Vintage-Inspired Senior Photos at Summit Lake | Alaska Senior Portraits
When your senior is a swimmer who loves polar plunges, you know you’re in for a fun and adventurous photo session! I recently took this senior to the beautiful Summit Lake in Alaska for a portrait session that perfectly combined her personality, passion, and a touch of vintage.
She brought along a giant flamingo floatie (because what’s a lake shoot without a little fun?) and rocked a bold red swimsuit that gave serious retro vibes. We styled her look with a cute red headband, giant hoop earrings, and a bold lip, which pulled everything together for a classic, pin-up-inspired feel—but with an Alaskan twist, of course.
The water was freezing cold, but that didn’t stop her. She’s no stranger to that thanks to her love for polar plunges! She tries to jump in as many lakes as possible in the summertime. Yes, she did get into the lake at the very end of the shoot.
Summit Lake in Hatcher Pass gave us a gorgeous backdrop with its blue waters, mountain reflections, and that soft, dreamy light that only Alaska can deliver. We ended up with a collection of images that were not only beautiful but also personal and fun! I love them so much!!!
This session was such a reminder that senior portraits should celebrate who you are—whether that’s through your hobbies, your style, or a giant flamingo floatie. Or just because you want something unique!
If you're a senior looking for something creative, let's create a session that’s as adventurous and bold as you are. Alaska has no shortage of breathtaking locations, or let’s use my studio. I’m always up for a creative twist that makes your photos truly YOU.
Knik River, Alaska Engagement - Alaska Engagement Photographer
Looking for the best engagement photographer in Palmer, Wasilla, or Anchorage, Alaska? You’re in the right place—and this dreamy engagement session along the Knik River is everything Alaska love stories are made of.
This beautiful couple chose one of my favorite locations: the Knik River in Palmer. The sun set in golden hues hitting the mountains, casting the most incredible light over the water and wildflower-covered riverbanks. The Alaskan landscape did what it always does—stunned us with its beauty.
They turned their engagement portraits into something truly unique. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love what I do—helping couples create timeless memories in the most scenic places on Earth.
Whether you’re planning an adventurous engagement shoot in the mountains, something romantic in the wildflowers, or a golden hour session by the river, I’d love to bring your vision to life. My sessions are customized to reflect your love story—with a mix of editorial beauty, candid connection, and Alaska’s wild charm.
I’m currently booking engagement photography in Palmer, Wasilla, and Anchorage, and would be honored to capture your story. Reach out today and let’s plan something unforgettable.
Fairytale Canoe Senior Portrait Session - Alaska Senior Photographer
Some sessions feel like something straight out of a dream—and this was one of them. Floating gracefully in a canoe, surrounded by peony bouquets and framed by the breathtaking Alaska mountain range, this senior girl’s portrait session in Palmer, Alaska was pure magic.
We planned to create something timeless and feminine with just a touch of fairytale. The soft blush tones of the peonies added a romantic contrast against the deep green waters. As the light danced across the lake and kissed the tips of the mountains, Alaska gave us everything we could have hoped for in a stunning senior photo session.
This session wasn’t just about beautiful scenery (though senior portraits in Alaska always come with a view)—it was about celebrating who she is in this moment. She wanted to include her pet rabbit, so we did. The canoe represented her journey, the peonies her softness, and the mountains her strength.
If you’re dreaming of senior portraits in Palmer, Wasilla, Eagle River, or Anchorage that are a little different, a little bold, and entirely unforgettable, let’s create something just for you. Whether it’s floating on a mountain lake or exploring wildflower fields in Alaska, your story deserves to be told in a way that feels like you. I love to get creative with my clients and help make their dreams come true!
For the Swifties: Glitter, Glam & Senior Portraits - Alaska Senior Photographer
The moment I saw this high school senior post about going to a Taylor Swift concert, I knew we had to make a photoshoot happen. Her concert outfit was everything—sparkles, sequins, and that fearless, fun Swiftie energy. So we planned a shoot around it… and let me tell you, it turned out even cuter than I imagined!
From glittery eye heart to the shimmer in her dress, this session was pure joy. I love this kind of thing! We played with light, movement, and a little attitude—think “Bejeweled” meets “You Belong With Me.” She brought the energy, the confidence, and the perfect touch of sparkle. It wasn’t just a senior session—it was a mini celebration of self-expression.
We danced. We laughed. We embraced the glitter.
These are the kinds of shoots I live for. They’re not just about pretty photos (though trust me, they were stunning); they’re about capturing who you are in this moment. Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie, love a little glam, or have your own creative vision, I’m always game.
Seward Beach Photography Tips - High School Senior Portraits in Seward, Alaska
Why Seward Beach Photo Sessions Are Beautifully Unpredictable
If you're dreaming of beach portraits, Seward, Alaska might be the spot for you. Located on Resurrection Bay, this small gem of a town routinely experiences rain and chilly weather in the summer. That means if you’re planning a seaside photo shoot, embracing cold temps, damp air, and dreamy fog is necessary. If you fully embrace it, you can come away with gorgeous senior portraits.
What You’ll Really Need
1. Be prepared for the cold with the proper clothing.
The secret to comfortable outdoor portrait sessions here is layering. Now I’m not saying wear thermal layers and sweatshirts. Most likely you have some cute outfits that you want to wear. Maybe even an off-the-shoulder romantic dress. But make sure you have a jacket or a blanket to wear in between shots or when you get old. Also if you have a cute pair of shoes you want to have in the photos, be sure to bring a pair of shoes that are easy to walk around with, and then you can change them when we get to the location.
2. Shoot through the rain—creativity in moisture.
Drizzle isn’t a dealbreaker—it’s an opportunity. Light rain can yield reflective wet sand, softened horizons, and cinematic mood. I will be honest, sometime it rains the whole weekend. So we might have to do some of the photos with a cute umbrella. We have to work with what we have!
3. Book your Airbnb early!
Seward is tiny—with fewer than 3,000 residents—and lodging books fast, especially in summer. Many vacation rentals and AirBnBs are off-season only, and demand spikes once the Kenai Fjords cruise season kicks.
Peak season runs from mid-May through mid-September. Rentals can be snached up early. But sometimes you do get lucky with a last minute opening.
Outfit Ideas—Real Alaska Style
Rich textures: chunky knits, leather jackets, wool coats—ocean‑ready yet stylish. If your an Alaskan, you can’t go wrong with the Xtra-Tuffs!
Bold pops: scarlets, deep blues, soft blues, purples, forest greens that stand out against smoky grays.
Motion-friendly: flowing skirts, and dresses—to capture romantic wind movement. I love a good dress. This would even be a good time to bring your prom dress along for a few photos!
Final Tip: Embrace the Seward Mood
Every year, Seward's unpredictable skies and weather gift us incredible visuals—the dramatic clouds, wild reflections, and misty peaks are part of its charm. If you embrace the challenge, it will reward you with unforgettable photos!
Going Home…
Seven years. That’s how long it’s been since I last went back to my hometown. The last time I was there was for my father’s funeral. It was a hard time — and honestly, it’s been too long.
My kids needed time with their grandma, so I booked the tickets. My youngest was only three when his grandpa died, so naturally, he doesn’t remember him. I think they would’ve enjoyed each other — I can picture them laughing together.
So when my youngest started calling my mom’s new husband “Grandpa,” it caught me off guard. At first, it was a little jarring. Over the next couple of days, I thought about it a lot. I felt sad that he never knew my dad, never knew where that part of him came from. I couldn’t see them sharing jokes, laughing together, or stories together.
But on the other hand, I get it. He’s looking for that connection — someone to be a grandfather figure on that side of the family. For him, it just felt right.
As we were leaving, I watched him give his new adopted grandpa a hug, step back, and look up into his eyes with a big, beaming smile. And it hit me: family, whether by blood or heart, is what matters.
When I look at the photos of my kids, their cousins, my mom, and her husband, it’s clear. Family is what it’s all about.
From Snow to Sun: Mother’s Day in Alaska
One minute it’s winter… and the next, it’s full-blown summer in Alaska. If you know, you know. There’s no in-between here—just straight-up snow boots to sandals overnight.
This Mother’s Day was simple but felt pretty perfect. We started the morning attending our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right here in beautiful Palmer, Alaska. It’s how we always begin our Sundays.
After church, we relaxed at home for a little while, just soaking in the calm. But then the sunshine called, and we answered. We walked down to the river and let the kids explore while we attempted a little swimming lesson (or possibly baptism?) with our mini-poodle. Spoiler alert: he wasn’t impressed. I’m not sure he’ll ever trust us again.
The kids, on the other hand, thrived. Give Alaska kids a glacial river and a sunbeam, and they’ll turn it into summer magic. They were having so much fun that we headed back home just long enough to grab swimsuits and snacks—then it was back to the water.
Let me say: Alaskan kids are built differently. That water was cold. Like, make-you-question-your-life-choices cold. I stayed on shore, in my Alaska sweatshirt, promising them that next time, I’ll join them. But let’s be honest—I’ll be ordering a wetsuit first. But I am looking forward to bringing my underwater camera with us.
And as I stood on the shore, camera in hand, I was happy. Photographing moments in a natural way, where I basically just watch and photograph, makes my heart sing. This kind of photography—the natural light, the unscripted joy, the real-life moments—is what fills me up. These aren’t posed, polished memories. They’re the kind you want to bottle up and keep forever. The kind your kids will look back on and say, "Remember when we swam in the river on Mother’s Day?"
This is the good stuff. The real stuff. And I’m so grateful I get to live it—and capture it.
Your family photography can look like this, too. I offer these sessions to my clients as well. Sometimes it can be challenging for a family to visualize how the photos would turn out for their own family. But I promise you, you will love the results. You have to trust me and the process. Are posed portraits beautiful, yes. I photograph them. But there is something so freeing and relaxing about being able to be you at a photoshoot. To love your family the way you do.
Dipnetting - Alaska Life
I’ll admit it – I don’t know why I love dipnetting. It’s one of those activities that’s just pure, unadulterated joy, and I can’t explain it in any other way. Maybe it's the simple thrill of it all, or perhaps it’s the way the community of people gathers along the beach, all of us working together with one common goal: to catch fish.
You're missing out if you've never been to a Kenai beach on a sunny day during the dipnetting season. Picture this: the water is glistening under the sun, the air is filled with the salty scent of the ocean, and everyone around is happily hauling in fish, laughing and shouting as they pull in one after another. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Of course, it’s not all pristine beaches and perfectly caught fish. The sand gets everywhere, no matter how careful you are, and if you’re standing in the water, fish guts tend to fly. It’s part of the process – part of the experience. Pooping seagulls are a constant, and there’s the occasional fish you didn’t quite land the way you wanted, but it’s all part of the charm. When you get a solid catch, and your net is full, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of success.
But let's be real — it's not always sunny, and dipnetting definitely has its tough days. On those freezing, overcast, rainy days, it can feel like the fun has been sucked right out of the experience. You’re cold, wet, and watching the rain beat down on the water. The fish are nowhere to be found, and you start questioning your life choices. But as soon as that sun breaks through and the fish start biting, all of that fades away. There’s a unique satisfaction in knowing that, no matter what, you’re part of something bigger. It's the heart of Alaskan living – gritty, raw, and yet, so rewarding.
For me, there’s no better way to spend a summer day than on the Kenai beach, dipnet in hand, a bright sun above, and the excitement of the catch filling the air. It’s more than just fishing. It’s about community, tradition, and the simple joy of getting out there and being part of the world around you.
As an Alaskan gal, I’ll take a sunny day on the beach with a dipnet in hand over anything else. It's not about what I catch – it’s about the experience, the people, and the moment. And on a day like that? There’s no place I’d rather be.
