In the spirit of back-to-school, I began reminiscing my own "first day of school" memories. Photographing a special "last first day of school" for the senior class of a Raleigh high school yesterday had me thinking deeply about milestones in general. It's a special privilege to be able to see what the past looked like through photographs—both to celebrate it and to dream about the future. Some of these image highlights got me a little teary inside as they transported me back to my own "last firsts."

Event, SeniorsAmberAugust 16, 2016Longleaf School of the Arts, Raleigh, Downtown Raleigh, event, Event Photography, Raleigh Senior, High SchoolComment

Longleaf School of the Arts | Class of 2016 Senior Breakfast

On Monday, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the Longleaf School of the Arts senior class at their Senior Breakfast. It's the school's first senior class EVER and the excitement was certainly in the air. Seeing the students, parents and staff mingle with one another was so neat—they are truly a unique, tight-knit little family. Cheers to their first full week of classes being completed and best of luck in their last year of high school! Here are a few "paparazzi" highlights from their event.

Event, SeniorsAmberAugust 21, 2015Longleaf School of the Arts, Raleigh, event, Event Photography, High School, Raleigh Senior, Downtown RaleighComment

Samantha | NCSU, Class of 2015

A touch of a North Carolina accent, gorgeous red locks, a little bit of sass, and a whole lot of southern sweetness, Samantha is the real deal. She just graduated in the Class of 2015 from NC State and absolutely loved her time there. You can read all about her involvement on campus, her future plans, and her sentimental side, plus see these pretty image highlights!

SeniorsAmberMay 21, 2015senior session, Senior 2015, senior portraits, NC State, NC Senior, NCSU, Raleigh Senior, Class of 2015, College SeniorComment

Alexa | Athens Drive High School '15

It was so great to meet Alexa! She's a senior at Athens Drive High School with a never-ending smile and a fun personality. We loved hearing about her involvement in school activities and sports. Alexa is an avid lacrosse player for her school as well as for a traveling team. Although she was very humble and didn't share many accolades, I just found an article about her online from earlier this year that named her as a 2014 US Lacrosse Academic All-American! Alexa, you're the real deal—congratulations!

A couple weeks ago, we went to Historic Oak View County Park for her beautiful Senior Session, which happened to be surrounded by lush fall colors. I especially love the set of images captured in the cotton field—so pretty! I'm excited to share these highlights from her Session below.

To view the entire gallery, check it out here »

Sydney | Athens Drive High School '15

When I got together with Sydney and her Mom at Fresca Cafe & Gelato not too long ago, I immediately fell in love with Sydney's fun-loving personality. She was so easy to chat with and her warm laughter made me smile right along with her. As we got to know each other, I became more and more excited about the ideas Sydney had for her Senior Session, but more than that—I was so drawn to things that make Sydney who she is.

I hope you enjoy her story and Session highlights...

Senior Sneak Peek '15 | Sydney

SeniorsAmberOctober 3, 2014Raleigh Senior, NC Senior, Raleigh, Historic Oak View County Park, Athens Drive High School, Senior 2015, Class of 2015Comment