One of my favorite parts of every session happens before my client even arrives. I show up early—often even an hour before our scheduled time—and I walk. I’m looking at light, noticing textures, mentally marking spots that might work beautifully in by the time the session starts, when the sun shifts just a little lower.
For this senior session at Henry Horton Park, I pulled out my phone and captured a few quick snapshots of what I was seeing. That’s the thing about being a photographer—you start to notice potential everywhere. Those tall weeds that most people would overlook? I saw how the evening light would filter through them, creating that dreamy backlit glow. The chain-link fence by the tennis court isn’t exactly a classic backdrop, but I knew the angle of the light would hit it perfectly, adding interesting lines and texture that you can’t get in an open field.
And that old building with the weathered walls? Not traditionally pretty, but those colors and textures were exactly what I needed to add variety to the gallery. Same with the gravel path—perfect for those natural walking shots that show movement and personality rather than just another posed portrait.
The best part? This senior made my job easy. She was natural, relaxed, and gave me so much variety in her expressions. When you’re working with someone who trusts the process and brings genuine energy to the session, those little spots I’d scouted earlier transform into something special. The weeds became a golden backdrop for her laughter. The fence created dramatic shadows. The building’s texture made her vibrant outfits pop even more.
This is exactly why I love what I do. It’s not just about finding pretty locations—it’s about seeing light and possibility in unexpected places, and then watching it all come together when the right person steps in front of the camera.
If you’re ready to book your own senior session and see how we can create something unique together, reach out! I’d love to show you how the ordinary becomes extraordinary when we look at it through the right light.
