14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
Eliza
“Rise and shine, sweetheart, I’ve got good news!”
I turn over in bed and look at the clock. It’s 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning—much too early for Granny to be this chipper.
“Oh goodness, Granny, what’s got you so excited?” I ask, rubbing my eyes and sitting up in bed.
“Well, last night I ran into Alison Nelson. She owns one of the local apple orchards. Every year the 4-H kids pick apples and they’re always wanting pictures taken.”
Granny’s eyes are bright with excitement as she delivers the news, and I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“That sounds like a fun opportunity,” I reply, swinging my legs out of bed and stretching.
“I thought so too. So I offered up your services, and told her where to find your portfolio on the Instant Gram.”
I chuckle. “You mean Instagram?”
Granny waves her hand dismissively. “Whatever it’s called, that thing on your phone with all your pretty pictures.”
I can’t help but be amused at her attempt to keep up with technology.
“Anyway, she called me this morning. Apparently, she took a look at your Instagram last night after the Pumpkin Festival and thought you’d be the perfect person for the job! She wants to hire you!” She claps her hands.
“That’s amazing!” I exclaim, suddenly wide awake with excitement. “Thank you so much, Granny! When is it?”
“Next Saturday!” She beams at me, her eyes crinkling at the corners with joy.
I jump out of bed and wrap Granny in a tight hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is such a fantastic opportunity!” My mind races with ideas for the photoshoot—golden sunlight filtering through the leaves, kids laughing and reaching for apples, the picturesque scenery of the orchard in the background.
Granny’s eyes glisten with pride as she pats my back affectionately. “I always knew you had a talent for capturing beauty, Eliza. You’re going to do wonders for those kids and their apple-picking day. ”
After a quick breakfast of fluffy pancakes and syrup, I retreat to my room to start planning. The thrill of a new project courses through my veins, filling me with inspiration and motivation. I scroll through Pinterest for some creative ideas, and save images that speak to me. By the time lunch rolls around, I’ve connected with Alison and have a set plan in place with a clear vision in my mind of the shots I want to capture.
It’s really happening.
My first paid photography job.
I scroll through my Instagram, looking at the photos that sold Alison on me—candid shots of Nick working on Gran’s ramp and some staged photos I took of Vanessa out on Main Street.
I really need to expand my portfolio. Capturing the joy and innocence of children picking apples in a beautiful orchard will be a fantastic start … but I’d love to specialize in portraits and weddings eventually.
“One step at a time,” I remind myself.
I sit down at my desk, surrounded by my camera gear and notebooks, and begin outlining my goals for the future. I suppose since this photography business is actually coming to fruition, I should put my marketing degree to good use and start creating some sort of business plan.
I jot down ideas for expanding my client base, setting up a website, and creating a social media strategy to attract more customers. I make a to-do list, which includes expanding my portfolio to showcase family portraits and couples, and taking headshots for my website.
Maybe I can take some headshots of myself while I’m at the orchard next weekend …
I make a mental note to bring my tripod and then open up Pinterest again to get ideas for poses and lighting techniques. As I scroll through the endless rows of beautiful photography, pinning anything and everything that catches my eye, I can’t help but feel excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead.
Suddenly, the sound of a drill whirs to life out front, snapping me out of my creative reverie.
I walk toward the front of the house, peering out the window to see Nick. His brows are furrowed in concentration as he works on the ramp, focused on the task at hand.
I watch him for a moment, admiring the way he moves with purpose and skill; the way his dark hair falls in his eyes, the way his hands move deftly as he works. With each strike of the drill, his tense muscles ripple and bulge under his skin in a way that’s strangely mesmerizing.
The man is ripped, and it’s hard not to notice.
As if sensing my gaze on him, Nick looks up and catches me staring through the window. A small smile tugs at the corners of his lips.
Oops .
I wave awkwardly before rushing to the door to greet him. “Hey, Nick,” I call out as I step onto the porch .
“Hey, Eliza,” he replies, his voice warm and friendly as he sets down his drill.
“I have exciting news,” I say, unable to contain my excitement.
“Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“I got hired for a photoshoot next Saturday at Alison Nelson’s apple orchard! And it’s a paying job!”
“Oh, no way! With the 4-H kids? I’m actually gonna be at that event. That’s incredible! I knew your talent wouldn’t go unnoticed for long. Congrats!” he exclaims, a proud grin spreading across his face.
“Thank you, thank you.” I give a small bow of gratitude, feeling a flutter in my chest at his genuine enthusiasm for my success.
Nick’s support means more to me than I care to admit.
And I’m so happy to hear he’s going to be there.
I grab my camera bag and tripod and head out to the apple orchard early Saturday morning. The air is crisp and the sun is just starting to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over everything it touches.
As I arrive, I spot Alison, the middle-aged owner. Her dark hair is pulled up in a bun and she greets me with a warm smile. “Welcome to the orchard, Eliza! It’s so nice to finally meet you in person!”
I return her smile and reach out to shake her hand, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling inside me. “It’s so nice to meet you, too!”
“I just love your grandmother. She’s such a hoot.”
“Yes, she is.” I laugh. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, either.”
“Of course.” She chuckles. “Well, we’re thrilled to have you here today. Let me show you around.”
“Okay, great! Thank you. I can’t wait to get started!”
Alison leads me through the rows of apple trees, where groups of children are already starting to arrive, chattering and laughing as they prepare for their day of apple picking. The orchard is a photographer’s dream with rows upon rows of trees, heavy with bright red and green apples, a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves, and the distant sound of birdsong filling the air.
“This is where the kiddos will be picking apples,” Alison explains, gesturing towards a particularly picturesque area of the orchard. “I thought it would be perfect for you to capture some candid shots of them in action. And then you’re welcome to do a staged shoot as well, if you’d like!”
I nod eagerly, already envisioning what I’m going to do. “That sounds perfect. I think a combination of candid and staged shots will really showcase the beauty of this place and the fun the children are having.”
Alison claps her hands together. “I love your enthusiasm, Eliza!” She glances down at her watch. “I’ve gotta go welcome the kids, but before you leave, I’d love for you to stop by and see me. I’m not sure what your availability is, but I took a look at your photography page. You’re so talented, and I’d love for you to set up here and offer mini shoots on a more regular basis. We could work out an easy arrangement. I just know that my customers would love the option.”
“That would be amazing.” I smile. “I’ll definitely stop by before I leave.”
“Okay, great. Also, feel free to have a few apples for yourself,” Alison adds, shooting me a wink. “No need to starve out here. We have apple cider here, too.”
“Thank you!”