At last weekend’s soccer game, a parent thanked me for photographing the games and her son. She said she really appreciated seeing all of the emotions and the intensity of the players that you don’t usually notice while watching the game.

This year the Clarke County Crew U-14 Travel Team, now in their second year, has improved dramatically. And, I’m seeing more and more of those emotions through the lens as the players realize they’re not just participating but also vying for the win.

It’s also rewarding to hear the boys talk about the photos and watch them check out the galleries on their phones, with lots of laughing and smiles. And, when you can be the parent of a teenager and still be appreciated, that’s certainly an added bonus!