I just wrote a blog post about what surprised me most about my job as a photographer—something I never expected all those years ago when I started my business: how deeply I would come to care about the people I photograph.
I love my clients
I love their stories.
And I love getting to tell them.
I’ve had the honor of watching Alexis and Isaac grow up. They’ve spent ten years in front of my camera—and sixteen years side-by-side as twins.
Their mom always referred to them as “the littles” because they are the youngest set of twins in the family. Yes, two sets of twins!
I can’t help but smile when I look at one of my favorite photos from their very first session with me. Alexis and Isaac were six years old, and somehow I can still see the same two kids in that photo today—the million-dollar smile on Isaac and the knowing smile on Alexis.
Ten years later, not much has changed. And yet so much is different.
They still share a birthday and a bond that comes from spending sixteen years navigating life together. But they’ve grown into thoughtful, capable young adults with interests and personalities all their own.
Alexis loves books, painting, writing, and long conversations. Isaac would choose horseback riding, camping, and sleeping under the stars. She describes him as someone who jumps into adventure. He describes her as someone who is always willing to help.
Two very different people.
One lifelong friendship.
And sixteen years of growing up with each other.
Q&A With Alexis and Isaac
If someone met you for the first time, what would they need to know about you?
Alexis:
The first thing someone would probably need to know is that I am always up for a conversation. I love to read and if they have read the same book I could talk with them for hours. I love to work with my hands whether it’s baking, or working on a project.
Isaac:
If someone met me for the first time the thing they would need to know about me is that I am quite in larger groups but when playing a sport I can get very loud.
Describe your dream day. If you could spend one day doing absolutely anything, what would it look like?
Alexis:
My dream day would be meeting up with a friend and going to the mall for a few hours. Then getting food somewhere nearby. After that I would go home to either read or paint. After dinner I would watch a documentary or a cop show.
Isaac:
My dream day would be horseback riding to a campsite, setting up camp, and then star gazing until I have to go to bed.
What’s one thing you admire about your twin?
Alexis:
His willingness to go out and do so many different things like sailing for days, backpacking, canoeing in the middle of the Canadian wilderness, or even just jumping into any opportunity he encounters.
Isaac:
One thing I admire about my twin is how she is always willing to help me whether that’s in Spanish class when I have no clue what something says or when I need help braiding a bracelet.
What feels unique about being a twin, and what feels normal?
Alexis:
It is definitely unique to have classes with your sibling. My friends may also be friends with Isaac. It does mostly feel normal, it’s just like having a sibling around your age just you see them more at school.
Isaac:
Being a twin feels more normal than anything but if I had to say something else it would be having someone to talk to any hour of the day. The unique part of being a twin has to be getting random lore drops about people at school or random information I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
What’s one way you’re similar to your twin and one way you’re completely different?
Alexis:
Isaac is way more athletic, while I am more artistic. He plays volleyball for our high school and for a club. I on the other hand I am into watercolor, oil painting, and writing. We are similar in the fact that we both enjoy a good restaurant and a good meal.
Isaac:
Our dressing styles are vastly different. I love to wear country and boots while she prefers to wear more street wear. Also as in our hobbies as I love to go out into nature and camp and do high adventure activities like Northern Tier in Canada. While she loves to collect records, thrifting every now and again, as well as debate. We are similar in how smart we both are. Her a little more in math and english (language) and me a bit more in history and science.
How did you celebrate turning 16, and what was the best part of the day?
Alexis:
On my birthday I had an off period right before lunch so Isaac, Lillie, and I went to Chick-fil-A and Target. After that, I just chilled at home before going to class. After school we went to Black Rock with both of my sisters. When we got home we opened some gifts then went to dinner at The Melting Pot. It was my first time eating there and it was very fun. I also went to Yard House with three of my friends a couple days later. It was a blast!
Isaac:
I celebrated turning 16 a few different ways. One day by playing airsoft with my cousins and friends. After that we had a barbecue. My favorite part of that was at airsoft when one of my friends got a prize from a raffle they were doing. Another day, my girlfriend and I went to a virtual reality thing and later we got some pizza for dinner. My favorite part of that day was introducing her to one of my favorite shows, Andor.
Alexis and Isaac, sixteen years is worth celebrating! More than an age, it’s a celebration of the people you are today—and the people you are becoming. Thank you for letting me celebrate this milestone with you and for letting me be part of your lives over the last ten years. Happy 16th birthday!
– Jamie
Parker, Colorado Teen Photographer
Telling YOUR Story
