As always, there’s something really refreshing about photographing someone who doesn’t overcomplicate things. From the start, this senior (Brady) brought a calm energy to the session: no stress, no trying too hard, just a willingness to show up and enjoy the moment. Anytime a senior shows up with that kind of heart, I breathe a sigh of relief. That kind of attitude always makes the experience smoother, not just for me behind the camera but for the person in front of it, too. He told me afterward that he had fun and felt comfortable, which is always the goal and one of the best things I can hear after a shoot…nailed it!
We included his beloved dirt bike and his truck, which instantly set the tone. These weren’t added in for the sake of the session; they’re part of his everyday world, and you could tell it felt familiar in the best way. The way he interacted with both made it easy to capture photos that looked natural because they were. I didn’t have to guide much…he just moved through the space in a way that made sense, and I followed along with the camera. Did I love it? Yes! Did my mom-heart skip a little when he hit those big-air moments? Also, yes. When I asked him to describe himself, he said humble and funny, which fit perfectly. He doesn’t push for attention, but there’s an understated confidence in how he carries himself that speaks for him. He mentioned that he looks up to his dad for being hardworking and grounded, and it was easy to see that same energy in him. Reliable, steady, and real; he’s the kind of person who doesn’t have to say much to make an impression.
Wrestling was also a big part of his high school experience. He described it simply as fun, but even in that short answer, it was clear it mattered to him. Sometimes the most meaningful parts of our lives are the ones we don’t overexplain, because we just show up for them, over and over, because they feel right. He also shared how important it is to him to stand up against bullying, something he’s witnessed too often. You can tell he’s the kind of person who notices when someone needs support and steps in without making a big deal about it. School wasn’t his favorite, and he didn’t pretend otherwise. Ha! He told me straight up that he hated it and didn’t have a subject he enjoyed, but even so, he walked away with a mindset that will take him far. He’s learned not to worry about what other people think, and that kind of clarity is something a lot of people spend years trying to figure out. His advice to his freshman self? Just do your work. He knows what works for him, and that same mindset is what’s guiding his next steps. He plans to go into farming because it’s something he enjoys, and that reason is plenty.
His favorite quote is, “If you ain’t first, you’re last,” which made me smile, but also felt fitting. Brady isn’t loud about his goals, and he’s rarely the biggest voice in the room, but his session felt honest and it felt like him. If you’re one of his friends wondering what a senior session is like, this is it! You get to bring what matters to you, be yourself, and let the rest happen naturally.
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