Senior year is such a special time—full of excitement, big decisions, and core memories in the making. But when my own daughters reached that milestone, I quickly realized something was missing from the typical senior photo experience. Their school-appointed studio sessions left them disappointed. Their photos didn’t feel like them—they looked just like their friends' pictures, with stiff poses and no personality. That just didn’t sit right with me. Senior photos should be more than just another requirement on a checklist—they should be something personal, something that truly reflects who you are.
My first daughter actually liked her senior pictures, and at the time, we thought that was enough. But looking back, we didn’t realize how much better the experience could have been—how much more personal, fun, and meaningful senior photos could feel. It wasn’t until my second daughter went through the process that I truly saw what was missing. She wasn’t happy with her school pictures, so I took her out with her two best friends for a photoshoot where they could be themselves. They laughed at inside jokes, did silly poses, and encouraged each other, and for the first time, she actually enjoyed being in front of the camera. I watched her go from feeling unsure about having her picture taken to radiating joy and confidence. The photos were beautiful, but even more than that, the experience itself became one of her favorite memories from senior year.
That experience sparked something in me. When my third daughter’s turn came, she was completely on board for senior photos, but just like her sister, she wasn’t a fan of the school studio pictures. So, instead of settling for something that didn’t feel like her, we planned something better—a three-season photoshoot that allowed her to fully embrace the experience. Living in Florida meant we didn’t get much of a seasonal change, but that didn’t stop us. We traveled to Tennessee in the fall just to experience the crisp air and colorful leaves, making her senior photos even more special. The same story repeated with my fourth daughter and my niece who was living with us at the time. Each time, I found myself loving the process—not just the photos, but the moments in between. We spent time together planning outfits, choosing locations, and laughing through each session. The photoshoots became about so much more than just pictures. They were about connection, building confidence, and creating memories together.
Looking back, I realize God was shaping my heart for this work long before I ever called myself a photographer (I was just a mom with a nice camera who enjoyed taking pictures). He was showing me that these moments weren’t just about capturing a milestone, but about helping young women see themselves the way He created them—fearfully and wonderfully made. I watched my daughters, my niece, and their friends step in front of my camera feeling unsure, only to walk away with a newfound confidence in the way they saw themselves. It wasn’t just about the right pose or the perfect lighting—it was about reminding them of their worth, their beauty, and the incredible person God designed them to be.
That’s why I chose to specialize in senior photography. I don’t want any senior to feel like their photos are just another studio session where they look like everyone else. I want every senior I photograph to walk away with more than just pictures—I want them to leave with confidence, joy, and a reminder that they are seen, valued, and deeply loved. Because at the end of the day, your senior year is your story to tell, and your portraits should reflect the beautiful, one-of-a-kind person God created you to be.
**Disclaimer - This is based on my own experience from what school-appointed studio sessions were for my own family.
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