Casey’s senior session in Orrville was everything I love about small-town portraits — personal, meaningful, and full of family ties. We met at her family’s farm, where nearly every spot had a story behind it. From her dad’s cowboy hat to her mom’s old truck, every detail felt like a little piece of family history woven into her photos.

As one of my senior spokesmodels this year, Casey brought such a calm confidence to her session. She’s on her school’s skeet shooting team, so we started with a few portraits featuring her shotgun, some clay, and the metal stand her dad made for her. It was such a fun way to show off a side of her that most people don’t get to see. Then we drove down a nearby dirt road to take photos with her truck, the same one her mom used to drive years ago.

I also loved the sentimental touches woven throughout our evening. Casey wore her dad’s cowboy hat for a few shots and we included the wooden step stool that the Yeagers have used in every family portrait since the girls were little. Speaking of family, Casey and her sister have owned a business together for years — they sell farm-fresh eggs every week! I love that entrepreneurial spirit and how it reflects the strong work ethic that runs deep in their family.

Before we wrapped up, we made sure to end in the cotton field. The Yeagers farm cotton, among other crops, and the light that evening was pure magic. Shooting in an open field can be tricky when the sun is directly in front of the lens, but Wendy (Casey’s mom) stepped in with a reflector to block the glare. Between the golden light, the cotton glowing in the background, and Casey’s easy smile, the photos on the back of my camera looked absolutely dreamy!

Casey, thank you so much for trusting me to capture your senior portraits and for being such a wonderful part of this year’s spokesmodel team. And Wendy, thank you for being the best helper and for your kind words about my work — it truly means the world to me!