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“My name is Ivy Ocean Thornberry. I have an interesting family. My parents are both teachers in district 201. My older sister recently graduated from Mizzou. Eli, my brother, is a freshman at BTHS. We also have 2 cute dogs. I’m currently a senior at Belleville West High School. I moved to Belleville, the summer before my freshman year. During my 4 years in High School, I played soccer and ran cross country. I was also in a workout camp over the last three summers. I really enjoy it, although I had to get up at 5 a.m!”

“My hobbies include art, yoga, working out, and youth group. My family and I are members of the First United Presbyterian Church. I am undecided on my college choice. However, I am considering majoring in Exercise Science to be a personal trainer. I am also considering studying Gerontology and plan to get my CNA this summer. My main goal is to be happy. I would love to live by the ocean because I believe that is where I am my happiest.”

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It was an accepting and nonjudging environment.

“Prior to the photoshoot at DCCP, My mom and I met with Dawn and Joe about possible locations and styles for my photoshoot. They were very positive and helpful with my ideas. They suggested some outfit ideas and props. It was an accepting and nonjudging environment. Dawn and Joe were very professional, outgoing, and easy to talk to. I left feeling excited. Before my photoshoot with DCCP, I was feeling anxious and insecure. After my awesome hair and makeup session with Jessica, I felt confident and pretty.”

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“We followed Dawn and Joe into St. Louis for the photoshoot. The first place was at an abandoned building with lots of inspiring graffiti. Someone asked if we were there for the post-apocalyptic photoshoot. We laughed and after getting several fun photos we saw some of the characters for the post-apocalyptic shoot and Joe asked them if we could get a photo with them and they agreed. It was an interesting experience. The photos came out great! We went to a few more locations and the last was by a waterfall. Joe and Dawn made me feel confident even though there were people stopping to watch us.”

It was an amazing and unforgettable experience. When I saw my final images, I was shocked and amazed! They are awesome, thank you so much.

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“DCCP is amazing! Five years ago they took the senior photos for our older daughter, Chloe. We were pleased and when the time came for Ivy’s senior pictures we knew that DCCP would do a fantastic job. I felt more prepared this time. My advice to other parents would be to get ideas of what you want from Pinterest etc., bring lots of outfits and props, and trust DCCP because they know what they’re doing. During the initial meeting, we discussed styles, clothes, colors, and props. When Ivy said that she was awkward, Joe and Dawn ensured her that she was cool awkward and that totally built up her confidence.” -Tina (Ivy’s Mom)

“On the day of the photoshoot, Ivy was feeling very confident in her new clothes and her beautiful hair and make-up from DCCP’s brilliant stylist, Jessica. During the shoot, I noticed that all of our photo suggestions were included in some places that we didn’t even know existed in St. Louis. Joe and Dawn are innovative, creative, and a dynamite photographer duo. The last part of the photoshoot was at a waterfall! Ivy was so confident by this point that she didn’t mind the people walking by who stopped to watch. It was a magical day that boosted Ivy’s self-confidence!” -Tina (Ivy’s Mom)

“The photos from the photoshoot are AMAZING! Dawn captured Ivy’s personality and style perfectly in these photos that we will cherish forever. I can’t wait to share them with friends and family. Thank you DCCP and see you in 3 years for Eli’s senior photos:)” -Tina (Ivy’s Mom)