The week before my shoot with Derek, I went to the Gollehon farm to scout out the location and make a plan.  I didn't get to meet Derek that evening, so my first introduction was at the start of his session.  I pulled up to the house, looked towards the shop and water was spraying everywhere. There was Derek, washing up his tractor minutes before we were going to start shooting. In that moment, I knew I instantly liked this kid. I love getting to work with people in their world. Regardless of the smoke that had been settling in for a few days by this point, we set out to catch some shots to capture the person of Derek.  

From a young age Derek has always shown an interest in and a talent for working with his hands.  Growing up working side by side with his dad, he mimicked and caught on. His tinkering turned into fixing, which turned to rebuilding.  A gift that when cultivated and encouraged, became more than just a hobby.  It became a part of him, an expression of himself, and people began to notice.

The Gollehons "bleed green."  And even as a toddler, whenever work needed to be done on their equipment Derek would get out there with the service men from John Deere.  John Deere took notice, offered to sponsor Derek, and he will be going to school to become a mechanic. 

Derek and his family were great to work with.  I'm excited that someone took notice of his skill and gave him such a great opportunity to jump start his future after high school. I'm also thankful that along with the John Deere mechanics, his dad took the time to allow him to work along side him and learn. 

Good job James and Rhonda, you're raising your boy to be a man.  Well done. 

For all the mamas out there.... you never forget those small feet.