Grady’s Senior Adventure Session – A Downtown Detour That Delivered

Grady’s senior adventure session didn’t go exactly as planned—and that’s what made it unforgettable. We originally had a game plan: soccer portraits at the high school followed by golden hour magic at Lewis & Clark State Park. But North Dakota weather had other ideas, and instead of rescheduling, we got creative. We pivoted. And honestly? That shift gave us a whole new kind of magic.

From Studio Vibes to Downtown

With rain in the forecast, we kicked off Grady’s first session at the studio. The clean light, the relaxed energy—he showed up and brought his quiet confidence in such an effortless way.

From the studio, we moved into downtown Williston for a totally different feel. The textures, the color, the grit—it gave us contrast and depth that worked so well. After that, we headed to Trinity for basketball photos. That court has been a huge part of his story, so it made sense to finish there. There’s something about being in a space where you’ve poured in time and energy—it shows up in the photos. He didn’t need to try. He just was. Confident. Comfortable. Completely at home.

Round Two: From the Field to the Sand

Later in the month, the weather finally played nice—and we made it to the locations we’d been dreaming about. We started with soccer shots on the high school field, mixing in action and stills around the bleachers. This time, the sky stayed clear.

Then we headed to Lewis & Clark State Park for the evening. And wow—worth the wait. We started in the rugged Badlands-style area, using all that natural texture and earthy contrast. Later, we made our way down to the driftwood and sand near the water. It added softness, warmth, and depth that gave this session a ton of visual variety.

Grady walking through textured Badlands area at Lewis and Clark State Park

One of my favorite moments? Getting to snap a few shots of Grady with his mom, Jamie. She’s a classmate/friend of mine—I went to high school with her—and I had done her son Derek’s senior photos a few years back. Sessions like this feel full-circle in the best way. We catch up, laugh, reminisce, and make something beautiful in the process.

Why Variety Matters in Senior Photos

Senior photos shouldn’t all feel the same. They should reflect who you are—not just a version of you that poses in front of a tree. What made Grady’s senior session so special was that it was layered. Indoor shots with polish. Downtown textures. Court energy. Soccer fun. And that soft golden light at the lake. It’s the kind of session that gives you more—more meaning, more story, more you.