Some sessions just feel like a dream from the very first email — and Emma’s was exactly that.
Emma had been planning this session for over a year. Not in a stressful, over-the-top way — in the best way. She knew her vision, she knew her locations, and most importantly, she knew what mattered to her. And what mattered to her were her horses.
When it came time to plan her senior session, there was no question — both of her horses had to be part of the story. We built the whole day around that: her, her horses, and the connection between them that just doesn’t happen on cue. You can’t fake that kind of bond in front of a camera, and you don’t have to when it’s real.
But before we headed to the stable where her horses were, we did some pictures at this beautiful field in North Reading, Ipswich River Park where the sun just glowed around her – she looked stunning!
From there, we headed into downtown Newburyport for a completely different vibe — brick sidewalks, charming storefronts, and that classic New England energy that gives senior portraits so much personality and range.
Then it was off to Plum Island, where the wide-open dunes and salty air gave us the perfect, breezy contrast to end the day.
Now, I won’t pretend it was all effortless — it was HOT. Like, sweating-through-your-shirt hot. And the flies at Plum Island had zero chill (I may or may not have been swatting them away mid-shot while trying to keep my composure). But Emma never lost her energy or her smile, and honestly? Some of the best sessions come with a little chaos behind the scenes. You’d never guess it looking at these images.
This is exactly why I love what I do. Every senior has a different story to tell, and Emma’s was about loyalty, connection, and the things — and the horses — that make her, her. Getting to help her tell that story across three completely different backdrops in one day was such a joy.
Emma, thank you for trusting me with something so personal to you. These photos are going to mean even more with time, and I can’t wait for you to look back on them for years to come.
Interested in a senior session that tells YOUR story? Whether it’s horses, a favorite hobby, or your favorite spot on the North Shore, I’d love to help you capture it. Reach out here to get started.
