Photographing Bailey's senior pictures were so much fun! She was such a doll to talk to - so sweet and kind, a wonderful girl with a bright future ahead of her. Bailey was referred to me by another homeschool mom who has booked with me several times for senior pictures of her own children. I love when past clients refer me to new clients - such an honor!

Mirror reflections capture playful outdoor portraits among autumn leaves in a creative photo series.

We decided to take Bailey's pictures at Mercer Botanical Garden in Humble. She specifically wanted flowers in her pictures and to incorporate a mirror. Mercer is a beautiful spot for photos. They don't charge for a permit, which in some cases is a negative because the entire place can get run over by photographers. But it also is a plus because it's one less cost for families.

Bailey's mom had asked prior to the shoot if we could get some family pictures as well - her, Bailey, sister and Dad. I always include these in my Senior shoots at no additional charge if requested. We took a few under one of the arches in the back in the Endangered Species and Plant Garden. These didn't take 10 minutes and made mom really happy!

A group stands together under a stone archway in a casual outdoor setting on a sunny day.

We stayed in the same spot and started with Bailey. The outfit with the overalls and green floral shirt was perfect for the tan of the rock features. She didn't really need a lot of prompting either, which always helps when the person in front of the camera feels at ease.

A series of outdoor portrait photos featuring someone in denim against a nature backdrop with tree trunks and branches.
Portrait of a person with wavy hair wearing denim overalls and a green floral blouse in a soft outdoor setting.

Right by the arch is a large, round flower pot. It looks like it used to be a fountain. It is the perfect height to sit on. Since Bailey is an avid reader, she brought along some books, and this was the perfect spot to put those out. This area in the park isn't as crowded, so getting props out here was ideal.

Reader in denim overalls and floral print shirt holds green hardcover book with golden emblem outdoors on sunny day.
A person in denim overalls and floral blouse sits on stone steps in a sunlit garden setting with vintage decor.

We then moved up closer to the front of the park to the Central Gardens to get the mirror shots that she wanted. This was really fun because we had to try several different spots to get the set up just right. Mom held the mirror in some spots, while Dad became handy holding the blanket to block out the sun.

People gather in a lush garden setting with yellow flowers and wooden structures creating a peaceful outdoor scene.
People work together planting and cultivating in a community garden on a sunny autumn day.
Artistic mirror reflection in nature shows a woman in denim overalls and floral cardigan with sunlit trees in background.

Bailey then changed into another outfit. This one was more of a sophisticated look so we thought it was the perfect time to bring out her book and quill. Bailey also likes to write and plans to go into publishing. The bench swing, still close to the front of the park, in the Azalea Garden, is perfect when the sun begins to set. The sun almost sets the model's hair aglow. Bailey had gorgeous hair so the sun helped highlight that!

Three images of someone in a beige coat reading from a red book while sitting on a chain swing outdoors.
Person in beige coat and grey pants sitting on garden bench writing in notebook on sunny autumn day.

Her last outfit was a cute little white mini dress that complimented her cap and gown. We shot these in the Formal Garden. While this area of the park is more crowded, the columns are the perfect look for these types of shots. Just be prepared to remove people from the background in editing!

Woman in bright blue oversized shirt dress and silver heels poses by a fountain in a series of dynamic shots.
A graduate in a bright blue cap and gown stands outdoors against a blurred nature background.
Graduate in blue cap and gown jumping for joy while celebrating outdoors on graduation day.

All in all, Bailey's Senior shoot took about two hours. She purchased the full gallery and was delivered 69 digital images, all fully edited and high resolution. Her mom and I were both pleased with how they came out!