Jacob’s senior session was all about going back to his roots. He chose Anton Chico, New Mexico, where his family is originally from, even though he hadn’t been back in some time. So we hit the road together, exploring the area, chasing that nostalgic connection, and capturing this milestone in a way that felt personal.

A person in a white cowboy hat and mint green shirt poses against an adobe wall in a southwestern setting.

Behind the Scenes: Embracing the Harsh New Mexico Sun

What I didn’t expect was the full intensity of a New Mexico spring day. No clouds. No breeze. Just sun—bright and unfiltered. As a natural light photographer who values bold and true-to-color edits, I knew I had to adjust fast to keep the look consistent.

Thankfully, I brought my MagMod modifiers and Octobox to help shape the light. I paired it with my Canon gear and a Godox flash system, creating a clean off-camera flash setup that allowed me to fill in shadows and tone down the harsh highlights. The setup gave me control and flexibility—especially important when you’re working in remote locations with unpredictable light.

I found natural textures—trees, fences, gravel roads—that helped amplify the rural feel, and used the sun as a storytelling tool instead of fighting it.

Western rustic scene with someone in cowboy hat and checkered shirt leaning against adobe brick wall in sunlight.

Details That Told His Story

Jacob showed up ready to celebrate everything that makes his senior year special:

  • Western pride: Cowboy hat, boots, jeans, and his fair ribbons + belt buckles from county fair animal showing.
  • Personal touch: His Dodge pickup, parked just right for a bold portrait moment.
  • Athletic identity: His football jersey and helmet from West Las Vegas High School added another layer to the session.

Every prop, every outfit change, every pose—it all tied into his story.

Prize winning ribbon decorations hang on chain link fence under rustic wooden overhang at rural county fair.

Why Anton Chico?

Jacob showed up ready to celebrate everything that makes his senior year special:

  • Western pride: Cowboy hat, boots, jeans, and his fair ribbons + belt buckles from county fair animal showing.
  • Personal touch: His Dodge pickup, parked just right for a bold portrait moment.
  • Athletic identity: His football jersey and helmet from West Las Vegas High School added another layer to the session.

Every prop, every outfit change, every pose—it all tied into his story.

A red Dodge Ram pickup truck parked in rugged desert terrain with brush and trees in the background.

Planning a Senior Session That Tells Your Story

As a senior photographer based in northern New Mexico, I love helping clients create something more than just yearbook photos. Whether we’re on a family ranch, in a hometown you haven’t seen in years, or out in the mountains—your session should feel like you.

Let’s chase light, stories, and memories together.

📍 Serving: Las Vegas NM | Anton Chico | Santa Fe | Northern NM

📸 Bold. True to color. Full of heart.

→ Contact me here to start planning your 2025 senior session.

A person in sunglasses, cowboy hat and checkered shirt stands in a sunlit field against bright blue sky.