I’ve spent more than 20 years photographing seniors, but every once in a while there’s one that reminds me why this job is so special.
There are some seniors who walk into a session as new clients, and then there are seniors like Ava.I’ve had the privilege of photographing Ava’s family for nearly her entire life. It all started with her parents’ wedding, followed by maternity photos, newborn portraits, and so many milestones in between. Watching her grow from a little girl into a confident young woman getting ready for graduation has been incredibly special—not just as her photographer, but as someone who has watched her family’s story unfold over the years.By the time senior pictures rolled around, it didn’t feel like I was photographing a client. It felt like catching up with old friends.
Ava is a member of the JAG program at Wood Memorial High School, where she’s participated in competitions while preparing for an exciting future after graduation. She plans to attend trade school for cosmetology and esthetics, inspired by her aunt, who owned a salon. Although her aunt passed away when Ava was in sixth grade, her passion continues to inspire Ava’s dream of helping people feel beautiful and confident every day.
If you spend even a few minutes with Ava, it’s easy to understand why her friends describe her as irreplaceable, kind-hearted, and empathetic. She also has one very important personality trait that you’ll notice almost immediately—if it’s pink, she probably loves it!
One of my favorite parts of this session was hearing Ava admit afterward that she was surprised by “how comfortable I actually felt considering I used to hate taking pictures.”
That answer made me laugh because I’ve known that side of Ava for years.
Throughout the session we were constantly joking about all the things we’ve done over the years during photo sessions. When I suggested stepping into the waterfall, let’s just say it took a little convincing. The same thing happened when I wanted her to walk out into the tall grass for a few photos. She wasn’t exactly volunteering! It brought back memories of photographing her when she was little, having those same conversations, and eventually getting the smile or laugh that made the photo worth it.
As it turns out, those ended up being some of my favorite images from the day.
ON a side note: I swear there is way more similarities in all three of these images than you might thing. LOL
What I love most is that somewhere along the way, the girl who didn’t enjoy having her picture taken became someone who could relax, trust the process, and simply enjoy the experience. That’s one of the biggest goals I have for every senior session.
When I asked Ava what she was most proud of from high school, her answer said a lot about who she is. She shared that she was proud of being resilient after transferring to a new school and ultimately having a great high school experience. That resilience, along with her kindness and genuine heart, will serve her well in whatever comes next.
Ava, thank you—and thank you to Mom and Dad—for allowing me to be a small part of your story over all these years. It’s been an incredible honor to watch you grow up in front of my camera. I can’t wait to see where life takes you, and I have no doubt you’ll make so many people feel beautiful and confident, just like you’ve always hoped to do.
Congratulations, Ava. I couldn’t be happier for you.
Ready for your own senior experience?
If you’re looking for senior portraits that feel natural, fun, and uniquely you, I’d love to help tell your story. Whether we’ve known each other for years or we’re just meeting for the first time, my goal is the same—to create an experience you’ll actually enjoy and images you’ll love for years to come.
I can’t wait to meet the next member of the Class of 2027!
Congratulations, Ava. I couldn’t be happier for you.