Senior Pictures North Dakota | Jayla’s Session

Senior sessions always come with a little adventure, but Jayla’s was next-level. Between shifting weather, unexpected detours, and some of the dreamiest golden light, this session was one for the books. If you’re looking for senior pictures in North Dakota, this is exactly the type of session I love creating.

The North Unit Session: A Weather Rollercoaster

Originally, Jayla’s first senior session was set for Monday, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned as a photographer, it’s that the weather has zero respect for your plans. The forecast showed rain, so we bumped it up to Sunday. Then Sunday morning rolled around, and—surprise!—it was going to be windy and overcast. But by Monday, the clouds were expected to clear just in time for sunset. So, we pivoted again and landed back on Monday.

We left around 5:15–5:20 and got to the North Unit by 6:30. The sun was breaking through the clouds just behind us, setting the perfect mood. We started at Cannonball, where Jayla wore the cutest pink jeans and a bodysuit before switching into denim. I had also packed a few dresses, and she put on this stunning green two-piece set—a flowy skirt with a strapless top. It was giving effortless elegance, and I was obsessed.

Since it was overcast, we shot in a spot we don’t normally use on the other side of Cannonball. Then, as we headed up the hill for our next location, we ran into a ton of buffalo blocking the road. Change of plans! I flipped a U-turn and took us into the campground instead, where there’s this amazing old tree that worked perfectly for a quick set of photos. Jayla changed into a turquoise dress (SO good), and we shot for about 15 minutes before circling back to our original hill spot once the buffalo had moved on.

The Downtown & Lake Session: Best Friends, City Vibes & Sunset Magic

For Jayla’s second session, we switched things up and started downtown before heading to Lake Sakakawea. This session had everything—chic city vibes, a golden-hour lake backdrop, and even a best friend moment.

Jayla and her best friend Bonnie are both heading to NDSU next year, so of course, we had to capture them in their NDSU t-shirts! I love when seniors bring their best friends along—it adds so much fun and personality to their session, and these two had the best energy together.

For her solo shots downtown, Jayla wore a sleek black bodysuit with white jeans, followed by a gorgeous orangey-peach dress that popped perfectly against the urban backdrop. She absolutely nailed both looks, and the variety made for such a strong start to her session.

After downtown, we headed to the lake, and this part of the session was straight-up magical. The sun was out, the water was calm, and everything felt so peaceful. Jayla wore the most stunning flowy periwinkle dress—it moved beautifully in the breeze and gave that effortless, dreamy look. She also switched into a jeans-and-top combo with strapless white top with small flowers, plus a pink dress with a cool floral print and side cut-outs that was so unique.

We shot in the water, by the rocks, in the tall grass, and even in the sand—there was so much movement and texture in these shots. The lighting was absolutely perfect, with the warm glow of the sun making everything feel soft and golden.

The Best Kind of Senior Session

One of my favorite things about Jayla’s session was how much variety she had in her outfits. Every location felt fresh and unique because of the way her wardrobe choices played into the setting. From city chic to soft and whimsical at the lake, she gave her gallery so much personality. It’s exactly what I love in a senior session—variety, movement, and authentic moments that truly reflect who you are.

And the best part? Jayla loved her photos. Seeing her excitement over the sneak peeks made my day, and I cannot wait for her to get the full gallery!

Lake Sakakawea senior portraits with Jayla at sunset, featuring a soft and dreamy lake backdrop.

Class of 2025—Now Booking Senior Pictures in North Dakota!

If you’re a 2025 senior looking for senior pictures in North Dakota, let’s create something unforgettable! Whether it’s chasing sunsets, city vibes, or best friend moments, I want to help you capture this once-in-a-lifetime milestone in a way that feels true to you. My calendar fills up fast, so reach out soon to grab your spot!

Get to Know Jayla – Senior Questionnaire

One of my favorite parts of senior sessions is getting to know each senior beyond just the photos. Before every session, I have my seniors fill out a quick questionnaire—it helps me learn about their personality, interests, and what makes their senior year special. For Jayla, her session wasn’t just about the outfits or locations; it was about capturing who she is at this incredible milestone in life.

So, let’s dive in! Here’s a little more about Jayla, in her own words.

Name of Senior

Jayla Arcand