Setting Up Your Dorm Room Our youngest is now 21, getting ready to graduate in a couple months, but she’s spent a year in the college dorms and years in an apartment. I’ve got a few years of being a mom to a college student now, so I thought it would be a good time to update the necessities and favorites, what she loves, and what we could have done without. My husband and I both lived at home during our college years, so neither of us have dorm experience and had no idea where to start. There are so many lists of what to bring for college that it was overwhelming! The list below includes items ..read more

Props & Accessories Galore…Creative Graduation Photos to Enjoy & Share When you know, you know. At least that’s what Amber’s mom told me after our first session together. Amber is the 3rd graduate in their family, and according to Elena, the girls’ mom, she KNEW they wanted to return to Arizona and have Marissa’s senior pictures taken by the same photographer her siblings had used…ME! I have loved every moment with this awesome family, and I was thrilled to celebrate Amber’s graduation before they moved to Oklahoma. Amber’s older sisters, Bree and Ashley, graduated a few years ago and ..read more

A Cool and Memorable Experience for Guys Your car can reflect your style and interests. Whether you’re into classic cars, trucks, sports cars, or even motorcycles, incorporating your ride into your senior pictures can highlight your passion and make the photos more personal. Think about your car’s meaning and how it represents your high school experience. The location of your photo shoot also plays a crucial role in the outcome of your pictures. I always recommend choosing a location that complements both you and your car. Urban settings, open fields, or even a parking lot can be great backdro ..read more

Patriotism, Pom-Poms & Picture-Perfect Moments: Yes, you CAN have it all! I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was when the day of Ashley’s senior portrait session rolled around! It was so much fun—and it flew by in the blink of an eye—for so many reasons. And once you read about it, I’m sure you’ll be ready to plan your senior photos too…a photo shoot that is customized to show off every aspect of your personality, just like Ashley’s does. The Perfect Color A graduate of the American Leadership Academy Ironwood in Queen Creek, Arizona, this girl seriously lucked out with her school col ..read more

Grad Photos with Mom As a photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the deep emotions and connections that surface during senior pictures with Mom. There’s something profoundly touching about capturing the bond between a mother and her graduating child. This bond speaks of countless late-night study sessions, words of encouragement, and unwavering support. These sessions are more than just photo opportunities; they reflect and celebrate the journey traveled together. Encouraging moms to participate in senior photo sessions is about more than just filling an album. It’s about acknowledging and ce ..read more

Fun & Creative Ways to Include Your Fave Hobbies in Your Photo Session How do you know it’s going to be a crazy-fun photo session? When you work with a senior guy who has tons of interests, hobbies, and talents—AND he’s excited to show them off in his senior pictures! Jack and his family were so much fun to work with every step of the way. From planning and brainstorming great ideas to participating in his professional session, his parents Cari and Collins were supportive and encouraging the entire time. And Jack was in it for the long haul, going from day to night for a photo session that ..read more

Whether you’re a freshman in high school, starting ASU in the fall, or diving into the last year of your college journey, discovering new and unique spots can enhance your social and academic life. This guide highlights fun hangouts you might not have discovered yet. We’ve got everything from serene green spaces perfect for a reflective afternoon to bustling art hubs where creativity meets caffeine. More than just a place to relax, these are fabulous venues where ideas flourish and friendships bloom. Ready to explore? Let’s uncover these hidden gems together! 1. Snakes & Lattes (Tempe) Sn ..read more

Triple Vision: Graduation Photos for Siblings in Mesa, Arizona If I thought senior picture photography was fun before, the Thompson triplets from Gilbert, AZ, just made my job THREE times the fun! How did we pull it off and make everyone happy with their photos? Great question! When the Thompson family contacted me about a senior picture photo shoot for triplets Wyatt, Tally, and Cole, I was ready to grab my equipment and run out the door immediately. Not only is this one of the most amazing families—with a fantastic trio of kids—I was thrilled to have the opportunity to shoot senior pictures ..read more

Cute Outfits for Senior Pictures I’m here again with more tips to help you choose cute senior picture outfits! To get the pictures that tell a story and look phenomenal, you need to find the right outfits. Clothing items can set a tone for the shoot and really take your images from mediocre to marvelous!  Since shopping in your own closet isn’t always enough, remember you have access to my exclusive Style Closet. Feel free to select from this carefully curated selection of fashion items to help you spruce up your wardrobe.  Today we’re talking about a great trend, something my senior ..read more

6 Amazing Outfits for Summer Senior Pictures Senior year is a time filled with unforgettable memories and cherished milestones Among the many highlights is the senior photoshoot, a time to capture your personality, style, and growth as you transition into the next chapter of your life. As you prepare for your senior session, one of the most asked questions is what should I wear for my senior pictures? Most important, be sure to choose outfits that not only flatter your features but also reflect your individuality. Let’s be real. A photo shoot in the summer in Arizona is, um, hot. Blistering ..read more