Meet Parker — a standout senior who brought style, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose to her session in Beaufort and Atlantic Beach, NC. From her crown to her pointe shoes, every detail of this session told the story of a young woman ready for the next chapter. Parker is a senior at Wayne School of Engineering, already earning her associate’s degree alongside her high school diploma. She’s intelligent, driven, and incredibly poised. This girl truly is as sweet as she looks.

Although we originally planned for New Bern, Parker’s mom reached out to change the location after a recent visit to Beaufort. I was fully on board — Beaufort is a favorite of mine for a reason. It has a timeless, coastal feel with plenty of character and great light. Downtown gave us the textured backgrounds and soft color palette we wanted, while Atlantic Beach gave us the perfect outcome for pictures in the sand-as well as in the water.

Parker currently holds the title of Wayne County Queen of the Fair and plans to participate in the upcoming Miss Goldsboro Pageant. Her achievements speak for themselves, but what stood out most was her down-to-earth attitude and quiet confidence. Of course we had to take a few portraits with her crown, and they were a great reflection of both her current accomplishments and the direction she’s headed.

Afterward, we shifted to capturing movement with her dance portraits. Her goals for the future include dancing at the collegiate level, and she carries herself with the grace and discipline of someone who knows exactly what she wants. Watching her combine form and expression on the beach was a highlight of the session.

Parker rented all her outfits from Nuuly, and I can’t recommend this enough to seniors. It allows you to try trend-forward pieces without committing to a full purchase. Parker’s wardrobe had a great mix of dressy and casual, which kept the session dynamic and visually interesting.

My best advice:

1. Choose pieces that feel like you — not what you think you should wear
2. Consider the backdrop when choosing your colors
3. Bring options — a variety of silhouettes and styles photograph really well

What I appreciated most about Parker’s session was that it felt intentional. Her location, her wardrobe, even the poses — everything aligned with who she is and what she values. It wasn’t about creating a trendy set of images; it was about capturing this exact season in a way that feels genuine and lasting.

She’s stepping into her next season with focus and heart, and I’m honored to have played a small part in capturing it.

This season of your life is worth celebrating! I’d be honored to help you document it in a way that feels personal and meaningful. Whether you’re full of ideas or not sure where to start, I’m here to help you plan a session that reflects who you are. From outfit advice to location scouting, I’ve got you covered.

Ready to create something beautiful together? Click here to get started.