Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of photographing Taylor, the daughter of my friend, Star, for her high school graduation. It was quite an honor to have the opportunity! Star really only wanted one good photo, but luckily I captured a few more along the way. Check them out below!

Taylor, I do not know you that well. In fact, I do not know you at all. Haha. But, I want to pass along a few words of advice as you enter the adult world. It can be a scary place! (Not really. Just more expensive...)

1. "Try everything." A friend of mine wrote this in my sophomore yearbook and it is still one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received.

2. Do not be afraid to ask for help. I know for me, I do not always want others to help. Maybe it is because I feel guilty or feel I need to give something in return. Maybe it is as selfish as not having control or ownership of whatever it is they want to help me with. But, learn to accept the fact that maybe people just want to help you because they care, and that you might actually need the assistance, whether you openly admit it or not. It is all a give and take, too. Do not go so far as to take advantage of others and always pay it forward.

3. I know you aspire to be a tattoo artist, which is wonderful! Obviously, being an artist myself, I support you wholeheartedly. So, surround yourself with like-minded people and artists. Be inspired and collaborate. Of course, choose wisely and always be yourself, but now we are getting into an entire lifetime of lessons. Moving on...

4. "Be fiscally responsible so you can be creatively reckless." Tom Rothman, film executive. Being an artist is not always as easy as simply doing what you love. Calculate the financial costs and sacrifice accordingly. On a side note, read "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon. This book is invaluable.

5. While being fiscally responsible is smart, I say find the balance as well. Take a chance on what you love. I recommend watching his entire commencement speech, but at least watch this short clip:

6. I wanted to keep this at an nice round number, like five. Well, you are getting a bonus here, and it is actually a two-parter. Do not take this for granted! Star, this is for you, too.

Your mom loves you! She sent this to me later that day, after taking these photos:

“Thank you again. It was amazing today. I am so excited to be able to look back and remember how beautiful it all was.”

The second part to this is always keep the compliments, words of encouragement... Gifts people give you in return for what you do and who you are. Look at them on good days and on bad. You have a gift for others and the world; always remind yourself of it. On the flip-side, do not become a hoarder. ;) I trust you know what to keep and what to throw. (And if you throw all this away, I will not be offended at all! Seriously. I trust your judgement.)

Again, congratulations, Taylor! I hope to photograph your artwork someday!

Congratulations, Taylor!