Reata's Western Senior Session: Horses, Hats, and Heart

Meet Reata: A Western Senior Session to Remember

Reata is a 2026 senior at Leadore High School, and she’s already getting a head start on her senior photos. When she reached out to schedule her session, she wanted to take full advantage of the spring greens and golden sunset skies—and that’s exactly what we did. As an Idaho senior photographer, I always encourage seniors to plan early, especially when the goal is to capture seasonal color and that dreamy golden-hour glow.

Reata is the kind of girl who knows who she is. She loves her horses, country music, and Monster Energy, and she wanted her photos to reflect that. Naturally, she brought her horses along for the session. Including your passions and lifestyle in your senior session is what makes these photos so much more than portraits—it makes them personal. It tells your story.

We met just before sunset in a location that felt like a hidden gem. It wasn’t sprawling or overwhelming—just the right amount of space with the perfect backdrop. The weather was warm, the light was golden, and everything came together in the most beautiful way. Reata brought a few outfit changes—classic jeans, a flowy dress, and of course, a cowboy hat—and we created a gallery full of variety and personality.

Now let’s talk about horses. I’ll be honest—they are the hardest subject to photograph. Tougher than toddlers. Trickier than dogs. Some horses hate the camera, some hate standing still, and others just don’t want anything to do with the photographer (me). Reata was amazing though. She knew her animals and switched horses when needed. Even though not every horse wanted to cooperate, we still created some stunning images that show her bond with them.

One of my favorite moments was when I asked Reata to stand behind the fence for a few shots. At first, the horses kept their distance. Then, as if on cue, they wandered over and wouldn’t leave her side. It was such a sweet moment—her laughing, brushing them away gently—and it led to some of the most genuine, natural photos of the evening.

This western-inspired senior session was everything I love about photographing seniors in Idaho: true personality, real moments, natural light, and just enough dirt on your boots to remind you you’re home.

Thinking About Summer Senior Photos? Now's the Time to Book!

If you’re a 2025 or 2026 East Idaho senior, summer is the perfect time to schedule your senior session. The days are long, the sunsets are unbeatable, and the landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. Whether you want golden fields, riverside views, or to include your horse or truck in your session, I’ve got you covered.

As an Idaho senior photographer, I know how important it is to create a comfortable, fun experience where you can be yourself. Your senior photos should feel natural and unique to you—not stiff poses or copy-paste locations.

Summer books up quickly, especially with popular dates like weekends and golden-hour evenings. If you want warm tones, wildflowers, and those classic Western vibes, don’t wait to get on my calendar.

Let’s create a session that feels as unforgettable as your senior year.