Okay, where do I even begin with Sydney? This session meant so much to me. I’ve been photographing her since her family moved here to the Phoenix area from Washington State about five years ago. I’ve watched her grow up through my lens literally from her middle school years all the way to now, graduating from Willow Canyon High School. Cue all the emotions.
Sydney chose to do her senior session at the Hassayampa River Preserve in Wickenburg, AZ, which was such a perfect fit for her. It’s this beautiful, tucked-away spot full of greenery and peaceful, whimsical vibes. A total gem in the desert. She wanted something that felt more lush and soft for her photos, and this location gave us just that. The light coming through the trees, the quiet trails with nearby creeks, and the natural beauty was honestly magical.
As a Phoenix senior photographer, I’m always excited when seniors bring their own ideas and choose a location that feels personal. It makes the whole experience that much more meaningful, and Sydney came in with a clear vision that was totally her.
What makes this session even more special for me is the history we share. One of the very first magazine publications I ever had featured a photo of Sydney. How cool is that? From day one, she’s always had this ease in front of the camera, and now she’s stepping behind it too. This past summer, I let her follow me around on shoots, ask questions, and even take some photos herself. She’s got an eye for it, and watching her learn and grow has been such a proud moment for me. I’ve kind of had the chance to mentor her a little bit, which has been so fun. So it was only fitting that we captured some senior photos with her camera, too.
Sydney is heading off to Arizona State University this fall to major in journalism. She’s always loved writing and photography, and I truly believe she’s going to thrive in that world. She already has such a natural way of telling stories, both with her words and her images.
Sydney, I’m so proud of you. You’ve come such a long way and I’m so grateful to have been part of your journey these past five years. Watching you step into this next season is such a joy and I can’t wait to see what you create next.
