My First Senior Session at the Botanical Gardens—and Why I Want to Do More
When I showed up for this session, all I knew was my subject’s name, her age, and that her family wanted some creative, not overly staged portraits. I didn’t even realize it was going to be a senior session until I got there and asked…but by the end, it became one of my favorite shoots to date.
The Setting: A Packed Garden and Overcast Light
We had the session at the botanical gardens here in Cleveland, Ohio—a beautiful spot, but there was one little surprise: it was Arbor Day. The place was packed. Parking was a nightmare, and all of us ended up being late. To top it off, we were shooting at 11 a.m., usually a tough time of day for photography because of harsh sunlight. Luckily, it was mostly overcast, which gave us soft, even lighting and made it all work out.
Juliette: From Nervous to Glowing
Juliette, the lovely senior, was really shy and quiet at first—which totally makes sense when you’re meeting a stranger with a camera. But little by little, I got her to relax. A few goofy comments, some awkward stances on my part, and we were in business. Before long, she was smiling, laughing, and starting to enjoy the process.
She’s graduating soon and wanted photos to celebrate the moment—and to have something to share with her new school. It wasn’t just a photo session—it was a way to mark this huge transition in her life!
Why This Session Stuck With Me
This session challenged me in the best way. I went into it with almost no information and had to think on my feet–from working around the crowded location to figuring out how to help Juliette feel at ease. When I got home and looked through the photos, I felt so proud of myself!
The images feel magical. Juliette looks like a woodland fairy, totally in her element among the greenery and blooms. I even got to play around with some “Dark & Moody” editing that I have been dying to try out on the right subject. It totally fit certain areas of the garden!
Want to Be Next?
If you’re a senior (or the parent of one) in Northeast Ohio and want photos that feel like you—natural, relaxed, and genuine—I’d love to work with you. I’m new to senior sessions, but I bring a lot of heart, patience, and creativity to every shoot.
Let’s make something beautiful.
I would LOVE to fill my schedule with senior portrait sessions this year. Working one-on-one and really getting to focus on making a single subject look and feel their best is something I truly enjoy!
Get in touch and let’s create something that celebrates this big moment in you or your senior’s life.
