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.
As a photographer, the beginning of the year is my time to reset, plan, and get organized. This quieter season is when I recharge and fine-tune the tools that support my creativity. At the center of this process is my coffee station—a comforting space that fuels both my editing marathons and quiet moments of reflection.
The Evolution of My Coffee Station
My love for coffee took a new turn during a visit to my brother’s house. He brewed a cup in a French press, and I was hooked. The rich, smooth flavor made me rethink my giant coffee maker. I decided to simplify my setup and traded in my bulky coffee pot for a simpler setup with a French press.
I also have an electric kettle, a grinder (recommended by my dear friend Michelle), and an electric milk frother that makes my morning lattes feel indulgent.
Hot and Iced Drinks Made Simple
I love both hot and iced drinks, but iced tea has always been a favorite. The challenge was making it at home without watering it down by pouring hot tea over ice. But my daughter Kayla got me this new Hyperchiller for Christmas. Now, I can make flavorful iced tea and coffee in minutes without waiting for it to cool.
I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with flavors, but until recently, I usually stuck with simple options like vanilla or caramel syrups from the grocery store. This year, I decided to branch out and treat myself to a collection of fun new flavors. Some of my new favorites include sugar-free French Vanilla, Butter Pecan, and Lavender, with sugar-free Raspberry syrup being a staple for creating fun, low-sugar drinks.
To keep things fresh, I turned to ChatGPT to help me brainstorm new flavor pairings, which inspired a step-by-step guide for mixing drinks with different bases, flavors, and extras.
Recipes to Try
DIY Coffee & Tea Mix-and-Match Guide
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to creating your perfect drink:
Choose Your Base: Start with 1 cup of your favorite brewed beverage (e.g., French press coffee, green tea, black tea, matcha, or herbal tea).
Add Flavor: Add 1 to 4 pumps of your chosen syrup, depending on your preference for sweetness.
Sweeten (Optional): Add your preferred sweetener, such as stevia, honey, or agave, or skip this step if your syrup is sweet enough.
Add Milk/Froth: Pour in ½ cup of your milk of choice, frothed hot or cold using your electric frother.
In many ways, my coffee station is more than just a place to brew drinks—it’s a reminder to slow down and savor the everyday moments. Whether I’m creating a new recipe or simply sipping from my favorite mug made by my talented friend Michelle, I find comfort in the little details that make the experience special.
As I prepare for the busy months ahead, this quiet season and my small coffee rituals help me stay grounded and inspired. I hope my setup and recipes inspire you to create a cozy corner of your own.
What does your perfect coffee or tea ritual look like? I’d love to hear about it!
