If you live in or around Houston, then you've probably been to Galveston. While the ocean water there isn't crystal clear, or even blue most of the time, the beach, the waves and the atmosphere make it a special place. One of my favorite places on Galveston Island is The Strand. The strand is on the eastern side of the island, right along Galveston Bay. Since it has been there since the 1800's, a lot of the buildings there are over 100 years old. There are so many different textures and colors in the gorgeous architecture. There's also a ton of shops, dining options and even museums. If you go on a weekend, you might be lucky enough to see a cruise ship or two send off!

A red folding chair with 'Senior 2025' text sits in front of someone in formal attire in a thoughtful pose.
A graduate wearing a royal blue cap and gown with a burgundy turtleneck sits for a portrait.
Young person in a burgundy turtleneck sweater stands with crossed arms smiling against an urban storefront.
Young person in burgundy turtleneck and dark pants sits casually against blue architectural columns outdoors.
Someone in a red turtleneck sweater and dark pants stands smiling beside a red and white building on a paved walkway.
A young person in a black jacket and burgundy shirt rests their chin on their hand while sitting at a red table.
A figure in a red turtleneck sweater with a cross necklace poses against an ornate bright blue background.
Graduate wearing blue cap and gown with red turtleneck stands against beige wall during commencement ceremony.

I came across Leighton's grandmother on Facebook in a community page about Galveston. She was asking if any photographer knew of any cool spots for Senior photos. She said they didn't have it in their budget for a professional photographer, that they were just going to take their own, and she just wanted some advice on some cool spots. She received over 50 comments on that post, with one of those comments being me. I told her that I would do Leighton's photos, free of charge, but they had to be on the strand. I had been wanting to shoot there, I just needed a senior to shoot. Both of us were very excited - it was Leighton and his grandparents and brother, and then my brood - my two kids and Bryan, who held my light and filmed. We met at the corner of 20th and Market Street, which is over on the eastern side of the Strand.

We started shooting at the trolley stop on 20th. The benches and overhead covers offer a great backdrop for photographs. You can sit on one of the benches. lean on a post under the cover, even kneel and get the great brick sidewalk. We were lucky enough to stroll up when the trolley was stationed. The trolley drops off and sits for about 10 minutes to let any other riders on. The bus driver was kind enough to let us take photos right beside us. Leighton held on to the railing used to climb up the trolley, which made for a unique photo.

Camera crew with umbrella films interview on sidewalk outside historic storefront building during daytime.

After the trolley photos, we walked north. We stopped at this amazing blue wall that had intricate cutouts. It made for a great backdrop. Leighton's grandpa was giving him posing advice, so I had him join in on the fun! Leighton's grandmother had brought a framed picture of him when he was in Kindergarten. This was the first time that sort of prop had been brought and I thought that was a great idea - first year and last year!

A photographer takes pictures in front of bright blue vintage doorways on a checkered floor entrance.
Two people stand in front of bright blue double doors with ornate trim and a checkered floor.
People converse on a historic building's porch with distinctive blue columns and a checkerboard floor pattern.

Right across the street from the blue wall is One Moody Plaza - a 23 floor sky scraper that houses an insurances company. It's got these square columns that are great for leaning. It was pretty windy the closer you got to the building. We shot a few and then walked to the other side where the wind wasn't as bad. Both sides of the building are similar in design.

Photographer with umbrella taking pictures between large white columns in a modern architectural space with brick flooring.
Graduate in blue cap and gown sits on steps in front of modern building with distinctive columns and windows.

Leighton's shoot ended up taking about an hour - mostly because of us walking around. This was my first senior to photograph at the strand, so finding the best spots as well as the nice lighting always takes time. I shot Leighton's pictures with my Canon EOS R and my Canon 85mm 1.8, and my sweet husband carried my light - a Godox AD200 Pro with a soft box.

See Leighton's full gallery here: