Capturing Authentic Personality

Capturing Authentic Personality in Senior Portraits – Meet Hunter

When it comes to senior portraits, my favorite part is capturing who someone truly is—not just how they look. These sessions are about telling a story, freezing a moment in time before life starts shifting and changing. And for Hunter, a high school senior from Central Wisconsin, that story is all about hard work, pride, and connection to the outdoors.

Hunter isn’t your sit-in-a-studio kind of guy. He’s the kind of young man who feels most at home outside—surrounded by open space, fresh air, and the simple, rugged beauty of nature. So when we planned his senior session, we made sure to reflect that, with photos taken in the heart of a Central Wisconsin Fall.

We started at a local park where the golden sunlight streamed through the trees and gave the entire session a warm, rustic glow. Hunter showed up in a classic black t-shirt and blue jeans—his favorite everyday outfit—and it was clear from the start that he felt like himself. No fuss, no flash—just comfortable, confident, and grounded in who he is.

For the second half of the session, we headed to my little farm—where I live and where my photography studio is located. When I suggested it, Hunter loved the idea. He liked that it wasn’t just any location; it felt genuine, peaceful, and full of character. The quiet fields, weathered textures, and golden fall tones gave us the perfect backdrop to highlight his grounded, hardworking personality.

And of course, we couldn’t leave out his truck. This wasn’t just a cool vehicle—it was something he worked hard to buy himself. Including it in his portraits wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about celebrating his determination and pride in what he’s earned. Seeing him leaning against the driver’s door, relaxed and grinning, felt like capturing the very essence of this season of growing up.

To me, senior portraits should never be stiff or overly posed. They should feel like the person in them—whether that means shooting at a farm, including a truck, or simply wearing what makes you feel most like you. Every detail, from the clothes to the location, should say: this is your story.

Hunter’s session was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. These images will be cherished by his family, but more than that, they’ll be a time capsule—something he can look back on years from now and say, “Yeah, that was me.” 

Booking your senior session is easy, following this link will take your directly to the Senior Photography page where you’ll find my senior portfolio and session packages.  Packages are conveniently booked online!