Danyn | Senior Session

Badlands at American Legion Park

Danyn’s senior session started out at American Legion Park just outside of Williston, and it honestly felt like one of those nights you hope for all season. It was warm, about 86°, with no wind, and the golden fall light sat perfectly over the Badlands terrain. Right away, Danyn showed up ready to go, and within minutes, she was climbing, exploring, and completely in her element.

She brought her dirt bike along, and because of that, it immediately felt like such a natural part of her senior session. Nothing was forced or stiff. Instead, it was just her, doing her thing, with that easy confidence that didn’t need direction.

Danyn Senior Session Outfit Changes + Energy

As we moved through Danyn’s senior session, we started with jeans & a tank top then she put on a black dress. Then, we pulled in pieces from my client closet like a yellow dress and later a green one. Each time, she made every outfit feel like it was completely hers.

Meanwhile, her sister Hadley was running back and forth grabbing outfits, and at the same time, her mom Jayme had everything ready before I could even ask. I would say we needed something, and instantly, she already had it in her hands. It was like working with Mary Poppins.

Throughout it all, Danyn kept things moving. She was climbing, laughing, and fully enjoying every part of her senior session. Because of that, nothing about it felt slow or staged.

Danyn Senior Session at the River Location

After about an hour in the Badlands, we headed down to the river to continue Danyn’s senior session. As we transitioned locations, the energy shifted slightly, not quieter, just more grounded.

First, she changed into her jean outfit, and then we moved into a green dress from the client closet. Next, we kept things moving quickly so we could make the most of the light. However, everything really came together when she put on her white dress.

That was the one.

Danyn Senior Session White Dress in the Water

Stepping Into the Water

We ended Danyn’s senior session with her stepping into the water, standing on old logs, with the light dropping just right behind her. At that point, everything lined up without trying too hard.

She did not hesitate. Instead, she walked through the water, balancing on the logs, completely in it. Because she leaned into the moment, it all felt effortless.

Danyn Senior Session with Family

Family Support Throughout the Session

Her dad brought the dirt bike and stayed for Danyn’s entire senior session. At the same time, Jayme was right there the whole time, and Hadley kept everything moving behind the scenes. Since they had driven in from Dickinson and stayed with family the night before, it really felt like a full family effort just to make this night happen.

Ending the Night

At the same time, my mom came along and shot with me too, and because of that, sessions like this always feel even better. We bounce ideas off each other, get more creative, and it just feels easy.

I have known Jayme for years, and over time, I have watched Danyn grow up from a distance since she was little. Because of that, getting to photograph her senior session like this felt really special.

In the end, we wrapped at the river as the light faded out, and still, she was smiling and still going, like she could have stayed another hour.

Get to know Danyn even more!

Name of Senior

Danyn Smith

What is your favorite thing to do? 

Read books

What is your favorite movie?

It Ends With Us

What are your top 3 favorite songs right now? 

Something in the Orange, Straight and Narrow, and Rich Men North of Richmond

What is your favorite drink? 

Sweet tea

What is your favorite snack/candy?

Milk duds or white cheddar popcorn

Do you have a nickname? 

Monster

What is your dream job?

Salon business owner

What is your favorite scent? 

Vanilla and coconut

What is your favorite color? 

Sage green

What is your favorite place on Earth that you’ve been to? 

Clearwater Florida

If you could go anywhere, where would you go? 

The Bahamas

What is your favorite place to shop at? 

Buckle

What is your favorite restaurant? 

Olive Garden

What are 3 things you can’t live without? 

Family, books, and sweet tea

What is your favorite food? 

Mashed potatoes

What makes you happy? 

My bed

How would your friends describe you? 

Energetic

What are your plans for after graduation? 

Going to college and cosmetology school

What is your favorite team? 

Golden State Warriors

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Vanilla

What is your favorite dessert/cake? 

Brownies

What is your favorite holiday? 

4th of July