I've been dragging my feet all week praying this day would come a little later each day, but it's here and I couldn't stop it. Graduation day. The BIG day that our little bouncing baby boys and girls will walk across that big bright stage. On the climb up they are still our tiny babies. And all we can think about is the day they were born. I remember counting all your fingers and toes and thinking about how perfect you are. I promised to give you everything. And I did. I remember how a kiss and a hug could fix anything. I was front row for all your big moments, awards, and sports - always cheering the loudest. Embarrassingly loud (you said) but I didn't care. That's how I love, so get over it. These memories are great, but I think the thing I'll miss the most is just YOU. Seeing you when ever I want, making you breakfast, complaining about your laundry, hearing about your adventures - after all you live right down the hall. 

That diploma is your ticket to adulthood. You are going to be leaving our home and going out into that big hard world. I pray that I've taught you enough. I pray that you will keep your chin up when it gets tough (and it will) and keep fighting to have the life you want. And I pray that you will dream BIG, bigger than me or your Dad ever have. And I hope that you will know that you are loved, fiercely. Never doubt it.

Dear Graduate, 
I know you think this time - this DAY is all about you. This is the time to celebrate your accomplishments. It's exciting to finally be "grown" and have the whole world at your hands. It's time for you to share your dreams, hopes, and expectations for your future. While you are celebrating and rejoicing in ending this stage of your life and starting a new chapter, remember your MOM and how this time is also about her (sorry dads, I've never been a dad, so I can't speak for you).

We love our Seniors. Good Luck today and every day. And Moms, Dads and Grandparents, we are praying for you today too.

Daphne Ellenburg is award-winning Newborn and Baby Photographer. She is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
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Right about now Five and Six year olds practically every where are planning for the biggest day of Kindergarten EVER: Graduation. They are practicing speaking roles and learning special songs. They are doing it all for YOU. Those tiny faces just can't wait to make you so proud on Kindergarten Graduation day. 

Do you know what's great about Kindergarten? EVERYTHING. Kindergarten is FUN. Kids wake up and want to go there. Everything about it is magical and this next big step should be celebrated.

Kindergarden Cap and Gown portraits are portraits of celebration for your budding South Alabama Student. They are more than just a snapshot of the end of Kindergarten with the boys and girls he spent this year with. Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits are a documentation of your child's next big step - REAL BIG BOY AND BIG GIRL SCHOOL. Kindergarten, while super fun, is a starter course to grades 1-12. These babies are learning how to follow directions, to have a schedule of events and to sit still. The sitting still part has always been the hardest part for my littles. They are reading and writing in Kindergarten - it's not just shapes and colors. Kindergarten is a big deal and celebrating this milestone with Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits is a MUST do and here's why.

1. Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits are often just like the the Big Senior's Cap and Gowns - RENTED. Unlike those trusted High School Seniors, who pick up their Cap and Gowns weeks before the big day, your tiny Grad will never enjoy that luxury. That means the only portraits you will get are the ones you snap at the actual graduation with your cell phone. Everyone is going to take those. And your kid will be distracted at all the dazzle of the BIG DAY that it will be hard for them to focus on all the posed portraits. We stock tiny cap and gowns to make these portraits magical. Our tiny cap and gowns all sport this year's 2018 charm. That is important.

2. Kindergarten Cap and Gowns are usually white and Kindergarteners are usually dirty and clumsy. One fall or tumble and you've got splotchy portraits in your forever iPhone memories. Our portrait studio is a controlled environment. There will be very little opportunity for any disasters that will distract from you having fun and gorgeous forever portraits of your tiny Kindergarten Graduate.

3. Ellenburg Photography will provide a fun portrait experience to document the end of an era. Your baby is graduating with all the skills and knowledge to start the next 12 years with an enthusiasm for learning. That is worth celebrating. Daphne Ellenburg will photograph your South Alabama Kindergarten Graduate like she does the big High School Seniors. We will use fun number props and exciting poses. These portraits will be so fun this year, but in 12 short years, these portraits will be priceless. Several of my High School Seniors bring in this framed Kindergarten Graduation portrait with them at their Senior Session. It is the most fun to see how they have grown from here to there. 

Kindergarten Cap and Gown portraits can be added to any spring portrait session this season at Ellenburg Photography. You can add it to individual and family portraits. You can add it to bunny portrait sessions. Or you can come in for just a quick mini portrait session of just your tiny 2018 graduate. It is completely up to you!

Enjoy a peek at Jefferson's Cap and Gown session. This little guy will be graduating this May. He couldn't be more excited. Can you tell?

Do you have a five or six year old finishing up their first big year of Kindergarten this year in South Alabama? Reach out to the professionals at Ellenburg Photography to capture the excitement of Kindergarten Graduation portraits. Wanting to learn and grow and magical. Celebrate that magic in portraits you will treasure forever with Ellenburg Photography.

Got Questions? Big or small we love them all. Ask away.

Daphne Ellenburg is the owner of a bustling Portrait photography business called Ellenburg Photography located in Southern Alabama. Daphne has a supportive family and a fancy-pants 2000 sq ft studio in the heart of Saraland, Alabama. She loves college football, big handbags, lip gloss and all things Apple. She also enjoys writing about her Photo-Adventures and her entertaining family. Daphne is a proud member of PPA, WPPI, and the local chamber. Catch up with her at EllenburgPhotography.com or email her at daphne@ellenburgphotography.com. 
We love to read your comments.