant. You know how pregnant women can be...

This is Ansley.

She loves Heidi.

Now I could show you all the cute senior portraits I took...

But...

This isn't about those. This is about a girl who truly loves her horse.

I am not a horse person. I have sat on a horse maybe 4 times and of those only went on a trail ride once. In other words I am no expert.

One thing I am an expert on is animal lovers.

I am naturally drawn to people who love animals. This bridges all gaps and all walks of life.

Ansley is definitely a horse lover. She is gentle and patient with them. She can read them like a mother can read her child.

I have known her father for more than half my life.

I can honestly say some of the greatest times of my life have been spent with him (even recently).

This photography journey has given me gifts that you cannot put a price on. I get to be a part of some of the best moments of peoples lives. Not too many people can say they get to do that. It is even more special when that gift is shared with a close friend.

I know Ansley's parents have a lot to be proud of. Sometimes as parents of teenagers we fail to see beyond the hormones and attitudes, the busy schedules, homework and college applications. It is reassuring to hear from an outsider that your kid is loving, kind and beautiful.

I already knew she was beautiful on the outside.

She is even more beautiful on the inside.