Some girls take up space the moment they walk into a room. Others grow into their presence quietly—through consistency, kindness, and heart. Emma Smith is the second kind. Now in her second year on the Teen Team, Emma is small but mighty in every sense of the phrase. A dedicated softball player with steady determination, she doesn’t demand attention—but she absolutely earns it. Especially during our themed concept shoots, where Emma has become known for something very special

Bailey’s Crowns & Gowns session felt different from the very beginning, and that was exactly the point. Bailey wanted her look to feel authentically her. So instead of choosing between a crown or a cowboy hat, we did what felt right—she wore both. Meet Bailey Baldasare, a sophomore from Southeast High School. Bailey has a quiet, steady strength about her—the kind that doesn’t demand attention but naturally draws people in. She leads with kindness. She is bright, driven, and

As we turn the page on another year, there is something truly special about pausing to reflect on the journey we have shared. The Teen Team has always been about more than just beautiful photographs; it is a community built on support, personal growth, and the unique bonds formed between girls who are all navigating the exciting and sometimes challenging path of high school. This year, I asked the team to share their biggest wins from the past year, their goals for the upcomi

There is a certain kind of energy that some people just radiate the moment they walk into a room. If you have ever spent five minutes with Kristlyn—or Kris, as her friends at Waterloo High School know her—you know exactly what I am talking about. She is loud, energetic, and possesses a bubbly personality that is impossible to ignore. But beneath that vibrant exterior is a heart that is remarkably soft. Kris is the kind of person who will sit and listen to anyone, offering gen