Mountain Lake Senior Photos | Dylan’s Senior Session

DYLAN IS A DREAM. I said it and I’m going to say it again: Dylan is an absolute dreaaammmm. And working with her for her Senior photos was easily one of the best highlights and sessions of the entire year. With moments full of peace, adventure, spontaneity and authenticity, Dylan and I not only had an overall incredible Senior photo experience, but we CREATED MEANINGFUL ART.

That is what portraits and my Senior sessions should be: A place where you feel comfortable to fully be authentically yourself in whatever form that may be. You deserve to be photographed in a way that is the most authentic version of you: doing the things you love, in the places you love while being in your own element and feeling at home.

Dylan had first contacted me quite a few months before our session (which I highly advise booking your session earlier than later) which gave us ample of time to find the perfect location, outfit and prepare to plan! In the inquiry form, Dylan said, “I love nature and all elements of art, especially music” which helped me understand the type of vibe we were going for. She also sent me some Pinterest inspo/looks of the vibe she wanted: pine trees in a foresty area with natural settings and poses. This really helped me kind of get a feel of what she was wanting in her session while also trusting me as the photographer!

A few months and leading weeks, we would keep in contact as I sent her a questionnaire as well as an outfit guide that I actually send all of my Seniors that book with me! She had planned to bring quite a few different outfits to test as well as her guitar and her dog Max!

I was so so SO excited that she was brining her guitar because she had mentioned in the questionnaire that she is “in a band w some friends of mine, i play the guitar, love fishing, i make jewelry, i used to be on drill but now i just dance in my free time, i love plants and thrifting, skateboarding”. And that alone made me absolutely stoked to meet Dylan! I think it is such a beautiful thing to get to see someone for who they TRULY are– not just by what they do, but what and HOW their soul expresses who they are in various ways. I always feel incredibly grateful that I get to photograph such beautiful souls and spirits and help them see that they truly are unique and so beautiful.

Eventually, the day came where Dylan, her dog Max and her mom met up together for the shoot! We decided to go up Farmington Canyon (which has quite the bumpy sketch road), but is seriously one of the most beautiful canyon’s I’ve been able to explore! I hopped in Dylan’s vehicle with them because I knew that my car wouldn’t even come close to making it up the mountain. As I hopped in the car with them, I immediately felt like I was welcomed and embraced with love and acceptance. The energy was buzzing and the vibes were truly immaculate.

On the drive up we listened to some Spotify playlist that Dylan had (which were SO soo good?! I stole some music later) and looked out the window to see the fall leaves everywhere as we ascended higher and higher up in the canyon. Before we got to our final location, we stopped along the way to get pictures in the fall leaves, which turned out to be pretty stunning with all of the colors and the sunlight!

Afterwards we went further up the mountain to our final location where we could find the little lake we were planning on! We originally was planning on going a little bit further to some other lakes, but the sun was going down pretty quickly so we decided to stop at the first lake instead of Farmington Lake! Along the way to the location, we passed a few trucks and almost went the wrong way but eventually found our place!

The rest of the evening was just so much fun. From walking into the lake barefoot with soaked pant bottoms, pulling out multiple thrifted clothes options for outfits, to sitting in a grassy area strumming the guitar and taking pictures with her dog Max, Dylan and I had an incredible time together.

The more pictures I took with Dylan, the more creative I felt we were becoming and the more comfortable and fun we had. The more pictures I took of Dylan the more I kept DROPPING MY ACTUAL JAW because she truly is just so so stunning. Everything about Dylan speaks of authenticity and beauty! I felt constantly inspired by her just being around Dylan, joking together and being in her presence. She really helped make these pictures come to life and helped create an entire experience together.

My time and experience with Dylan was one that I will never forget! From to Hozier’s new song Swan Upon Leda on full blast, singing to Let It Be on the way down the sketch mountain road, talking about going thrifting together and having the absolute best time of our lives, this Senior session was one for the books and one that truly inspired me in every single way.

If you are considering having me be your Senior Photographer, please check out this article for 5 tips you can prepare for your Senior Session!

Considering booking an adventure Senior session? You can check out my Seniors page on my website for more information on what options it includes and how we can make this possible!