This 2024 senior session was a very special one for me because three years prior, I took her sisters’ senior portraits at the Salt River as well. Seeing past clients and catching up with long time friends is always one of my favorite parts of this photography gig. We had a great time catching up with each other and laughing the entire time.

I absolutely love shooting at the Salt River. It has so many different recreation sites that provide a wide variety of beautiful scenic backdrops for our sessions. This session we shot at Water Users and Butcher Jones. Water Users can be a little difficult to navigate during the late spring and throughout the summer as the water rises and takes over most of the walkable areas. Plus it gets very busy during tubing season! But during the fall and winter moths, it is extremely versatile and absolutely stunning at sunset!

This senior session brought a first for me as an Arizona Native….. we saw a rattle snake!!!! That was absolutely terrifying, but thankfully I had prepared myself ahead of time that this might be a possibility at the Salt River since the weather is heating up just in time for summer and tubing season. As soon as I saw it crossing our path, I made sure everyone stopped and then I took a picture hahaha. Would I even be a photographer if I didn’t? What is that saying, pics or it didn’t happen? I love capturing everything that happens during our sessions. From bloopers to unique creatures we see out and about. I feel like it really helps to tell the story of our session rather than just me posing my clients and having no meat behind the photos. There is something unique about every session, from weddings to families to senior portraits, and I am sure to capture it. Especially if its hilarious!

Be sure to check out this senior session and let me know what you think. Also, tell me about the craziest thing you have seen out and about in the comments!

Much love,
Mahalia