Maddie’s Senior Photos on a Traverse City Ranch

Senior photos are some of my favorite stories to tell. They are full of personality, nostalgia, and the bittersweet joy of one chapter ending while another just begins. For me, this particular session was especially close to my heart.

Maddie’s session took place in the golden light of a Northern Michigan ranch, surrounded by horses, tall grasses, and a warm summer breeze.
Every detail- from the soft rustle of the fields to the gentle presence of her horse felt intentional and deeply personal.
Once or twice a year, I have the special privilege of photographing someone truly close to me. Sometimes it’s a dear friend; other times, a beloved family member. This year, it was a combination of both. The first child I ever nannied was Maddie during my college years, and later on, she even became my flower girl. Over time, she has grown into a cherished friend.

Watching Maddie grow over time has been one of life’s sweetest gifts. From a tender-hearted little girl to a passionate, intelligent, and gracious young woman, she’s become someone truly remarkable. So naturally, when she asked me to photograph her senior session, I was beyond honored.
As a recent graduate of Grand Traverse Academy in Traverse City, Maddie chose to be photographed at Harmony Hills Ranch, where her beloved horse is boarded. As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, we spent the golden hours wandering through the shimmering fields, reminiscing in the tall grass, and dreaming together about the future. Meanwhile, the horses grazed nearby, adding to the magic of the evening.

In the end, the entire session felt like something out of a storybook. It was peaceful, warm, and brimming with joy- a perfect reflection of Maddie’s spirit and the journey she’s about to begin.