There are some seniors you photograph who feel like new friends… and then there are seniors who feel like family.

Ava is the second kind.

I’ve known her since she was three years old — three. I’ve watched her grow up, photographed her older brother’s senior session years ago, and somehow, in the blink of an eye, it was her turn. Those full-circle moments always get me a little misty (in the best way). Being trusted to document milestones for families over the years is one of my favorite parts of being an Oregon senior photographer.

When we started planning Ava’s senior photos, we decided to do something extra special: a two-part session in two completely different seasons and landscapes. And honestly? It was the dreamiest combination.

Flowers and sunrise.
Ocean and sunset.

Soft and wild.
Sweet and adventurous.It felt so perfectly Ava.

Part One: Sunrise at 7 Stems Farm

If you’ve ever wondered whether a sunrise senior session is worth the early alarm clock… let me just say this:

It’s magic.

Real, glowy, storybook magic.

Ava loves flowers, so when she suggested 7 Stems Farm for a flower field senior session, I knew it would be perfect. We met just as the sun was stretching awake, the sky painted in soft peach and gold, and the whole field still quiet and sleepy.

There’s something so peaceful about mornings like that. No crowds. No rush. Just light slowly pouring over everything.

And the light? Unreal.

Sunrise light wraps around you like the softest blanket. It’s creamy and flattering and makes everything feel cinematic. I always tell my seniors that while sunrise sessions aren’t as popular, they might secretly be the most beautiful time of day to shoot.

We wandered through rows of blooms, brushing our fingers along petals, laughing, dancing between the flowers like we were in our own little movie scene. At one point we even spotted tiny bumblebees still snoozing inside the blossoms — the sweetest, quietest detail that made the morning feel extra special.

It didn’t feel posed or stiff. It felt like Ava, just being Ava.

Which is always the goal.

Part Two: Oregon Coast Sunset

Then came September… and the coast.

If you know me at all, you know the Oregon coast has my whole heart. It’s one of my favorite places for senior photos in Oregon because it gives you so much variety — cliffs, rocks, sand, ocean, texture, movement. It’s playful and editorial all at once.

And somehow we got the most perfect weather day.

Not too windy (a coastal miracle), warm enough to be comfortable, and the kind of sunset that just keeps getting prettier every minute.

Ava was totally down for anything — which is my favorite kind of energy.

We climbed on rocks.
Ran barefoot through the sand.
Let her hair fly in the breeze.
And ended the night sitting right in the surf, laughing as the waves soaked the hem of her jeans.

It was carefree and joyful and felt like the perfect closing chapter to her senior year.

That’s one of the reasons I love splitting sessions into two locations or seasons when possible — it tells a fuller story. Seniors are never just one vibe. They’re layered and interesting and growing into themselves. Multiple settings let their personality shine in different ways.

Making Senior Photos Feel Easy (and Fun)

One thing I hear all the time is that seniors feel nervous about photos — what to wear, how to pose, how to choose the right photographer.

If that’s you, I’ve got you covered. You might love reading:

• “10 Common Pain Points Seniors Face When Choosing a Photographer”
  
• “11 Easy Poses To Make Your Senior Photos Awesome”
  

Both posts walk you through exactly how I make the experience relaxed, natural, and actually fun (promise — no awkward stuff here).

Because your senior session shouldn’t feel stressful. It should feel like an adventure you’ll always remember.

Thinking About Your Own Senior Photos?

Sessions like Ava’s remind me why I love what I do so much.

It’s not just about pretty pictures.

It’s about honoring who you are right now — this in-between season of becoming. It’s about celebrating your story, your personality, your sparkle.

Whether you’re dreaming of flower fields, mountain lakes, downtown streets, or the Oregon coast at sunset, we’ll create something that feels completely you.

If you’re ready for senior photos that feel natural, joyful, and a little bit magical… I’d love to plan an adventure together.

Let’s make your senior year unforgettable. ✨