Twelve years ago, this friend handed me her Nikon D800…the same camera she shot my wedding with. She smiled slyly as she held it out to me and said, “Leave it in manual.” I did and have never shot a single frame in auto.

She knew that I’d love the challenge.

There are two friends who’ve had the greatest impact on the trajectory of my life. Huck Dorn, who suggested Dave and I would be great together, and Kelly Lorenz, who put a camera in my hand and a song in my heart.

Kelly has been a champion and mentor of mine from day one. My first time ever learning Lightroom was looking over her shoulder. As Kelly edited a wedding gallery, she took me through her thought process. She has coached me through tough client interactions, commiserated with me in my busy season (stressing the importance of pacing and self-care), celebrated every little victory, and shouted my name from the rooftops.

Kelly has retired from photography and is now a kick-butt fitness studio owner and instructor over at FORM, where she continues to encourage and inspire. I was in the best shape of my life working out with her via Zoom classes during the COVID lockdown. If you’re in the Marblehead area, don’t run…rush…to check her studio out.

Love you, Kelly (and your people). These photos can never repay you, but I’ll keep trying.