Surprisingly, the best magic happens when things don’t go according to plan.
That was exactly the case with one of my recent senior sessions. We were all set to shoot at the breathtaking Ridley Creek Park, a location that looks like it was pulled from the pages of a fairytale. But Mother Nature? Well, she had other plans, and torrential rain and flooding made it impossible. Instead of forcing it or canceling altogether, we pivoted. And you know what? It turned out even better.
One of the most important things I ask all my seniors to do before their session is to create a Pinterest board. It gives me a feel for their style and helps us both dream together. One particular senior filled hers with soft, princess-inspired images, like flowy gowns, castles, and plenty of romance. So even without our castle-like backdrop, I was determined to give her that dreamy fairytale look. And though we had to get creative, we made magic of our own! These images represent just some of the amazing locations that are available to seniors, including some you may not have thought of!
This is why trusting your photographer matters. It’s not just about showing up to a pretty location. It’s about telling your story, even when the story has a plot twist. Some of my favorite senior sessions have happened in the most unexpected places: a tucked-away bookstore, an old record store, a garage with cool lighting, even a home backyard with a little twinkle lighting. Think diner booths, arcades, boardwalks, or the open trunk of your car at golden hour. That’s because a senior session is never about the backdrop, but about telling your story authentically.
As a dance photographer, I’ve learned how to make a location move, to let you shine with strength, grace, and emotion no matter where we are. The most iconic photos are often born in the least expected places. Trusting the process means knowing I’ve got your vision in mind the whole time, even when we need to change direction.
So if the weather shifts or the location falls through, don’t stress. We’ll find a new way. We’ll pivot.
And I promise, we’ll still always create something magical.
Want to create your own dream session, even if the path to it isn’t a straight line?
Let’s plan it together. I can’t wait.
