As a Phoenix senior photographer, I have the joy of meeting so many incredible teens, and Emma truly left an impression. She’s a beautiful, sweet, and incredibly strong young woman who happens to use a wheelchair. Don’t let her disability fool you. Her upper body strength and independence are awe-inspiring! During our session, she balanced her wheelchair on rocks and fence posts, spun around on the road, and even did wheelies with such confidence. Watching her, it was clear that her wheelchair didn’t limit her creativity or her ability to have fun.
Celebrating Strength and Creativity: Senior Portraits for Teens with Disabilities
We photographed Emma’s Arizona senior session in the desert, where the warm, earthy tones made her outfits pop. She wore a red polka dot dress for one look and a deep blue floral dress for the other, both vibrant choices that brought energy and life to the desert landscape. Every spin, every pose, and every smile highlighted her individuality and spirit.
Her makeup looked flawless, and her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, perfectly capturing her vibrant personality. During the session, we chatted about what’s next for her. Emma is graduating from Verrado High School in Buckeye, Arizona, and has been taking a phlebotomy class at West-MEC, a vocational school offering career and technical education programs. She’s excited about exploring this path after graduation, and it was inspiring to hear about her independence and drive.
One of the things I love most about photographing seniors with disabilities is how it pushes creativity. A wheelchair doesn’t limit a session…it opens up new ways to capture movement, personality, and fun. Whether it’s navigating desert rocks, spinning for a wheelie, or showing off a favorite outfit, there’s endless room for creative expression. Emma’s session reminded me that every teen, no matter their ability, deserves to feel celebrated, confident, and seen during this milestone moment.
Beyond her accomplishments and future goals, Emma shared her passions like music, animals, puzzles, and crochet…all part of what makes her unique. Capturing her in the desert, celebrating her strength and individuality, was an absolute joy.
To seniors with disabilities and their families: your abilities, creativity, and personality are exactly what make your session special. Whether you use a wheelchair or have other accessibility needs, there’s a way to make your senior portraits reflect who you are…dynamic, confident, and unapologetically you.
Emma, thank you for letting me capture this milestone. Your independence, strength, and joy are contagious, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things you do after graduation!