When Raelene and I arrived at Babcock Winery for her senior session, I had a plan—find new, unique backdrops that made this session completely her own. What I didn’t plan for? A sudden and unexpected career shift into wildlife control. But we’ll get to that in a second.


Raelene’s heart may beat to the rhythm of country music, but she found herself right at home in the ultra-cool, vintage-infused tasting room at Babcock. Now, she may not have recognized most of the music legends on the walls (insert dramatic gasp here), but I made sure a Beatles poster made its way into the background. Because, let’s be honest, no session is complete without a little Lennon and McCartney in the mix. She did find something right up her alley, though—some ridiculously cool cowhide stools that looked like they were made for her shoot. Add in the fluffiest, most photogenic black cat who tried to steal the spotlight, and we had ourselves a session with all the unexpected cameos.


Once we wrapped up inside, we ventured out to explore new spots around the property—because if there’s one thing I love, it’s making every senior session feel one-of-a-kind. Raelene? She was a natural, flashing a smile as golden as the light around us. Her mom, standing off-camera, had the magic touch for getting the best, most genuine laughs out of her. It was one of those perfect senior sessions where everything just clicks. And then…


I had Raelene do a simple “walk-away, then turn and smile” prompt. Easy, classic, always a winner. Except this time, she took a step, there was a crunch, and—oh, what’s that? Just a SNAKE. A real, live, now very much not alive snake.


Cue me standing there, frozen, questioning all my life choices while Raelene? She just shrugged, totally unbothered, and went right back to the shoot like stepping on reptiles was just part of the senior photo experience. Meanwhile, I spent the rest of the session with my eyes scanning the ground like a paranoid meerkat.


Despite my snake-induced nerves, Raelene absolutely rocked her session. She was confident, effortless, and totally in her element. From stunning portraits in the tasting room to sun-drenched shots outside (snake territory notwithstanding), she owned every frame.


I love when seniors completely embrace the experience like Raelene did. She had fun, she trusted the process, and she even handled unexpected wildlife encounters like a champ. I, on the other hand, may still be recovering.


Congratulations, Raelene! You nailed it. And next time? I’m bringing boots.