Senior sessions hit different when you’re photographing family. Jordan—my cousin’s daughter and all-around powerhouse—wanted a session that felt like her, so we spent an August evening in Jamestown, RI chasing golden-hour light and beachy vibes. We started at Mackerel Cove Beach, where she fully embraced the summer glow, and then moved to the cliffs at Beavertail State Park for those windswept, cinematic moments. She told me she loves beaches and sunsets (great choice because my work lives in nature), so the location was a perfect fit.

But Jordan isn’t just about soft sunset moments—she’s also a total athlete. She plays lacrosse, cheers, and casually plans to become a pilot (because why not aim high, literally?). She brought her lacrosse uniform, stick, and cheer gear, so after the sun dipped, we switched it up. I used a main flash and backlighting with a gel in her team color and some atmospheric spray to create those bold, dramatic shots—highly recommend for photographers looking to add depth and intensity to night portraits. The result? Jordan looking like she just stepped off an olympic poster.

Beyond the photos, I’m just ridiculously proud of her. She’s got that rare combo of determination, kindness, and quietly crushing everything she sets her mind to. Whether it’s on the field, in the sky, or just being an all-around legend, I already know she’s going to kill it. Here’s to big dreams, late-summer sunsets, and making it all look effortless.