From Lemonade Stands to Wildflower Fields: Capturing Mariyah's Journey

There are moments in my career as a photographer that feel like beautiful full circles—times when I’m reminded why I do what I do, and how special it is to walk alongside a family as they grow, celebrate, and embrace new chapters. This year, framing Mariyah in my lens for her senior photo session was one of those moments.

Mariyah Hebron is no ordinary senior. As a member of the Class of 2026 at Greencastle-Antrim High School, she radiates a blend of intelligence, artistry, curiosity, and school spirit. She’s a proud color guard member, twirling her flag with precision and heart at games and competition. But beyond the field, Mariyah’s talents and interests stretch far and wide—she’s a voracious bookworm, an arts-and-crafts enthusiast, a true crime junkie, and, impressively, fluent in Spanish. Those who know her are likely familiar with her unwavering loyalty to Haribo gummies and that her current favorite song is, Frank Ocean’s “Siegfried".

Our story together actually began long before Mariyah was a high school senior. I first met her when she was just six years old, wide-eyed and brimming with energy. Her mother brought her and her little brother to my studio for a Lemonade Stand photo session—a themed shoot bursting with sunshine, innocence, and the promise of sweet summer days. Even then, Mariyah’s curiosity shone through; she asked questions about my camera, about light, about how to hold her cup just so. Her little brother, too, added a playful charm to the day, and their family’s warmth made an impression that lingered long after the final shutter click.

A few years later, I had the privilege to photograph the Hebron family again. These sessions aren’t just about preserving smiles and poses—they’re about capturing the intangible: the love between siblings, the pride in a parent’s eyes, and the subtle, steady growth that happens in the blink of an eye. Each time, Mariyah greeted me with a familiar, genuine smile, her personality blooming a bit more with each visit.

Senior Year: New Adventures

Fast-forward to the present: Mariyah is on the cusp of graduation, ready to embark on the next chapter of her life. As one of my Senior Models, she’s helping me showcase the spirit and style of the Class of 2026—but this is only the beginning. This session at Cunningham Falls and Valley View Acres was her first of several senior shoots this year. If you’re following my socials, you’ll want to keep an eye out for future features as we document her story.

Mariyah is an outdoors enthusiast, so it was only fitting that we chose locations that echoed her love of nature. We began our adventure at Cunningham Falls, the mountain air damp and humid but that didn't stop us! alive The hike to the falls was filled with laughter, stories about favorite books and true crime podcasts, and plenty of pauses so Mariyah could pose among the tall trees, and mossy stones. As the sun filtered through the canopy, she struck poses that spoke to both her confidence and her contemplative side.

From the forested trails, we headed to Valley View Acres, where endless wildflower fields swayed. These fields provided a vibrant and whimsical backdrop, perfect for showcasing Mariyah’s artsy spirit. A testament to her creativity—Mariyah arranged bouquets of wildflowers as props for the shoot. Flinging her sandals off, she trapsed through the tall grass and flowers like a girl who was born to be a wildflower herself!

I always strive to make my sessions personal, drawing inspiration from each senior’s journey and passions. With Mariyah, every frame felt like an exploration. She wanted photos that reflected both her pride and her quieter, bookish side, so we played with contrasting themes: bold poses and soft, reflective moments. 

The Experience

Being a Senior Model isn’t just about taking great photos—it’s about leadership, authenticity, and being a role model for others. Mariyah embodies these qualities effortlessly. She’s supportive of her classmates, enthusiastic about new experiences, and passionate about sharing her skills. Throughout our session, she spoke about her upcoming Senior year, her excitement palpable.

Mariyah’s session is a reminder that every senior is unique, with their own combination of dreams, talents, and quirks. My approach as a photographer is to listen, to observe, and to collaborate—ensuring each portrait is as individual as the young person it features.

Stay Tuned. . .

This first round of senior photos is just the opening chapter. As Mariyah’s senior year unfolds, I’ll be capturing more of her milestones. If her journey so far is any indication, these moments will be filled with joy, discovery, and a touch of Haribo-fueled sweetness.

Working with Mariyah and her family has been one of the highlights of my career. Watching her grow from a curious six-year-old at a lemonade stand to a confident, multi-talented high school senior is an honor I don’t take lightly. Her senior photo session is a celebration not only of her achievements, but of the journey that brought her here—and the boundless possibilities ahead.

Congratulations, Mariyah—here’s to a senior year full of adventure, creativity, and unforgettable memories. I’m so grateful to be a part of your story.

If you’re interested in seeing more of Mariyah’s story (and the stories of other incredible seniors), follow my social media pages for regular updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes moments. This fall promises more vibrant colors, more laughter, and more adventures in front of the camera.

Keep watching my socials for more glimpses into Mariyah’s world. Trust me, you won’t want to miss what’s next!

Browse Mariyah's full gallery  <-- here!