JDP Senior: Izzy

To know this sweet girl is to love her. I could stop there, but I won’t! JDP senior Izzy is one of those special people who cares deeply for the people in her life. She’s generous with her laugh, her smile and her kindness. She also happens to be my studio manager, Sara’s, daughter. So this one is extra special and longer than normal. 😉

Since she was a little girl Izzy’s been crafting and has never stopped. The chaos of buttons, glitter, thread, glue, and yarn never ceases to grab her imagination and fuels her creative process!

Izzy’s continued fascination with crafting is partially attributed to her creative spirit, but also likely partially her desire to hold onto childhood as long as possible. Personally, I don’t think I’ve ever met a teenager who lamented growing older. Izzy mourns her birthdays in a desire to hold onto the freedom of childhood! She was filled with sorrow when it was time to pack up her American Girl dolls. They were her babies and how could she just be done with them?!? And here’s a little peek back at little Izzy when she was in 5th grade. This JDP jr. portrait time was to mark her love of her American Girl dolls, knowing that time was winding down as she entered middle school.

Izzy is known for how easily she laughs, her quick wit and the joyful approach she has for life. That is equaled only to her love for God which overflows onto whoever she does life with. Her giving nature is born out of a deep understanding of how much she is loved by the Lord. All in her sphere of influence feel this deeply from her. She lives out the Gospel in a way that embodies so much love; it’s a compass pointing people to God.

As a creative, Izzy was game to explore outside the box and make some magic happen! This is always such a delight for my creative soul!

Izzy grew up playing softball and did so for many years, but her love of theatre ultimately trumped softball. She set aside the cleats and swapped an athletic glove for one of a more theatrical nature!

Her first performance in elementary school left her mom and dad in awe of how she lit up on stage. Most 5th graders were scared to death on stage, but Izzy was more alive than they’d ever seen her. Izzy adores adopting a character and every nerve-racking and freeing element of it is fuels her. She shares this trait with her mother!

Izzy’s theatrical journey was inspired by seeing her mom perform. She and Sara actually performed alongside each other last summer in a local production of Anastasia! Izzy’s been in 11 performances since she started high school and has been in lead roles the last three years! Chicago was her first lead in a musical and she was over the moon about it! Her wheelhouse is humorous characters full of comedic surprise!

Izzy’s love of performance also extends to her playing flute in band. She enjoys playing so much and is first chair for flute in Honors Wind Ensemble. She hopes to pursue college and community bands after high school is over. Izzy has volunteered for Creative Arts camp via LifePoint Church for many years, first as a junior counselor and then as a full counselor to help other children explore their love of the arts. As you can imagine, she’s adored by all those in her charge!

Izzy’s faith in Jesus is central to her life. She’s growing to know the Lord more in community with Young Life, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and her volunteer work with younger kids seeking the Lord at LifePoint Church. She attended Thrive camp where she helped to write the programming for incorporating one of her other loves, puppeteering! Harold is a fave of so many people in Izzy’s sphere of influence–he even had his own meet and greet at the camp after co-hosting with the speaker! He’s also been requested by teachers at WHS for special appearances! (you’ll see Harold further in the blog)

It’s easy to see why Izzy is a favorite of all the little kids in her neighborhood! She put on puppet shows for them, over the fence, during the Covid lockdown! Outside of Covid time, she hosted mini summer camps for neighborhood kids that came out in droves! She’s a fave with her nieces and nephews as well for her video call puppet shows with Harold! One of her nieces has requested a birthday sleepover, at Izzy’s house, as her birthday present! Izzy would love the chance to try out puppeteering as a job someday but ultimately plans to pursue a degree in special education.

It’s easy to see how contagious the joy Izzy has for life is!

Going for walks daily with studio mascot Macy Mae is a time of reflection and prayer for me. I’m often in awe of the beauty of creation in this quiet time. In the fall. I inevitably end up bringing in small treasures daily. Last fall I began to incorporate them into portrait creations. Izzy was game to be transformed into a fall beauty!

In this more fine art styled segment for Izzy we wanted to incorporate her love for Scripture and her well worn Bible was the perfect addition.

And then so was Lamby who she’s had since she was a baby!

Izzy is like a modern day Mona Lisa here:)

And here’s the infamous Harold who is just as loved as Izzy in our community!

Izzy’s Irishdoodle, Maggie, joined us as well! I always tell clients, a dog on set is like a toddler on set! They are having a blast and exploring everything! So don’t let these still frames fool you! Maggie was ready to play!

Hello to one of our newest additions to the studio wardrobe! This mirrored suit was the chef’s kiss of perfection for Izzy adopting her model persona beautifully!

This special session took place over several different days over the course of the last year. We ended at Carroll Arts Council, where Izzy has performed on stage. Thank you to them for welcoming us in and celebrating the arts with us!

Izzy, I’ve watched you grow up from a baby to a young woman I’m so proud to call my friend! Anyone who does life with you is in for the adventure of their life and one that’s going to leave them with a perpetual grin! It’s clear your mother and father’s influence has pointed you to all the best things in this life and you have embraced them wholeheartedly! May your soul continue to pursue Jesus all the days of your life! May His face smile upon you and He be the one who directs your path through every stage!

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JDP Senior: Izzy

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