Senior Stories: Ava

One Last Cape Cod Adventure Before College

When I photographed Ava’s two older sisters for their senior portraits, we packed up the car, headed to Chatham, and spent the day exploring one of my favorite places on Cape Cod. Years later, when it was Ava’s turn, there was never really a question of where we’d go. Chatham had become part of their family’s story, and this time it was Ava’s turn to add her chapter.

As the youngest of three sisters, there was something especially meaningful about this session. The last senior. The last Cape Cod adventure. The last time we’d recreate a tradition that had become so much more than just taking pictures. And just like her sisters before her, Ava chose to share the experience with her best friend.

A Best Friend Day Done Right

When I asked Ava what she was most excited about after high school, her answer couldn’t have been more fitting.

“College!!!”

She’s headed to UMass to study Communications, and when she’s not in class you’ll probably find her on a field, court, or with the people she loves most. Soccer, softball, basketball, friends, family. She has one of those personalities that’s happiest when she’s surrounded by her people.

That made bringing Lexi along feel even more perfect.

Chasing Hydrangeas

If you’ve ever been to Cape Cod in the summer, you know the hydrangeas are part of the experience.

Those big blue blooms almost feel like they’re welcoming you into every neighborhood, and they were high on Ava’s wish list.

So naturally, that’s exactly where we started.

Flowing dresses, colorful flowers, warm summer air, and two best friends laughing their way through the morning. It didn’t feel rushed. We wandered until we found the prettiest gardens and stopped whenever something caught our eye.

That’s one of my favorite things about Wanderlust Sessions. We aren’t checking boxes. We’re exploring.

Downtown Chatham

From there we wandered through downtown Chatham, ducking into little side streets and finding all the tiny corners most people walk right past.

There’s one spot we’ve visited with all three sisters over the years. A beautiful restaurant with an American flag hanging over the sidewalk.

Every single time we’re in Chatham, we stop there.

At this point it’s practically become a family tradition.

I love those little details. Years from now, when the three sisters flip through their albums together, they’ll all have photos in that same place, but every story will still feel completely their own.

A Little Bit of Confidence

One answer from Ava’s questionnaire really stuck with me.

When I asked if she had any fears before her session, she wrote:

“My only fear is the way I look, but you did so good and I know I’ll love every single pic.”

I think so many seniors quietly carry that same fear.

What if I feel awkward?

What if I don’t know what to do?

What if I don’t like myself in pictures?

The truth is, almost nobody shows up already knowing how to model. They don’t need to.

My job isn’t to photograph people who already feel confident.

It’s to help them discover that confidence along the way.

By the end of the day, they’re moving naturally, laughing without thinking about the camera, and realizing they actually can love photos of themselves.

Watching that transformation never gets old.

Golden Hour at the Lighthouse

We finished the evening where we always do.

At the beach near Chatham Lighthouse.

It’s one of my favorite places because sunset looks completely different there than it does on the western beaches. Instead of the sun dropping into the water, it slips behind the lighthouse and dunes, creating this soft, hazy glow that slowly melts into pink, lavender, and blue skies.

Ava laughed when I asked her what her favorite part of the day was.

“Probably ice cream!!! No, I’m kidding… I loved the sunset!!!!”

Although…

The ice cream tradition is pretty hard to beat.

Every Wanderlust Session ends the same way.

One last stop.

One scoop of ice cream.

One chance to sit together, laugh about the day, and realize just how many memories fit into a single summer afternoon.

Looking Ahead

Ava’s style is effortlessly current. Think Y2K-inspired pieces, platform shoes, baby tees, and just about anything from Lululemon. She practically lives in black but admits red is her favorite color to wear because it makes her feel confident. Fall is her favorite season, she loves spending time with friends and family, and if she’s leaving the house, she’s definitely bringing her phone.

In other words, she’s exactly where she was supposed to be: Standing at the edge of senior year excited, hopeful and ready for everything that’s next.

That’s exactly what senior portraits are supposed to capture. Not just what someone looked like, but who they were during one of the most exciting seasons of their life.

Kind Words from Ava

I always ask my seniors what they’d tell a friend who’s thinking about booking a session, and Ava’s answer made me smile.

“Book with Jen. She will give you the best experience. She will take a million pictures, she knows how to make you look good, AND you get hair and makeup done!”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Ava, thank you for trusting me, just like your sisters did before you. Photographing all three of you has been such an honor, and watching your family come back year after year is something I’ll never take for granted.

I can’t wait to see everything you accomplish at UMass. I have a feeling this is only the beginning.

Thinking about your own senior portraits?

If you’re dreaming about a senior session that feels more like an adventure than a photoshoot, my Wanderlust Experience was made for you. Whether you’re imagining Cape Cod, Newport, Boston, or another favorite place that tells your story, we’ll create a day that’s every bit as memorable as the photographs themselves. ESPECIALLY if you have your Besties with you!!

Years from now, I don’t just want you to remember what you looked like. I want you to remember how this season of your life felt. ❤️