Spring Senior Session - Elin Johnson

This spring I got to photograph so many seniors, some were new clients, and some were old friends, like Elin.

I’ve known the Johnson family since I was in high school (maybe even middle), but with us going to different schools and then Cole and I moving to Newberry, it had been years since I last saw them. In April, I ran into Mrs. Leigh, Elin’s mom, and she told me that Elin was going to be graduating and asked if I would be available to take her photos. Of course, I said, “ABSOLUTELY!”

Elin is a walking miracle and has an amazing story. Here’s an excerpt from her blog -

When I was six months old, the doctors found a terrifying truth: I had a stroke in utero. I survived with a disability called schizencephaly, which is a rare birth defect by clefts in the cerebral brain hemispheres. The disability caused weakness and semi-paralysis all along the left side of my body, meaning that I would always live with this condition. The doctors claimed that it would be unlikely for me to be able to talk or walk. However, through God's miracle, I started talking early and took my first steps a few days after my second birthday.

Elin is headed to Columbia International University in the fall!

I loved getting to spend the evening with Elin, she is truly one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Elin, I’m so proud of you for all of your determination and hard work! You’re going to do amazing at CIU!

If you want to learn more about Elin’s story, here’s her blog.