Shae : A Class of 2023 Summer + Swim Session

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Shae throughout our time together. Just reading her questionnaire answers to me had me thinking we’d get along really, really well. The fact that she couldn’t live without bread spoke to all the carbs I’ve ingested this pregnancy and her love of competitive swimming got me really excited to photograph her in the pool. Shae is an incredible talent in the water, qualifying for State level meets in not one state, but TWO different states throughout her family’s moving around the country and I loved highlighting that with all her medals (get excited to scroll down!).

I work with Shae’s mom during the school year and I loved hearing how Shae came about learning to crochet. "When lockdown hit, I told my girls, they had to each learn something new.” Each of Kari’s three daughters took on a new skill and Shae’s was crocheting! Talk about stretching some brain muscle. Considering a career in the medical field, she’ll definitely be flexing those in the upcoming school year with a few breaks in the hammock on their deck (that she brought to her shoot!). Have fun scrolling down!

We arrived at the Downtown YMCA at the end of her shoot and it was closed! So, we arranged another day/time and I’m somewhat glad we did these separately because we had enough window light that I didn’t have to carry a ton of flashes on tripods around a wet pool deck. (Note to self for any future swimmers I may photograph!)

Shae (& Kari) : I am so thankful to have gotten to know your family more in the past year. I hope to make it to a swim meet or two and lose my voice cheering you on. The smell of chlorine never gets old to me and thank you for letting me experiment with how best to photograph you in this environment. I wish you all the best in the coming school year and beyond and GO RAILS!

Much love & Speedo tan lines,

Carrie
PS You can view her gallery HERE.

Locations:

Downtown Des Moines

Trestle Bridge Downtown Des Moines

Grey’s Lake

Downtown Des Moines YMCA