Capturing Milestones: A Heartfelt Senior Session with Alana

As a Colorado-based photographer (originally from Oregon but a resident here since I was 8), senior photo sessions are some of my favorite projects. They mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of something new—full of excitement, reflection, and a little bit of bittersweet. This year, one session felt extra special because it wasn’t just with any senior; it was with Alana, someone I’ve known since the day she was born.

Alana is just two days older than my daughter, which means our home has been filled with the sounds of their shenanigans for nearly 18 years. Playdates turned into sleepovers, shared secrets, and endless laughter. Watching these two grow up together has been one of the biggest joys of my life. From diapers to getting her driver’s license, I’ve had a front-row seat to Alana’s journey—and when it came time for her senior photos, it felt like documenting a piece of my own family’s story.

Alana has always been that kid who drops in unannounced, consistently and cheerfully. Our door has been open to her since forever, and it still is. During my chemo treatments, she was right there—running errands, keeping things light, and just being present in the way only a true add-on daughter can be. She still does those run-arounds for me when needed, no questions asked. And even now, if my daughter is too busy to go out, Alana and her other close friends will stop by with games in hand, turning an ordinary evening into laughter-filled chaos around the dinner table.

That kind of loyalty and warmth? It’s rare and beautiful.

What made this session unforgettable was the adventure we turned it into. Alana flew out with us to Boston to surprise my daughter during her summer internship there. Not many high school seniors would jump on a plane for a photo shoot, but that’s Alana—always ready for the next big memory. We wandered the historic streets, captured golden-hour magic against cobblestone paths and iconic city views, and soaked in that East Coast energy. The surprise reunion added pure joy to every frame.

Of course, we couldn’t skip our Colorado roots—Alana is a true Colorado native, after all. Back home, we headed to some of our favorite local spots—think alpine lakes, aspen groves, and those wide-open mountain views that make you feel small in the best way. Alana glowed against the rugged beauty, her confidence shining through every pose.

Looking back at the photos, I’m struck by how much Alana has grown. I remember her as that sweet, quiet little girl from our early playdates. Today, she’s a vibrant, confident young woman with a presence that lights up the room. Her faith has played a huge role in that journey—it’s been her steady guide through decisions, challenges, and dreams. You can see that quiet strength and inner light in so many of these images.

Sessions like this remind me why I do what I do: it’s about more than pretty pictures. It’s about freezing moments that tell a real story—of friendship, growth, adventure, support, and faith. Alana’s senior photos are a celebration of all of that, and I’m so grateful I got to capture them.

If you’re a senior (or parent of one) in Colorado thinking about your own session, let’s make it personal and meaningful. Reach out—I’d love to hear your story and help tell it through photos.