In 1984, three wise men put their lyrical quest for understanding into a simple catchy hook that jumped at the musical savy saying, “Friends – how many of us have them? Friends – onces can depend on … before we go any further, let’s be friends.”  Just 10 years later in the summer of 1994, I established a great friendship with one of the starting defensive players from the South Carolina State University Football Team.  He and I worked as Counselors for the 1890 Research and Extension Program. Years later, he married his College Sweetheart and started a family.

As we became adults, we kept in touch & frequently hung out during football seasons. As friends, we never hesitated to call on each other to aid where a need was to be met.  I was elated when my phone rung to capture the Sweet 16 Birthday session of his daughter, Amaya.  What a great time was had with her and her friends. Here, see for yourself: Amaya’s Sweet 16. Needless to say, I was really excited a few weeks ago when I got a text from his wife’s phone … well, his daughter texting on his wife’s phone … requesting that I make my way down to Orangeburg to capture images from Amaya’s prom date. Oh gosh.  Was I excited and nervous!  Here I was about to take pictures of one of my favorite couple’s baby girl.  I was summons to take images of the little girl that ran from me in Walmart as a toddler.  My duty was to swoop in and make memories for my friend.  You know, the one that I established a relationship with years ago.  Now, I was there to show that I was one that he could depend on.

Week of prom arrives and the camera was ready but the venue was still unknown.  I could have asked the favorite couple to pick the location but why would I do something like that?  I was one that they could depend on.  So after rolling into the Garden City and meeting up with Amaya and her date, Skylar, it was time to let the good times roll.  Put on your seatbelts and take a quick pre-prom stroll with us …

Pre-Prom 2018 was a success.  Here are the images: Amaya & Skylar’s pre-prom pictures The weather was great.  Skylar and Amaya had fun during the session.  The Village enjoyed seeing Skylar and Amaya make images that will never be forgotten.  Moreover, my friends got to see their daughter attend her first prom.  It’s amazing how life takes you from one phase to another with constant moving parts.  It seemed like it was just yesterday that we played pool on our lunch break as college students.  In actuality, it was just a few days ago when I was able to hug the teenager that ran from me in the frozen food section when younger.  To hear her say, “Thank you Mister Todd” was confirmation that I did a great thing yearssss ago in cementing a friendship with her father.  Before we went any further, we became friends.  #rackEm

how did THAT work out for you?!?

OMG!  I literally don’t know how to act.  Last week made the second week in a row with no road race.  I logged very close to 20 miles for the week but nothing worth screaming about.  However, if I had to make some noise about anything, it would be about capturing some future leaders in pre-graduation and pre-prom images.  OH YES!  Two sessions on last week and we made magic.  If I were you, I would show in a few days to see for yourself what transpired.  Snap at you later. BE EZ. PEACE!!! #moseawell #beEZpeace