You know the scene, the one from every stereotypical movie about high school.  The one where the most beautiful, popular girls are strolling through the school parking lot turning heads and drawing attention.  Yeah, that one.  I found myself in one of those scenes as Piper walked across the parking lot to meet me for her senior session a few weeks ago.  She has a commanding, exotic beauty about her: intense eyes framed under trendy bangs, hair that looks just as great in a “messy bun” as it does hanging down around her shoulders, and dimples that make her look sweeter than the Olsen twins did during their stint on Full House.  And while her appearance is striking (and makes me cringe at my own senior photos), it isn’t what I’ll most remember her for, or what you will for that matter.

Piper is an incredibly talented and accomplished artist.

Like, the kind of talent that makes me embarrassed of my adult accomplishments.  In her first 18 years, she has illustrated SIX children’s books and commissioned numerous fine oil paintings, her first at only 12 years old.  I have yet to draw something with sidewalk chalk that my children don’t have to turn their heads sideways to look at and ask what it is.  She can do more with an ink pen than I could with all the materials inside Hobby Lobby.

The best part about her talent…..she bragged about NONE OF IT.  Not once. 

We talked about so many things during her session: the Enneagram (we are both nines), her favorite shoes (her Snoopy sneakers), her hobbies (art, duh), and her future plans.  It was only after her mom showed me some of her work on her cell phone while Piper fixing her hair in another room (because what mother could resist sharing their own child’s talents, especially as profound as hers) that I found out how truly talented she really was.

Piper, in a world where so many young people are looking for “Likes” and wanting to become the next big thing, your humble spirit and quiet confidence is so refreshing.  You are so giving of your time and talents.  You know who you are and Whose you are.  I am so honored that someone as talented as you chose me to capture such an important milestone in your life.  I can’t wait to see where it takes you!

If you want to check out some of Piper’s amazing art, you can follow her on Instagram: @pipermiru