August is always a beautiful time for senior portraits—especially when you have a client like Colette, whose vibrant energy, intelligence, and eclectic style made her session truly memorable. We met for her senior portraits at Whitetail Woods, a stunning natural park known for its picturesque trails, serene lakes, and lush greenery. The park offered the perfect backdrop to showcase Colette’s sweet, adventurous personality and her love for staying active.
A Bright, Beautiful Soul
Colette is the kind of person who radiates kindness and warmth. From the moment we began her session, it was clear that she’s not only incredibly intelligent, but also genuinely down-to-earth and friendly. She has this natural, effortless grace about her that makes her such a joy to photograph. Whether she was striking a pose or simply enjoying the outdoors, Colette’s smile was contagious and her easy-going nature made the session flow perfectly.
But it’s not just her sweet demeanor that stands out. Colette is also a very active young lady with a wide range of passions that really make her unique. She loves playing the piano, rock climbing, rollerblading, and reading and writing. It’s rare to meet someone with such a broad array of interests, and Colette’s multifaceted personality made capturing her essence through photography all the more enjoyable.
A Stylish & Unique Look
One of the things that immediately stood out to me about Colette was her style. She has a wonderfully unique sense of fashion that’s both simple and incredibly chic. For her session, she chose a cute yet understated dress that was both feminine and comfortable, but it was her stunning leather jacket that really stole the show. Colette found the jacket at her church’s annual garage sale for just $5! I love how thrifting has become such a popular way to find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, and Colette’s find couldn’t have been more perfect for her senior session. It added the perfect touch of edge and personality to her look while still feeling true to her.
Her love for thrifting was a key part of her style, and I could tell that she enjoys putting together outfits that reflect both her creativity and resourcefulness. It was such a pleasure to photograph her in the outfits she chose—her adorable green summer dress with tiny flowers and a leather jacket, with some skinny jeans and Chucks – felt like a perfect mix of playful and bold, much like Colette herself.
Whitetail Woods: The Perfect Backdrop
Whitetail Woods was the ideal location for Colette’s session. The park offers so many beautiful, natural spaces—wooded trails, open fields, and serene lakes—that allowed us to get creative and capture the different sides of Colette’s personality. From walking along the forest trails to sitting on a concrete platform by the lake, each spot we found gave us the perfect setting to highlight her energetic spirit and love for adventure.
One of my favorite moments was when Colette decided to do a little rock climbing (something she loves!) on one of the natural rock formations in the park. She approached it with such ease and confidence, and I loved how it showcased her sense of adventure and physicality. It was a great reminder of how important it is to let your personality shine through in your photos. For Colette, that meant embracing her love for active pursuits and incorporating them into the session.
We also spent time near the water, where the soft light created the most beautiful and dreamy images. Colette looked completely at home in this serene setting, and I could tell she was soaking in the peacefulness of the moment.
A Passion for Creativity
Along with her love for physical activities, Colette also has a deep passion for creative pursuits, particularly playing the piano, reading, and writing. Although we didn’t specifically feature these in her session, it was clear that these interests help shape who she is—intelligent, introspective, and thoughtful. The way she carries herself speaks to her inner strength and curiosity, and I could see how her creative side would blend seamlessly with her love for adventure and new experiences.
We talked a bit during the shoot about her writing and the stories she loves to tell, and I couldn’t help but be impressed by how well-rounded she is. Colette’s artistic side was evident in the way she expressed herself in front of the camera—each pose felt natural, and every shot seemed to capture a little more of her inner world.
Wrapping Up the Session
As the session came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the chance to work with someone like Colette. She is a sweet, kind, and incredibly talented young woman with so much to offer the world. Her love for adventure, creativity, and thrifting shines through in everything she does, and I feel so lucky to have been able to capture these moments for her as she transitions into this exciting chapter of her life.
Colette, thank you for trusting me with your senior portraits! I hope these images serve as a beautiful reflection of the many facets of your personality—your warmth, your strength, and your unique sense of style. No matter where life takes you, I know you’ll continue to shine brightly and inspire everyone around you.
Are you ready to schedule your own senior session? Whether you’re into rock climbing, music, or just love unique style like Colette, let’s create photos that reflect all the things that make you YOU! Contact me today to book your session.
