Sunshine. Iced coffee. Cicadas. These are a few words I think of when I look back on Bryanna’s senior photos in downtown Wheaton. Yes, cicadas! Scroll down to keep reading why this made for quite the unique senior photos experience. As an Aurora senior photographer for the last few years (and in Southern California before then), working with my clients out in nature is truly the biggest joy! Sometimes, that means being up for whatever adventure awaits. Bryanna’s session was no exception.
A PERFECT DAY FOR WHEATON SENIOR PHOTOS
I’m not sure we could have picked a better morning for her downtown Wheaton senior photos. It was sunny and warm with just the perfect breeze. We began by shooting around some alleys and buildings with Bry’s first outfit. Then we stopped and changed at one of my favorite local coffee shops, My Half of the Sky. It’s cozy, trendy, and a purpose-driven business that supports marginalized women around the world! Not to mention, they have some amazing drinks. This time I got the horchata iced latte.
Bryanna’s mom brought her youngest daughter along for the shoot, and I brought my girl as well. Together, the two of them had fun playing nearby, and even helped with filming some behind the scenes! As a single mom, I’m so thankful for the sweetest clients who are so supportive and family-oriented.
ARE YOU KIDDING?! When we walked by this back stairwell of a restaurant, I just knew we had to stop. The light shining down made Bryanna’s hair look incredible and the colors popped. These next few images wound up being her absolute favorites from the day!
DODGING CICADAS AND MAKING SENIOR MEMORIES
As we started onto our second location at a local park, this is where things got interesting. Enter: cicadas. We are currently in summer 2024, the year the 17-year cicadas emerged from their slumber and took to the trees! This week just happened to be in the part of their life cycle where they were most active and loud. By the time we arrived at the park, it quickly became apparent that we’d have to work quickly.
Despite this, Bryanna was amazing. Her cheerful attitude made my job easy, even as we dodged and ducked the giant flying cicadas every few seconds. It made for some good laughs! Meanwhile, our younger daughters were not too thrilled, so they took a short walk with mom to hang out in the Wheaton public library while we finished up.
CLOSING OUT: STUNNING SENIOR PHOTOS IN DOWNTOWN WHEATON
Bryanna isn’t just beautiful; she’s incredibly sweet. As the oldest of five homeschooled kids, she carries a sense of responsibility and maturity. She plans to study psychology in college, a field perfect for her caring nature. I have no doubt she’ll excel and impact those around her positively.
A week or two after the session, we looked over Bryanna’s images together in my home. All of her siblings joined in, watching the slideshow together, and then playing with my girl while we picked out favorites! It is truly my goal to make a warm, comfortable experience where clients can feel like family.
Finally, I sent off her finished gallery and ordered prints for the ones she chose!
BOOK YOUR AURORA SENIOR PHOTOS TODAY
Bryanna’s senior photo session in downtown Wheaton was a day of sunshine, laughter, and tons of fun. It reminded me why I love being an Aurora senior photographer—each session is unique, and every senior has a story worth telling.
If you’re looking to capture your senior photos in Wheaton or the Aurora area, I’d love to be part of your journey. Contact me today to schedule a session. Let’s create stunning photos that celebrate your unique style and story. 😊 For more inspiration, check out Maddy’s senior session in Warrenville, and Victoria’s senior photos in downtown Geneva.
