Blog - Stephanie Goryl Photography

Lilah’s Senior Portraits – Boston, MA

Honestly, I don’t know where to start. Lilah is stunning – in her personality, in her strength, in her determination, and in her contagious smile. She dedicates dozens of hours each week to soccer in addition to her studies. She already knows where she’s headed to college next year and it seems like she knows what she’s going to pack first: Tigger. He’s been around forever (her mom even had several versions of him in rotation just in case the original got lost) and has traveled with them all over: China, Disney World, you name it. He even has his own Instagram.

Lilah is as beautiful as she was the first time I ever saw her about 16 years ago when I was working as a social worker for an adoption agency: amidst all of the paperwork, a little, wallet-sized photo of her baby-sized face made my heart smile. She was, at the time, on the other side of the world. Her soon-to-be parents, at the time, were one town over from my office. And in the hours that followed, the labor-room-type-feel of the day took shape when I passed that photo across the table to Sarah and David; they got to see their daughter for the first time. To say that they were overjoyed would be an understatement. All that was standing between them actually getting to hold her was a long flight (and more paperwork). When their trip to China finally rolled around to adopt Lilah, I was so fortunate to be able to accompany them. To witness a family coming together for the first time is an experience I will never, ever forget. (Scroll down to see some pics from that trip.)

Needless to say, since I transitioned out of social work years ago, I didn’t really think I’d get a chance to feel my adoption-work roots again. So when Sarah contacted me to see if I would photograph Lilah for her high school senior portraits, I was brought to tears. Once again, I find myself feeling ever so fortunate.

Lilah, what an honor to get to spend a couple hours with you and your parents after all this time. While I realize you have no recollection of me, your story has remained embedded in my heart ever since that moment in Gansu. I truly hope our paths will cross again someday! Your future is bright, my friend.

Family portrait session (Sarah, Mike, W, + V) – Wellesley, MA

With all the open fields + expansive green spaces, these two were running like Forrest Gump – all over the place + back again. They found the simple joy in just running without a destination, without an ulterior motive – just the feeling of being free + having space to roam. The touchingly sweet innocence of it all was so refreshing.

Sarah + Mike – the year wouldn’t feel complete without seeing your smiling faces! Thank you for sharing your beautiful littles with me once again.

Family portrait session (Ashley, Stefan, W, W, +W) – North Reading, MA

This session felt like a hat trick of sorts: the youngest of three brothers turning the big ONE! And I have been privileged to photograph all of these milestones for them ever since before the oldest took his first breath. And now the oldest looks out for the youngest, and the middle endearingly follows suit – they look out for him when he’s near water, hug him when he seems upset, and hold his hand when walking alongside him. Happy birthday, littlest W.

Ashley + Stefan – thank you so much for your trust over the years to document your three Ws!

Family portrait session (Suzanna, Nick, J, + J) – Winchester, MA

If there ever was a need for a pair of siblings to display brotherly love, you’ve come to the right spot. These two! They melted my heart with the unprompted hugs, and not just regular hugs, but the kind that are full-on-monkey-hugs where it’s not just the arms, but the legs, too, that wrap around + hold on. In a time where even us adults are unsure of what the rest of the year will look like, this is the time for holding on – tight!

Suzanna + Nick, kudos to you both for navigating this year with skill + determination. Thank you for sharing your heartwarming kiddos.

Family portrait session (Colleen, Mike, V, + F) – Winchester, MA

Those curls! Her big sister loves her curls so much, she’s constantly playing with her little sister’s hair, gently elongating each curl + letting it spring up back into place. Apparently, her hair has even earned her a nickname (“Curls”). Oh, how I loved photographing these girls – they have such beautiful spirits; you can see it in their eyes – even when they are crying. Not to fear, though, a few moves of the “Macarena” is all it takes for the tears to melt away. And sweet big sister, I seem to remember similar tears from when you were this age. Now you are the one to comfort + console. My heart…

Colleen + Mike, what a gift to be able to see you all again even in the craziness of this year. Thank you, thank you!