When you book a session with a Williston senior photographer, you never know where the day will take you — but that’s the best part.
For this senior session, we kept it local, authentic, and full of heart — exactly how it should be.
We started strong in the studio, grabbing a few clean, classic shots before heading downtown — one of my favorite senior session spots.
There’s this stairway downtown that I love using for seniors — it’s full of texture, grit, and urban vibes. I’ve shot there many times before, but this time, I had a fresh idea: hang his jerseys on the cage under the stairs for a raw, athletic feel.
Of course, Mother Nature had other plans. The sun was blinding, the jerseys were flapping like crazy in the wind, and it just wasn’t happening.
So we pivoted — fast. We tucked him under the stairway itself, had him crouch and relax, and honestly? It turned out even cooler than the original idea.
We also played with shooting through the stair risers — creating bold layers with light and shadow. Those unexpected moments? That’s where the real magic happens.
There’s nothing better than when a senior shows up ready to roll with whatever the day throws at us. After downtown, we popped back into the studio for a few quick shots — baseball glove, basketball, some clean studio lighting. Nothing over-the-top — just real moments that tell his story.
Then it was time to hit the road toward his place outside of town. First stop: a gravel road shaded by trees. It wasn’t much — just some dust, light, and wide skies — but that’s all you need when the vibe is right.
He mentioned he wanted some photos by a bridge too… except it wasn’t really a bridge. 😂 It was more like a culvert with half a guardrail, but hey — creativity lives in unexpected places. We made it work with angles, light, and a little imagination.
On the drive back, we spotted a hidden gem — an old abandoned homestead with weathered wood and tall grass that looked like something out of a movie. You already know I slammed on the brakes. 🙌
We grabbed a few shots there before finishing the night in front of his house, with nothing but wide open spaces and tall grass bathed in golden sunset light.
No fancy props. No crazy setups.
Just a senior, a small town, and moments that feel real and true.
That’s what being a Williston senior photographer is all about.
➡️ Want a session that feels real and looks unforgettable? Let’s make it happen.
If you’re planning a senior session soon, check out this post too! ➡️ Senior Year Timeline: A Parent’s Guide to Staying Organized | ND Senior Photographer
Wondering when to schedule your senior session ? Here’s another post you’ll love! ➡️ When to Schedule Your North Dakota Senior Photos
Here’s a peek at the questions I asked and the answers he gave.
Name of Senior
Owen Kok
What is your favorite thing to do?
Sports
What is your favorite movie?
What are your top 3 favorite songs right now?
Where the wild thing are – Luke combs /David -Cody Jinks/ Wild ones – jelly roll
What is your favorite drink?
Gatorade
What is your favorite snack/candy?
Cheeze- it’s
Do you have a nickname?
Kookie
What is your favorite scent?
Campfires at the lake
What is your favorite color?
Sea green
What is your favorite place on Earth that you’ve been to?
New Orleans
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Rome
What is your favorite place to shop at?
What is your favorite restaurant?
Basil
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
Sushi, sports, and brother
What is your favorite food?
Sushi
What makes you happy?
Sports
What are your plans for after graduation?
Go to college
What is your favorite team?
Ohio state
What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas