Seniors

Ellie’s mom first reached out to me because she was looking for a senior photographer and wanted to know if I was comfortable working with animals — specifically Ellie’s horse, Sonny. The answer was an easy yes. We talked through what they were hoping for and decided to split the session between two locations: photos with Sonny at the stable, and beach photos in Port Washington for a totally different look. She chose the package that included two locations, which made it easy to create a session that really felt like Ellie.

Once everything was booked, we planned outfits, locations, and timing so everything would flow smoothly on the day of the session.

We started at the stable where Ellie keeps Sonny. I got a chance to meet him, and I quickly learned he’s an older horse that Ellie loves and has even adopted. You could tell right away how special their bond is. We originally planned to take photos in a grassy field, but Sonny had other plans — he was much more interested in eating than posing. So we adjusted and moved into the riding arena, where they normally work and walk the horses. And honestly, it turned out to be perfect.

Sonny absolutely crushed it in there, and the space gave us such a clean, classic look for Ellie’s West Bend and Cedarburg senior photos. One of Ellie’s instructors even surprised her with the cutest hat and belt to wear, which matched the western-inspired vibe of her outfit so well. It was one of those moments that you just can’t plan but ends up making the session even better. Ellie also changed into a second dress so we could get a totally different feel with Sonny.

After that, we headed straight to the beach in Port Washington to catch the sunset. We moved quickly to make the most of that soft evening light, and Ellie was even able to change outfits right on the beach using my portable pop-up changing tent that I bring to all senior sessions. It made everything easy and stress-free.

By the end of the session, it felt like we had spent the evening hanging out rather than doing a photo shoot. Ellie and her mom were so easygoing and fun to work with, and Ellie felt comfortable the entire time — which is one of my main goals during a senior photo session. Sessions like this are exactly why I love being a Port Washington, Cedarburg, and West Bend senior photographer: every senior gets something completely unique, and we get to capture what makes them who they are in this season of life.

And after Ellie’s senior session, her mom booked me for a mother and daughter session as well right in West Bend. Here’s what Alaina had to say: “Mel is fun and laid back. I’ve had 2 sessions with her and never felt rushed. She was flexible with adding a horse to our session and I cannot believe how amazing the photos turned out. The hardest part of having her as a photographer is trying to pick a favorite picture! For both our sessions I could not choose a favorite, they were ALL amazing!!”

Looking for a senior or family photographer in West Bend or Port Washington, Wisconsin? Whether you want beach photos, barn photos, or something completely unique to you, I’d love to help you create a senior session that actually feels like you. Reach out today through melmariephotographs.com or email me at melissa@melmariephotographs.com to book your West Bend or Port Washington senior photography session.