Brandon’s Senior Session at Legacy West
A Homeschool Senior with Heart, Talent, and a Whole Lot of Grit
Some sessions feel like full-circle moments, and Brandon’s senior portraits at Legacy West were exactly that for me. I’ve known Brandon and his family for many years through our homeschooling circles. I’ve photographed him as he’s grown, changed, pushed himself, and become the kind, respectful young man he is today. As a senior guy photographer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, I meet a lot of incredible young men…but watching one grow up in front of my camera? That’s extra special.
Brandon booked his session knowing exactly what he wanted: an urban setting with clean lines, reflections, and upscale energy. The sophisticated and modern Legacy West vibe fit his vision perfectly.
Prepared, Confident, and Ready to Make It His Own
Senior guys don’t always come to sessions with a plan, but Brandon did. He showed up completely prepared with three outfits and props that really told his story:
His letterman jacket from playing varsity football
His electric guitar, because music is where he comes alive
His Beats headphones paired with gym clothes, showing the athletic side of his world
And of course, a football, because that chapter has been a big one
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I appreciate senior guys when they bring pieces of who they are. It becomes so easy to tell a story that feels true to them. It can be simple yet meaningful at the same time.
Why Legacy West was the Perfect Spot
Legacy West shopping district in North Plano provides this amazing mix of clean backdrops and glowing reflections—the sidewalks, the glass storefronts, the metal, the way the light bounces between buildings. I loved photographing Brandon here because the environment matched his personality: modern, strong, athletic, but still thoughtful and grounded.
The decorative lighting from the shops added this warm, cinematic glow, especially as we moved closer to sunset. Everything just looked alive. For a senior photographer, it’s the kind of location that gives you inspiration every direction you look.
A Parking Garage, a Sunset, and Backflips. Yes…Backflips.
When we had exhausted all of the sidewalk, street, and storefront backdrops we wanted, we made our way up to the top of the parking garage, Brandon lit up once those elevator doors opened up. This was his favorite part of the session (It might have been mine, too, because it was out of the norm for me).
There’s something about an open skyline at sunset that makes everything feel epic. I asked if he could walk on his hands because I wanted something with movement and levity. He wasn’t too sure about that idea but then he casually mentioned he could do backflips.
Never in my life have I said “Oh my goodness, YES, do that!” so quickly.
Those images? Unforgettable. Athleticism + sunset sky + confident senior guy poses = pure magic.
The Moment My Camera Bag Betrayed Me
Every session has its “note to self” moment. Mine this day?
Zip. Your. Camera. Bag.
In my excitement to get started taking pictures of Brandon, I tossed my backpack over my shoulder too quickly and my strobe flew out, shattered in the street, and definitely gathered a small audience. I was mortified. I wanted everything to be perfect, and in that moment it felt anything but. Did I really know what I was doing? Was Brandon going to doubt my skills as a photographer?
Thankfully, Brandon didn’t miss a beat. He helped pick up the broken pieces of glass. I took a breath, we kept going, and the images were absolutely spot on. It was a reminder that even when something goes wrong, connection and confidence still win. (Also a great reminder as to why I carry business insurance!)
A Big Day for Mom, Too
Brandon’s mom came along for the session - as all moms should. She cheered him on, took behind-the-scenes photos, carried gear when I needed a quick hand, and soaked in every minute. I could feel every emotion on her face—because this isn’t just a session. It’s a milestone. A moment her boy becomes closer to launching. The impact of these sessions is never lost on me.
And the best part?
He gave her exactly what she hoped for: a session that felt like him.
A Senior Session That Told the Whole Story
Brandon brought his personality, his passions, and his confidence to Legacy West, and together we created a session that reflected every part of who he is right now—athlete, musician, hard worker, and genuinely good young man who loves the Lord and desires to follow Him closer every day.
This is why I love photographing senior guys. When they feel comfortable and understood, they show up as their real selves, and moms walk away with images they’ll cherish forever.
If you’re looking for authentic senior guy poses, an urban location, or a senior photographer who knows how to make your son feel comfortable and confident, Legacy West as the location and me as your photographer could be the perfect combo for your story, too. Let’s chat soon!