Where the Sun Meets the Stream: Senior Portraits with Gabby

This past summer, I had the joy of photographing Gabby’s senior portrait session at Van Hoosen Farm—a location that never fails to bring a little magic to golden hour. From the moment we started, Gabby’s easy smile and calm energy set the tone for a session that felt equal parts fun and serene.

We wandered through the gardens and along the wooden fences, pausing whenever the sunlight caught her curls just right. Van Hoosen’s mix of rustic textures and soft greenery made the perfect backdrop for Gabby’s classic floral dress—simple, timeless, and full of personality, just like her.

One of my favorite moments was when we reached the creek. Gabby slipped off her sandals and stepped into the cool water, laughing as the light danced across the surface. It’s those little unscripted moments that make senior sessions so special—the parts where you can see not just what someone looks like, but who they are.

Senior portraits are about more than marking a milestone. They’re about celebrating growth, confidence, and the excitement of what’s next. Gabby’s session reminded me how important it is to slow down and enjoy the moment—to notice the beauty in simple things, like sunlight through trees or a quiet smile by the water’s edge.

Congratulations, Gabby, on your senior year and all that’s ahead. Here’s to the memories that started here, surrounded by the warmth of a Michigan summer.