There are some senior sessions that just feel like sunshine.

Maddy’s was one of those days.

The kind where everything smells like lavender and warm air, where you kick your shoes off between photos, where your best friend is tagging along and you’re laughing so hard you forget there’s even a camera around.

Honestly? My favorite kind.

As an Oregon senior photographer, I’m always encouraging my seniors to build a session around something they genuinely love. Not trends. Not Pinterest pressure. Just them. So when Maddy told me, “I really love flowers… like, all the flowers,” I practically clapped my hands together.

A flower-themed adventure session in Hood River in July?

Say less. Let’s go.

Starting the Day at Hood River Lavender Farms

We started the afternoon at Hood River Lavender Farms, and it was pure summer magic.

Picture this: rows and rows of soft purple blooms stretching toward the hills, bees humming lazily, and the sun high and warm in that golden, glowy way that only July in Oregon can pull off.

It was definitely a hot, sunny day — the kind where you bring extra water and embrace the glow — but Maddy handled it like a champ.

She kept her outfit simple and sweet to start: easy, breathable, totally her. Nothing fussy. Nothing that distracted from her smile or those dreamy lavender fields. I always tell my seniors that simple outfits photograph beautifully, and she totally proved that right.

We wandered through the rows, letting her move naturally — brushing her hands through the flowers, twirling a little, laughing and lets be honest-sweating!

A Nummy Stop at The Gorge White House

Next, we headed to The Gorge White House, which is basically summer in Oregon wrapped up in one place.

More flowers. Orchards. Mountain views. And yes — we absolutely stopped for dinner at their amazing food cart.

I love building space into sessions to slow down and actually enjoy the experience. Senior photos shouldn’t feel rushed or like a checklist. They should feel like a memory you’ll actually want to relive.

So we grabbed food, sat in the shade, and chatted about life after graduation, future plans, and all the exciting what-ifs that come with being 18. It made it even better that Maddy brought her best friend with! 

And can we talk about bringing your best friend to your senior session for a second? I highly recommend it.

It instantly takes the pressure off. Between shots, they’re hyping you up, fixing your hair, making you laugh. We even snuck her friend into a few photos, which ended up being some of my favorites. There’s something so special about documenting friendships during senior year — it’s such a huge part of this season of life.

Then we changed into the next outfit… and oh my gosh, Maddy looked beautiful.

Her dress was simple, flowy, and effortless. The kind of dress that catches the breeze just right. It photographed so beautifully against the gardens and white farmhouse backdrop. Editorial but still soft. Exactly the vibe we were going for.

Ending at Pear Bloom Farm at Sunset

For our final stop, we made our way to Pear Bloom Farm for sunset. You can rent the field for an after hours session-so we had the whole place to ourselves!

And you know that golden Oregon light that makes everything look like a movie?

Yeah. That.

Her last dress — my absolute favorite of the day — was adorable and timeless. It moved so beautifully when she walked through the fields, and paired with the sunset glow? Total magic.

We leaned into those quiet, dreamy moments: walking through rows of blooms, tucking flowers behind her ear, laughing with her best friend, soaking up the last light of the day.

It felt less like a photoshoot and more like a summer evening adventure.

Which, honestly, is exactly how I want every senior session to feel.

Planning Your Own Senior Session

If you’re dreaming about a session like this, timing really does matter. I share all my tips in The best time to have your senior photos taken in Oregon so you can catch flowers, golden light, and the best weather.

And if you want help prepping outfits, locations, and all the little details, I put everything I’ve learned into My complete checklist for your senior photography experience — it makes the whole process feel easy and fun (because it should be!).

Let’s Chase Some Flowers Together

Maddy’s session was such a sweet reminder that your senior photos don’t have to fit into a box. They can be creative. Personal. A little adventurous. Totally you.

So if you’re a flower lover, a sunset chaser, or someone who just wants their senior photos to feel like the best summer day ever…

Let’s plan something beautiful together.

Flower fields are waiting — and I’d love to photograph your story right in the middle of them. 🌸