Paige Linn has a love of the camera, but in a time when most kids her age want to be in front of every shutter snap, sharing every single moment of their life, she seems to find her sweet spot behind the lens. I saw some pictures she’d taken on her Instagram page and immediately noticed she wasn’t playing around. She’d photographed my niece and some of her friends, and they were all excited about the pics. Her Instagram shots were clean and crisp and beautifully captured her subjects, but I wondered, could she capture the essence of someone she didn’t know that well? At the age of 15, she seems to have figured out how to play with lighting and set the tone before the photos ever even enter Photoshop. But since most of her friends are still young with perfect skin not yet seasoned by the time, what could she do with a more mature canvas and could she make an adult just as comfortable as she appeared to make her peers. The answer is a resounding, Yes!

From a young age I have always loved looking at pictures, I think it is such a great way to capture memories. I remember one day I grabbed my moms old camera and just took a few photos and fell in love with it. I started taking classes about two years ago, and have loved it ever sense.

We decided to meet on a Sunday afternoon. Before the shoot, we briefly discussed some outlining ideas in text and pretty much just winged it from there. When I caught up with her, it was around 3:30 in the afternoon, and the light, as she said, was ‘perfect.’ Her mother dropped her off and was waiting just around the corner. Paige and her sister slash assistant Maggie were ready to get started. Paige came armed with a Canon camera, and her sister had a small reflector in her hand. They were both full of energy and ready to work.

She’d never been to this part of town, so the landscape was all new to her. She’d scoped out some spots just as any competent professional would, in the moments before I arrived and was ready to get started. Now, let me say contrary to popular belief I’m not exactly comfortable in front of the camera, but Paige and her sweet assistant made me feel right at home.

I started taking “professional” photos about 2 years ago. I remember saving up and buying my little canon point and shoot when I was eight. I brought it with me wherever I went and took photos of everything.

The First shots

I started in a black button-down and jeans. I mean even though I wear dresses and suits for work I’m pretty much a jeans and button-down or jeans and turtleneck kind of girl.

I sat down looked up, and gave a few head tilts. And just like a seasoned photographer, she started saying things like “Oh, that’s so good” and “that’s great.” Every subject needs a little direction, right?

I love capturing all the little moments, I think it is so cool that with one press of a button you can have a photo to cherish forever. I feel so happy to see someone smile and feel confident.

The last few shots

I loved watching her as she glanced over me like a portrait she was proud to see come to fruition. But it wasn’t like she didn’t see me instead it was like she could see all of me in every frame. Some artist get caught up in the lighting, others in the backdrop, but this artist was focused on and in every second of the moment.

We snapped a few shots, got up, and walked down the street looking for some nooks and crannies that might work for us. Along the way, we stopped at one of my favorite chocolate shops and a gelato store. I didn’t want anything, but I wanted them to try something and enjoy it as part of the day. I mean, work hard and play hard, right? Anyway, As the two sisters giggled and talked about some ideas, I went to the bathroom and changed into my turtleneck.

In total, we stopped about four or five places and took several shots. The whole thing only took about an hour, and Paige had a gallery to me the very next day.

I love that she listened to me and the photos are real. Meaning, on this day, I didn’t want a bunch of photoshopping of my face. LOL. She did exactly what I asked. We never even used the reflector, but we sure did have a lot of fun, and I now feel like I have two more nieces.

If you’re looking for holiday pictures,senior pics, or just some fun photos, Paige may be the perfect fit, but don’t take my word for it.. email her and find out for yourself at paigelinn17@gmail.com Oh, yes, her parents said I could give you her email address. I mean, after all, despite her seasoned talent, she is only 15-years-old.

Keep shining bright Paige keep shining your light on others the way only you can, and Maggie same goes for you sweet friend. Be bold, be kind, be happy, and shine.