Emily Graduates | Colorado School of Mines & A New Chapter in Wyoming

Watching your child walk across that stage hits differently than you expect.

This past May, my daughter Emily graduated from Colorado School of Mines, and I'm one proud mom. Mines is no small accomplishment. It's one of the most rigorous engineering schools in the country, and she earned every bit of that degree.

She's now packing up and heading to Wyoming to begin her career, and while that's a lot of change all at once, she is absolutely ready for it. These photos capture her right in the middle of that transition, accomplished, confident, and stepping into what's next.

Grad sessions are always a joy to shoot, and this one was extra meaningful. These are the images she'll look back on decades from now and remember exactly how it felt.

Congratulations, Emily. I couldn't be more proud.

Senior Portraits for High School & College Graduates

Senior portraits are one of my favorite sessions to shoot. Whether it's celebrating the end of high school or the transition into life after college, these aren't just pictures. They're milestones.

Senior year is full of anticipation, hard work, and big decisions. A portrait session is a chance to pause and celebrate everything it took to get here. For high school seniors, it's about capturing the energy of youth, the pride of getting to this point, and the excitement of what's next. For college graduates, portraits become a lasting reminder of the persistence, late nights, friendships, and growth that got you across that finish line.

What I love most is making every session feel like you. No two seniors are alike, so no two sessions should look the same. We'll talk through what matters to you, favorite spots around campus, meaningful props, anything tied to your hobbies or interests. The session should tell your story, not a generic one.

Lighting, location, and styling are all part of the fun. Some people love the classic golden-hour glow; others want something bolder and more modern that suits their personality. Either way, the goal is photos that feel authentic to who you are right now.

Props to consider

School spirit items like a letterman jacket, hoodie, or favorite sports gear. Sports equipment, a glove, a ball, dance shoes, an instrument. Books or a laptop, especially for college grads, to reflect the academic side of things. Hobby items like a camera, skateboard, art supplies, or gaming headset, whatever actually represents you. Meaningful accessories like a class ring, jewelry, or a favorite hat or scarf. And for something more playful, confetti, balloons, or sparklers.

Outfit ideas

A dress, suit, or blazer works well for classic, polished portraits, the kind that make great family keepsakes. Jeans, sneakers, and everyday tops capture your actual day-to-day style. School colors, jerseys, or college merch bring in some spirit. If you want something more current, bold colors and statement pieces work great. And season plays a role too, cozy sweaters in fall, flowy dresses in spring, lighter fabrics for summer. College grads can absolutely still include cap and gown if you want that shot too.

Senior portraits are an investment in memory. Years from now, when you look back on this season of life, you'll be glad to have photos that captured exactly how confident and ready you felt stepping into what came next.

If you're a high school senior gearing up for graduation, or a college student about to walk the stage, let's connect. I'd love to help you create portraits that feel like you.

From Son to Screen: Capturing Shawn’s Movie-Ready Look

 My Handsome Movie Extra

This is my son Shawn, who just turned 19 and somehow managed to look both grown-up and completely himself all at once. He recently had the opportunity to be an extra in a movie and got all dressed up for the part. Lucky for me, he let me grab a few shots before he headed off.

As a photographer—and a mom—there’s nothing quite like capturing these in-between moments. Not quite a kid, not yet fully out in the world, but standing tall and steady in a suit that somehow fits more than just his frame. It fits who he’s becoming.

The black-and-white frame shows off his serious side (and maybe just a little movie-star mystery), while the color version brings back that familiar sparkle in his eye. I’ll always treasure these portraits—not just because I took them, but because they remind me how proud I am of the young man he’s becoming.