So, here’s the thing… I just set a personal record. Jude is the third sibling in this family I’ve had the honor of photographing for senior portraits. Watching each of these seniors grow up and take their turn in front of my lens has been an absolute privilege, and Jude’s session at the Santa Barbara Courthouse was nothing short of model material.
If you’ve never been to the Santa Barbara Courthouse, do yourself a favor and go. Not only is it an architectural dream, but it also happens to be one of the best locations for a senior session. Built in 1929, this Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece boasts gorgeous archways, intricate tilework, grand staircases, and lush gardens—all of which make for stunning backdrops. Whether you want a touch of elegance, a historic vibe, or just some killer light bouncing off those creamy stucco walls, this place has it all.
For Jude’s session, the courthouse’s arches and stairways were the perfect setting for a mix of classic and modern senior portraits. The way the light filtered through the palm trees added a golden glow, and the wide walkways gave us room to get creative with poses.
From the get-go, Jude was on point. Some seniors need a little time to warm up, but not this guy—he stepped in front of the camera like he belonged on a magazine cover. Of course, I had a few slightly quirky posing ideas (some worked, some didn’t, but hey, that’s part of the fun). Jude was totally game for it all, and the result? Some seriously next-level senior portraits.
And my surefire way to get an epic smile, just casually bring up the 2024 “Big Game.” That’s right—mentioning that Cabrillo beat Lompoc (which, let’s be honest, doesn’t happen often) was like unlocking a whole new level of joy. Jude was absolutely ecstatic—probably even more so knowing that his big brother Aiden didn’t get to experience that same victory. Sorry, Aiden, but you know it had to be said.
I can’t tell you how many times I instinctively said “Hey Jude” during this session. And yes, every single time, The Beatles immediately started playing in my head. It was inevitable. But honestly, if your name is Jude, you’ve probably just accepted that as your life soundtrack at this point.
By the time we wrapped up, we had a mix of timeless, bold, and relaxed shots that perfectly captured Jude’s personality. This session was a dream—from the historic courthouse setting to the unexpected sports rivalry joy to the absolute model energy Jude brought to every shot.
To Jude and his family—thank you for letting me be part of your senior journeys. It’s been an honor photographing all three of you, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Jude. Just remember, if you ever need someone to document another life milestone… you know who to call. (And yes, I’ll probably still say “Hey Jude.”)
