Photographing Maddie was one of those milestone sessions that made me step back and really appreciate this work I get to do. Gratitude. She brought so much creativity and heart into the space, and did so with a natural ease and charisma! She chose a setting in the heart of the city, knowing the movement and energy of the streets would inspire something different. Watching her dance through those spaces, completely in her element, felt like magic unfolding in real time.
One of the moments that stands out the most happened when Maddie began to improvise during the shoot. No stiff posing, no planning, just moving the way her heart led her. Those images captured something deeper than a senior photo. They caught her spirit and her strength, all wrapped into one beautiful moment! Maddie has poured her heart into dance for years, even coming back stronger after fracturing her back at just fifteen years old. With plans to study dance science and dreams of becoming a sports physical therapist and dance studio owner, it is so clear she is ready to take on everything ahead of her with incredible focus and passion.
What made this experience even more powerful is the connection we already shared. A few years ago, I had the honor of photographing Maddie’s sister, Izzy, for her senior portraits. Being asked to return and photograph another milestone for their vibrant family means more to me than I can fully express. There is something so special about the familiarity that comes with seeing a family again. It makes the whole session feel even more personal, even more genuine. There is a sense of trust already built, and that allows for an even deeper kind of storytelling. We had also set aside time for portraits of Maddie and Izzy together (below, I have included some selections from their sister session and Izzy’s senior shoot!), and those images are ones I will always hold close. There was so much laughter, so much quiet pride between them, and it was a privilege to witness. It reminded me why I am so grateful for families who invite me into these big moments not just once, but again and again. It is a gift I never take for granted.
Sweet Maddie, your ambition, strength, and authenticity shine so brightly. It was a joy to see you express yourself so fully and to capture a glimpse of everything you are becoming. Thank you (and your family) for trusting me with this moment in your story. It is one I will always remember with so much gratitude.
If you are starting to think about your senior portraits and want an experience that feels personal, meaningful, and true to who you are, I would love to create that with you!
