Senior Session – Lainey Powell in Williston ND

Senior

Lainey’s senior session felt personal before I even picked up my camera. Her mom, Misty, is an old college friend, so from the start, this wasn’t just another Thursday night shoot. It was one of those evenings that reminds me why I do this. Easy laughs, wind in her hair, outfits that felt like her, and a story that quietly unfolded with every stop we made.

Full-Circle

Here’s the wild part I went to college with Lainey’s parents. I remember when Misty and Lance were just starting to date. Fast forward, and now I’m photographing their senior.

Time is weird. And beautiful. And wow… what an honor.

Lainey kicked things off in a white tee and jeans simple, effortless, so her. We wandered through downtown, chasing clean backgrounds and soft light.

Downtown Williston

After warming up, she changed into a long pink dress. We found flowers tucked along the sidewalks and a clean white wall that made the color pop.

Roadside Stop

After downtown, we hit the road toward Lewis and Clark State Park. Somewhere along the way, Lainey changed into her track uniform in the car, and we made a quick roadside stop to grab some shots with her jerseys, spikes, baton, & hard-earned medals. The baton in this photo belonged to Terrille Jacobson’s dad, Terry — a huge supporter of local sports and someone who meant a lot to so many. Terrille has coached Lainey for years and is basically family, so while she was gathering Lainey’s jerseys for the shoot, she came across the baton while cleaning out her dad’s house. She thought Lainey might want to use it as a prop.

Tall Grass & Bridge Location

Once we got to the park, she changed again — this time into a mauve tie-back top and a little skirt for shots by the bridge and in the grass.

Senior portrait in tall grass wearing mauve top

Beach Light

After that, we headed to the beach, where she slipped into a floral dress she and Misty had picked up at Scheels in Fargo just days before.

Even though sunset was still technically an hour out, the sky went full blue hour early — soft, moody, magical. She ran barefoot across the sand, twirled through the water, and let the wind do its thing. Total dream.

Whether it’s before or after their session, I always ask my seniors a few questions — just a fun way to hear their story in their own words. Here’s a little more from Lainey:

Name of Senior

Lainey