Every year, I get the chance to photograph the Riegelsperger kids, and every time I blink, they’ve grown. This time, it was Macie’s turn to shine for her 15th milestone session — and while her mom warned me ahead of time that “she’s in a mood,” what she didn’t know was… so was I.
Apparently, two moods equal one really solid gallery.
While we were shooting, there was a little girl nearby getting her 2nd birthday photos taken — and she was not feeling it. Her mom was doing everything she could to coax a smile, so I did what any reasonable adult would do: I stood behind her and started dancing.
Now if you know me, you know this was not a graceful, TikTok-worthy moment. This was full “unhinged aunt at a wedding” energy. But hey — the kid smiled. Macie smiled. And according to her milestone questionnaire, when asked what always makes her laugh? She wrote:
“you!!”
So yeah, we’re keeping that on the record.
To make these milestone sessions even more meaningful, I’ve started having both the child and their parent fill out a short questionnaire. It’s a way to freeze a little piece of who they are right now — their personality, passions, quirks, and everything in between. We’ll do this year after year, so they can look back and really see how much they’ve grown — not just in photos, but in their own words.
If you’d rather just get to the photos… keep scrolling.
They’re worth it. 😉
✏️ Macie’s Milestone Q&A
Name:
Macie
Age:
15
What’s something you’re really proud of right now?
the fact i always try my best
What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
hangout with friends
What are three words your friends would use to describe you?
Gorgeous, Jesus freak, loud
What’s one thing people don’t know about you—but should?
i’m VERY funny (yk it’s true)
What’s your current favorite song or artist?
MEGAN MORONEY
If you could fast-forward five years, what would you want to see?
i would like to see another country
What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
it’s going to be okay
How do you want to remember this year of your life?
memorable, i want to know i had fun
What’s something that always makes you laugh?
you!!
(I had no idea she felt this way — talk about making me blush.)
What makes you feel most confident right now?
my hair
⸻
💛 From Mom: A Snapshot of Macie at 15
Child’s Name:
Macie Renée
Age at time of session:
15
What stage is your child in right now that you never want to forget?
Psalms 46:5 NIV … God is within her, she will not fall
What are some words that describe who they are becoming?
Independent, Focused, Driven
What’s a recent moment that made you say, “Wow, she’s growing up”?
A lady at church stopped me and told me how proud she is of Macie for stepping in and helping with children’s church — and that she loved every minute.
What is she passionate about right now?
Bible studies and being a better friend.
How do you see her changing this year?
I see her growing into a bigger person in Christ and figuring out what she wants to do in life.
What do you love most about who she is at this age?
(Mom said she doesn’t like anything about this age — and that’s valid.)
What’s something she does that makes you laugh?
Everything — especially when she’s being silly with her friends and sister. She’s super funny.
What would you tell her to remember about this stage of life?
Be who you are. Never ever let anyone take your spark from you.
Anything else you’d like to include?
Thanks for being truly an amazing kid! Keep up the great work.
Watching Macie grow year after year has been such a gift, and this session felt especially meaningful. She’s stepping into who she is with confidence, faith, and just the right amount of sass — and I’m so lucky I get to document it all. Here’s to more milestones, more laughter, and maybe a few more “moods” along the way.
Hey there! I'm Krystie, a passionate and dedicated photographer based in Smithfield, North Carolina. With a knack for capturing life's most precious moments, I specialize in family, children, pet, maternity, and portrait photography. My goal is to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for my clients, resulting in stunning, authentic photos you'll cherish forever.
I take pride in my patience and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, from our first meeting until long after the session ends. Whether I'm entertaining a lively one-year-old or capturing precious moments with your family, I approach every session with a calm and friendly demeanor.
Communication is key to a successful photo shoot, and I make sure my clients know what to expect every step of the way. My quick turnaround times and attention to detail ensure you receive beautiful, high-quality images promptly. I love seeing the joy and happiness on my clients' faces when they see their photos for the first time.
When I'm not behind the camera, I enjoy exploring new places with my family. This sense of adventure and love for life's little moments inspires my photography, allowing me to see the beauty in every situation.
Get to know more about me or send me an inquiry. Let's create some amazing memories together