Don’t go Chasing waterfalls
Before every milestone session, I love hopping on a video call with the seniors (and usually their parents) to hear more about who they are.
After meeting Gavin and his mom, I jotted down a few notes: Boy Scout, outdoorsy, swimmer, viola player, laid-back personality. Basically, a high achieving but humble young man.
When planning a senior session, my goal is always to make it feel personal. I never want photos to feel like checking a box for graduation. I want them to feel like them.
Because Gavin loves nature and has such a relaxed personality, we knew some sort of outdoor backdrop would be the perfect fit. I suggested a few favorite North Texas senior photo locations: Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, Prairie Creek Park in Richardson, and the Frisco Limestone Quarry. (All incredible spots for senior photos, by the way.) My front-runner was Prairie Creek, and luckily Gavin and his mom agreed.
It could not have been more perfect.
One of my favorite things about Prairie Creek Park is how much variety you get without having to walk too far.
We started near the waterfall to lean into Gavin’s love of the outdoors. Without me even prompting him, he asked if he could take off his shoes and walk across the water. Immediate yes.
Those ended up being some of my favorite images from the session. Gavin standing on the rocks, surrounded by water, fully in his element. The kind of photos that feel epic but still authentic to who he is.
After that, Gavin changed shirts and we wandered over to a meadow area just steps away from the waterfall. We captured some cap-and-gown photos there, including a few fun shots of him tossing his graduation cap in the air (which always feels like such a movie moment to me).
Nearby was a cool tree that felt like the perfect spot to incorporate another important part of Gavin’s story: his viola. He’s been playing since he was five years old, which is such a huge part of his life and commitment.
I love weaving hobbies and interests into senior sessions because years from now, those details make the photos feel nostalgic.
Senior sessions are obviously about celebrating the graduate, but if I’m being real, they’re also about the moms.
Graduating high school is such a transition, not just for seniors stepping into adulthood, but for the women who spent years raising them, cheering them on, driving them everywhere, helping them become who they are today.
At the end of Gavin’s session, we took time to capture photos of him with his mom. To honor the accomplishment for both of them.
You can feel the love, gratitude, and pride. The pictures say everything without needing words.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE, MEANINGFUL SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE IN DALLAS, RICHARDSON, PLANO, OR THE SURROUNDING DFW AREAS, PLEASE REACH OUT.
I’D LOVE TO HELP TELL YOUR STORY IN A WAY THAT FEELS LIKE YOU.
LOCATION : PRAIRIE CREEK PARK IN RICHARDSON, TX
