FIRST Day of School!! My baby started real school this past week!! Ashlyn Grace Steller is now in kindergarten. Wow. It was tramatizing!! Well…at least it was for mommy and daddy. Daddy feels a lot older and we were both truly overwhelmed by emotions we have never felt before! Ashlyn was just fine and took everything in stride.
We got to the school as a family and waited to take her to her class. I can imagine that walking into the building for the first day was a bit awe-inspiring, with the ordered chaos of throngs of children and parents walking to their respective classes. Ashlyn had her own little Nikon paparazzi snapping away with tears in his eyes and pride in his heart. We got the typical shots of the first day (with sissy, mommy and daddy and teacher, but I snapped of few of her moments of school…the embarrassment walking down the hall with daddy shooting away and all the other kids looking on…a tentative “do I sit down at my desk now?” look of bewilderment…some little details that some folks tend to miss, but the photographer in me kicks into gear.
My favorite photo is this last one and it is a bit heart-wrenching to say the least. As we were walking out of the room, after saying our good-byes, I turned one last time and saw my big girl apprehensively looking at her peers for the very first time, wondering if she should start her coloring now, and wondering if she was following directions, wondering if she was doing the right thing, wondering if she could be brave and make it through her first minutes, first hours, first days of this new journey towards growing up.
Ashlyn, I am so proud of you, baby. God gave me a beautiful, red-haired little angel, with a sweet temperament and a quick, intelligent mind. I already know how smart you are and I just know that you will continue to love school as much as your daddy did. Baby, just know that I am always here for you whenever you need me, for anything, anytime. When you can read this yourself, I want you to test me on this. I am your number one fan. I love you, my big girl.
SIDENOTE: Half a week into it, she already loves school. After her second day, I overly-animatedly (that’s a new word, I think) asked if she had fun and what she had learned that was cool. She calmy stated that “her teacher still hadn’t taught her how to read, yet.” I stifled an uproarous laugh and replied that I was sure they would get to that later this year, then followed up with a question about recess, which she told me was a lot of fun and that they got to have two of them! It’s an all day kindergarten, so they break it up a bit, for everyone’s sanity, I imagine.
![[ Dustin Steller ]](../images/2010/dustinsteller-selfsm.jpg "Kansas City Wedding Photographer Dustin Stellar")
About Dustin Dustin Steller runs this show. He is passionate about life, striving to capture the beauty of life in an enduring way. He is a photographer, seasoned designer and a creative jack-of-all-trades. Dustin's fun, friendly, energetic, humorous, and approachable personality makes him a favorite of clients. 
Wow time flies!!
March 26, 2009 | 4:17 pm
Hey Man!
I am back in Antarctica enjoying my new 5D MarkII. I defiantly bought over my head on this one.
As always you take awe inspiring shots. This one is no exception. I like the DOF in the hair.
Glad to see an update! Look forward to hearing more.
March 26, 2009 | 4:43 pm
I’m looking forward to whatever magic you have up your sleeve this year! God bless you in all you do, Dustin.
March 26, 2009 | 5:40 pm
Dustin, that’s a beautiful capture. Would make great stock — I’m just sayin’
Glad to hear things are going well for you… being busy is a good problem!
March 26, 2009 | 6:57 pm
Hey D – so nice to see an update! I love your work, and I’m excited to hear about these upcoming blog posts. I am embarking upon my first year as a wedding photographer (20 so far, one in mexico!) and quitting my job in a few weeks. Life changes all around! Happy to see your thoughtful words and a beautiful photo to go with it. Hang in there!
March 26, 2009 | 10:13 pm
Inspiring post Dustin. Love the picture!
March 27, 2009 | 4:53 am
Amazing shot man! Can’t wait to see the rest. SO EXCITED!
March 27, 2009 | 2:37 pm
Are you okay??? Love the image. Love the words. What can we pray for??
March 31, 2009 | 7:26 am
Nice work my man! I love the image and the movement it captures. I also love that you’re sharing from the heart. Keep smiling buddy and let the creativity flow.
April 6, 2009 | 10:32 am
That’s awesome Dustin!! I wish only the best for you, your family and the business
Your pictures are so inspiring!! Keep up it up.
April 7, 2009 | 11:55 am
Looking forward to new posts!! Your photos rock!
April 8, 2009 | 11:25 am
Beautiful image and lovely sentiments! Hope you are well! Missing you and all the KC crew!
April 27, 2009 | 7:58 pm
Can’t wait for our wedding day with you! It’s going to be fabulous!
April 28, 2009 | 4:41 pm
I’m excited to see what you’ve got coming. The first year (in any profession I think) is always the most, well, let’s just say “fun”…that learning curve, ya know? Can’t say I’m not glad to put my first year of teaching behind me.
Always good to be in demand! Blake and I keep trying to think up an excuse to get new photos done…we can pass for seniors right? I still get asked for my hall pass…