Black Belt | Chicago Photographer

I am so flattered when people drive from the city of Chicago out to me! And this family has been coming to me every year for my Santa mini sessions. However, this time, it was to celebrate their oldest daughter receiving her black belt in karate! I used to do karate, so I know how much work goes into that achievement, and it is definitely worth celebrating! What better way than with an Athlete Mini session??

This first image is my favorite from our session. She was embarrassed to kiai (yell), but I insisted for this image, I wanted to see all of her strength. So I made her do it again and again until we got to capture all of her strength that I knew was within her.

 

But there is more than just showy kicks in karate, there is intensity.

 

There is the snap of the gi, or uniform, as she blocks, and the power that demonstrates.  Martial arts is a balance of inner and outer strength. It is a balance that is learned, and a confidence that is earned. I think this image captures that perfectly.

 

I didn’t want to do too much in terms of my editing, as I didn’t want to distract from her form. I had her walk through her favorite movements and then would snap away as she performed, making adjustments on angles here and there to showcase her form and determination.

 

Karate means “empty hand”. It is an unarmed martial art. It is punches, blocks, kicks, and disarming movement. It is focus and determination.  And this black belt encompasses it all!

 

If you want to celebrate your athlete, I encourage you to check out more of my Athlete work HERE. It is definitely one of my specialties!