By Scott Shephard

Years ago I used to do quite a bit of studio portraiture, though I never felt it was something I was particularly good at. I’m unschooled in photography and I felt that it showed the most in the studio. But on special occasions I will set up my lights and backdrop and try my hand. This is one of those occasions - oldest granddaughter Glenyce Jane’s “official” First Communion portrait. Glenyce was generally patient and cooperative with her grandpa, who was struggling with a lighting set-up and pose that were totally foreign to his experience.

When I look at this photo, I am made aware of the the cycle of important life events that merit “official” photos: baptisms, birthdays, first communions, graduations, engagements and weddings come to mind. It is a privilege to have been Glenyce’s “official” photographer for almost 8 years. And we’ve reached the half-way point. Will I be willing and able to commemorate the others on the list? Will I be asked? I hope so.

Canon R5 1/100sec f/6.3 ISO100