Ava’s Senior Session at Fort Worth Botanical Gardens
An Unexpected Twist
Some senior sessions unfold smoothly from the very beginning… and others start with a story you’ll remember again and again. Ava’s fall session at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens turned out to be both — a small plot twist on the front end and a truly beautiful morning on the back end.
We showed up for her original session on what felt like the most perfect Sunday afternoon in North Texas. Apparently, everyone else thought so, too. The gardens were overflowing with people, cars were circling the lots looking for parking, and by the time I finally found a spot of my own and reached the entrance, a prominent sign announced that no photography permits were being sold that day. My heart immediately sank. Ava, a Timber Creek High School senior, had been anticipating and planning her session here for weeks. The pathways, the florals, the bright colors - I knew this wasn’t what she imagined.
Rescheduling Turned Out to Be a Gift
We talked through the option of choosing a different location, and even though she was tempted, Ava decided to reschedule. And honestly… it was the best decision we could’ve made.
When we met again the following week, it was early on a chilly morning and felt like an entirely different world. The gardens were still and quiet, the light fell softly between the trees, and we practically had the whole place to ourselves. It was cold enough that we all felt it, but, Ava, in her true “organized, determined, and loyal” self-described fashion, never let it show. She smiled, laughed, and warmed up the atmosphere just by being herself.
Since her favorite features are her eyes and her hair, I made sure to photograph both in ways that truly reflected her. And because this senior girl loves a bright, colorful backdrop, we wandered into every corner of the gardens filled with florals, golden light, and pops of color that matched her vision.
A Family That Made the Morning Even Sweeter
Her mom, dad, and sister joined us for the first part of the session so we could capture a few family portraits, and they were such a joy to be around. Everyone was kind, encouraging, and up for exploring with us. The only thing working against us that morning was the wind — those cold, unpredictable gusts that love to surprise you in the middle of a pose. But we found protected areas and tucked into spaces where the breeze worked to our advantage. One of the gifts of photographing seniors is knowing how to make images look peaceful, natural, and effortless… even when the wind has other plans.
A Favorite Moment in the Japanese Gardens
When I asked Ava afterward what her favorite part of the morning was, she immediately mentioned the poses in the Japanese Gardens. As she crouched down on stepping stones surrounded by stilled water, the reflections beneath her became magical. That moment summed up the heart of the day…quiet, thoughtful, and stunningly beautiful.
Spring graduation will be here before we know it! If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your memories and style, contact me today to get your session on the calendar.