Some sessions just feel like pure magic from start to finish - and Madalynne’s senior portraits were exactly that. From her cap and gown to her prom dress in the middle of a glowing summer field, every part of her story felt like a celebration of who she is and where she’s going next.

A Ribbon of Remembrance

During her cap-and-gown portraits, one detail stood out: a yellow ribbon draped alongside her honors cords. This ribbon wasn’t just an accessory - it was worn in memory of a dear friend who had passed away. It was a quiet but powerful reminder that senior year is not only about celebrating achievements, but also about carrying the people and moments that shape us. The way Madalynne and her classmates chose to honor her friend was a beautiful testament to their compassion and and the kind of person she is - someone who leads with both strength and heart.

The Session: Fields, Horses, & A Fairytale Gown

We started with her cap and gown, that timeless “I did it!” moment on a quiet country road. There’s something about the way the tassels sway and the sun hits those deep maroon colors that makes it all feel real.

From there, we switched gears into something softer—her crisp white dress against the dappled light of the trees. The way she laughed over her shoulder in those shots felt effortless, like the kind of smile only summer evenings can bring out.

But the showstopper? Her prom dress. Layers of blue and white ruffles, shimmering with tiny details, flowing in the breeze as she stood in the middle of the farm’s green fields. And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, the horses wandered over. Watching her gently lean in close, gown sweeping the grass, and those horses resting their heads near her shoulder—it felt like a fairytale brought to life.

Who She Is

Known as “Sassy” to her friends of course!

BUT Beyond the photos, what makes Madalynne shine is how much she juggles - and how gracefully she does it. She’s been dancing for 15 years, works a job, plays two sports, and has kept herself on the honor roll the whole way through. She describes herself as sassy, compassionate, and caring, and her friends add kind and funny to the mix. After spending this time with her, I’d say every single word fits.

Looking Ahead

Next year, she’s off to college to study forensic psychology (how cool is that?) and dive into internships to get her career started. She’s learned over the past four years that she’s independent, hardworking, and stronger than she sometimes realizes -qualities that will take her far beyond high school hallways.

Advice Worth Sharing

When asked what she’d tell incoming freshmen, her answer was wise beyond her years:

It’s the kind of advice that sums up her journey perfectly-knowing who you are, standing strong in it, and still staying open to the world around you.

Photographing Madalynne was such a gift. From the proud graduate walking down the road in her cap and gown, to the girl who twirled in her prom dress under the sunset, to the young woman gently resting her hand against a horse’s neck -it all felt like little chapters of a much bigger story.

And the best part? This is just the beginning of what’s sure to be an incredible next chapter.

Have the BEST time at college!!! You are going to do amazing things!

-Karin