One of my favorite parts of planning senior sessions is choosing locations that actually mean something. While beautiful parks are always a great option, there’s something extra special about photographing seniors in places that have shaped who they are.
That was exactly the case for Ben’s senior session!
We began where so much of his high school career has taken place—the wrestling room. Joined by his parents, little sister Adalyn, and later his brother Evan, we documented not only the hard work he’s put into the sport but also the people who have been cheering him on every step of the way. Ben even brought every pair of wrestling shoes he’s worn over the years, creating one of my favorite details from the session. Seeing those shoes lined up together was a tangible reminder of just how much time, dedication, and determination have gone into becoming the wrestler he is today.
Ben also gave me a crash course in wrestling while we photographed in the wrestling room and weight room. Between his singlet, warm-ups, and later a classic gray suit, we created a variety of images that celebrated both his athletic accomplishments and this exciting milestone of senior year. (Especially since wrestlers dress up for match days.) There was one more full-circle detail that made this session especially meaningful. Ben’s dad, Eric, is one of the wrestling coaches and has his own name displayed on the school’s wrestling record wall as a state competitor. Even more fun? Eric’s twin brother is also a wrestling coach, and his name is on the wall right alongside him. It’s a legacy of dedication to the sport that’s now continuing with the next generation.
From there, we headed to my favorite location of the evening—his family’s cabin acreage just south of Norwalk.
Not only is it the headquarters for Ben’s bow hunting and turkey hunting adventures, but it will also one day become the site of his family’s forever home. As the sun settled over the rolling hills, it was easy to understand why this place means so much to them. The views were incredible, and every corner of the property reflected another piece of Ben’s story.
After changing into a more casual outfit, we explored the fields surrounding the cabin before finishing the evening near a beautifully weathered old bridge tucked away nearby. One thing I always tell my seniors is that we don’t need a dozen outfit changes to create variety. I love using one outfit in multiple locations before changing because it gives each gallery a wide range of backgrounds and looks while making the most of our time together. Ben and his mom, Elizabeth, chose outfits that worked perfectly for each setting.
One of my favorite trends this summer has been including a few family portraits during senior sessions. Since everyone is already together, it’s the perfect opportunity to update family photos without scheduling a separate session. Ben’s family was all in—from helping style shoes and checking outfits to capturing behind-the-scenes moments for social media. Adalyn may have been my youngest assistant of the season, but she took her job very seriously!
Sessions like Ben’s are exactly why I love personalized senior photography. Whether your story includes athletics, music, theater, robotics, hunting, volunteering, or a favorite family property, those details deserve to be remembered. Years from now, these photographs won’t just remind you what you looked like during your senior year—they’ll remind you of the people, places, and passions that shaped who you were becoming.
Ben, thank you for sharing your story with me. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished, and thank you to your entire family for making the evening so much fun. I can’t wait to see where life takes you next!
