Senior year is always full of milestones, but Gavin’s journey has been particularly exciting. Fresh from a trip to Washington, D.C., he returned home to some incredible news—he had officially been named the Valedictorian of his senior class! It was the perfect time to capture this moment with a senior session that highlighted not only his achievements, but also the places that have shaped him.

We started Gavin’s session at Church Street United Methodist Church. It was here that he attended Leika’s School and returning to this spot felt like a meaningful nod to his early years. The historic architecture of the church added such a timeless feel to his portraits, making them even more special.

Just a short walk away, we stopped at the stunning clean white wall of First Baptist Church’s education building. Downtown Selma has no shortage of gorgeous backdrops, but this one stood out with its crisp, classic look. It was the perfect contrast to the red brick of Church Street UMC, giving Gavin’s session a great variety of settings.

For our final location, we took a short drive to Valley Grande, where we visited a farm that Gavin’s grandfather manages. This property has been the heart of so many family gatherings, from Easter egg hunts to celebrations. It was clear that this place holds cherished memories. The wide-open fields and rustic charm of the pecan orchard made for the perfect ending to our session.

As Gavin prepares for Wake Forest University this fall, I have no doubt he’s destined for incredible things. His hard work, dedication, and kind spirit will take him far. It was an absolute joy to document this special season of life for him. Thank you, Gavin, for choosing me to photograph this milestone. Congratulations! The best is yet to come.