Preston Class of 2026 | Gahanna Ohio Senior Photographer

There’s something really special about meeting up with these kids who I have photographed over the years, and Preston’s senior session was one of those full-circle moments. I first met him when he was just a toddler (I had to include a picture of course!), so getting to photograph him now as a Class of 2026 senior felt incredibly meaningful. It’s always amazing to see how much someone grows—not just in height, but in who they become.

We met on a beautiful early October evening at Creekside Park in Gahanna. The weather couldn’t have been better—soft light, comfortable temperatures, and that calm, early fall feeling in the air. The leaves hadn’t quite started to change yet, so everything was still lush and green, giving us a perfect natural backdrop for his session.

Preston was cool, polite, and a bit quiet at first, but that relaxed personality really came through in his photos. He started the session in a simple, neutral-toned t-shirt paired with light jeans—an effortless, laid-back look that worked perfectly against the warm brick wall we used for some of his portraits. The texture of the brick added just the right amount of contrast while still keeping the focus on him.

As we moved through the park, we made our way onto the wooden bridge, surrounded by greenery and soft light filtering through the trees. His kept that same easygoing vibe throughout—casual and comfortable, hands in pockets, just letting him be himself. Those are always the moments I love most.

For his final look, Preston switched into a light blue polo with dark shorts and clean sneakers—perfect for that polished but still relaxed senior style. The bridge and surrounding landscape gave us such a great setting for these shots, with leading lines and soft background blur that really made him stand out.

While he was pretty quiet for much of the session, things changed a bit when we started talking about golf—something he clearly loves. Suddenly, there was a spark, a little more energy, and some genuine smiles. I have to admit, I’m not exactly a golfer myself… but I do live with three golfers, so I hear about it constantly. At this point, I feel like I should be good at it just from exposure alone—but sadly, that’s not how it works!

Preston is such a genuinely nice kid, and it was truly a joy to spend this time with him and see the person he’s become. Sessions like this are a reminder of why I love what I do—getting to capture these milestones and reconnect with families over the years.

Preston, congratulations on your senior year! I wish you all the best as you head toward graduation and whatever exciting plans come next. It was so great seeing you again.