Celebrating Kelsey: A Stunning Senior Session at Payson Rim

A Scenic Escape

I’m excited to share highlights from a recent senior photo session with Kelsey, a talented soon-to-be graduate of the Class of 2025. We took a delightful day trip to Payson, where we showcased her personality and created special memories for her senior year against the stunning backdrop of the Rim.

An Epic Daytrip Adventure

When planning Kelsey’s session, I knew we needed a location that matched her calm, but vibrant personality. Payson offered the perfect combination of breathtaking landscapes, from serene lakes to towering pines. We kicked off our adventure by starting at the lake, where the peaceful waters mirrored the sky, creating a beautiful canvas for Kelsey’s first outfit - casual jeans, converse, and black shirt that really let Kelsey shine through.

Kelsey’s excitement was contagious as we set up for our first shots by the water. It was such a joy to see her confidence shine as she smiled and laughed, fully embracing this momentous occasion.

Fresh Florals & a personal Touch

After capturing those shots in her first outfit, we transitioned to Kelsey’s second look. Something a bit more dressed up yet still showing her personality. Kelsey wore a gorgeous black dress with white and yellow florals and a white pair of converse high tops - the perfect personal touch to the outfit. The florals in her dress contrasted beautifully with the natural surroundings, making for some stunning portraits.

It was inspiring to see her in her element, and I loved capturing the sparkle in her eyes.

Vibrant Outfits and Golden Light

For our final stop, we made our way to the Rim, keeping with our second outfit as inspiration with our new backdrop. As we walked through the towering trees and golden fields, the late afternoon sun filtered through the space, creating a magical atmosphere.

We found a clearing with a stunning panoramic view of the valley, and Kelsey’s smile was radiant. She embraced the moment, and we captured a series of dynamic shots that showcased her beauty and the vastness of the landscape. It was a reminder of how wide open her future is, much like the breathtaking scenery before her.

A Memorable Day

As the sun began to set, we wrapped up our session with some golden hour shots in Kelsey’s third outfit. Kelsey wore a beautiful white dress and black and tan wedges that truly captured the essence of the day. The warm hues enveloped Kelsey, highlighting her vibrant outfits and the joy in her expressions. Each click of the shutter felt like preserving a memory—moments filled with laughter, excitement, and the promise of what lies ahead.

Elevating the Experience with Film

To elevate her session, I created a petite film featuring beautiful b-roll footage from our day. This film captures the essence of her experience—moments of joy, laughter, and the stunning landscapes we explored. It’s a tangible way for Kelsey to relive her senior session, allowing her to look back on this special time with a cinematic touch.

Kelsey,

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this incredible chapter in your life! Your passion and your vibrant personality are truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see where your journey takes you after graduation.

To all the seniors out there: If you’re looking for a photographer to capture this exciting time in your life, let’s connect! I’m here to help you tell your unique story, whether through stunning locations, vibrant outfits, or showcasing your passions.

Stay tuned for more sessions and updates. Until next time!

Best,

Ashley Rose

Chandler Oasis Park Senior Friendship Session | Gilbert AZ Photographer

Chandler Arizona Senior Friendship Session

These five gorgeous women have known each other most of their lives and have been friends since they were little. Now they have finally made it to their senior year and what a better way to celebrate their lifelong friendship than an epic destination friendship session in the stunning desert scenery of Arizona!

All of these girls are originally from Marietta, Georgia which is where they met and four of them currently live. One of them, Ella and her family recently moved to Arizona. So before the start of their epic senior year Kaitlyn, May, Mary and Nicole jetted off to visit Ella and see cactus for the first time. The perfect way to start their senior year off right - together!

Now, its not easy being best friends and being a part, but these girls care for each other so very much and it was so apparent as they interacted with one another throughout our session time. I asked them about their friendship, what extra-curricular activities they are into and what they are looking forward to and the whole time it was so encouraging to see how highly they spoke of one another. They play golf, tennis, volleyball, sing, and cheer, yet even with different interests, they have they find ways to relate and encourage one another. That is one of the best signs of a great friendship.

The girls each wore clothes that fit their style but together they choose colors that matched a dreamy Arizona sunset for their photoshoot! An absolute perfect color palette to express the joy in their friendship and in this stunning desert location!

This next image is an iconic image for this group. This is an exact representation of a photo they all took together as kids! I loved helping them remake this infamous photo amongst their friendship.

We loved adding this bubble moment into our photoshoot. It was the perfect environmentally friendly way to send some cheer without leaving any residue in this gorgeous desert scene!

We also snuck mom of Ella, Beth in for a couple photos! She was beaming in delight as the girls were having so much fun together! Plus doesn’t she look super cute!

Pro Tip: For any parents of seniors be sure to wear colors that match what your senior is wearing so if you jump in for a photo with your senior (or in this case them and their friends) you look cohesive! Great job Beth!! 👏

Now while these girls may live hundreds of miles apart this lifelong friendship will be a lifelong blessing. So many people search their whole lives for solid friendships - ones that will uplift, be silly, supportive, go through the good and the bad. I see each of these girls sticking to each other like glue. Traveling to new fun places to meet up. Being only a phone call away and always being able to pick up right where they left off.

Thank you Ella, Kaitlyn, May, Mary and Nicole for allowing me to capture your friendship! This makes me think of my close friends and want to text them right now and tell them out much I appreciate having them in my life.

XO,

Ashley Rose