Sometimes the Best Photo Locations Aren’t What You Expect
One of my favorite things about being a photographer is watching stories come full circle.
A few years ago, I photographed a beautiful wedding. Fast forward to now, and I found myself photographing that bride’s daughter for her senior portraits—one of those full-circle moments that never stops feeling special to me.
Originally, we had hoped for classic fall-themed senior photos. Golden leaves, cozy tones, that whole autumn magic. But as timing would have it (because New England fall waits for no one), we missed the peak foliage window.
Instead of forcing a plan that no longer fit the season, Mom reached out and asked a simple question:
“Do you have any ideas?”
They live in a different part of the state, so I started thinking outside the usual fields and trails—and one place immediately came to mind: a charming, rustic shopping plaza with warm textures, character, and that cozy New England feel baked right in. We were headed to the beautiful Old Mill Pond in Granby.
When I suggested it, her reaction made me smile.
“Wait… I LOVE shopping there. But photos?”
I told her exactly what I always tell my clients in moments like this:
Yes. Trust me.
Because great photos aren’t just about leaves on trees or perfect timing. They’re about light, texture, movement, personality, and story. And that location had all of it—wooden siding, stone details, soft neutral tones, and walkable spaces that let the session feel natural instead of staged.
At one point, to get to the spot—the one with the best light and the perfect backdrop—we had to cross an old little bridge very clearly marked “Do Not Cross.”
Now listen… we were careful. AND I asked mom first! We were respectful. And we crossed it quickly 😅
But sometimes, a photographer just knows when the other side is worth it.
And it was.
As if the universe wanted to reward the effort, it started to flurry right as we got there. ❄️
Most people would panic. Not this senior. She smiled, laughed, and worked through it like the absolute superstar she is. The soft snow added the most magical, unexpected layer to the images—quiet, whimsical, and so very New England.
And because this session was about more than just senior photos, we also made space for something really special.
We tucked mama and baby into the gazebo and captured a few quiet moments together. No posing. No pressure. Just connection. Because even though she’s a senior in high school, a firstborn is always mama’s baby.
And the result?
✨ Absolutely stunning. ✨
The images felt effortless and intentional—not like a backup plan, but like a story unfolding exactly as it was meant to. They held both independence and tenderness. Growing up, and still being held.
This session was the perfect reminder of something I believe deeply:
Sometimes the magic happens when you trust the process—even when it looks a little unconventional.
To the mom who trusted me, and to the senior who crossed bridges (literally), smiled through flurries, and shared space with the people who love her most—thank you. These are the sessions that remind me why I love what I do.
And to future seniors and parents—if I suggest something unexpected, just know there’s always a reason behind it 💛
