For his senior portrait session, Alex decided on Mill Mountain. It’s a great setting for a photoshoot because it offers so much variety in a small area, and it’s just minutes away from downtown Roanoke. We met there on a warm September afternoon. Alex, a talented guy both in the classroom and on the golf course, brought a laid-back attitude and thoughtful presence to the shoot. That didn’t mean that he couldn’t be cheeky and crack a wide smile, though. A fresh haircut and bright red shirt really helped him pop against the natural backdrops. As we spent more time together, his confidence really began to show!
A parent will often accompany seniors for their photoshoots, but Alex arrived with his mom, dad, and grandmother in tow. It made sense - a senior’s graduation is as much a celebration of their individual accomplishments as it is a celebration of the people who supported them along the way. The three family members kept a comfortable distance and meandered the mountainside as Alex and I traipsed from rock wall to tree to viewing platform to fence. We appreciated the space they let us have to explore and make photographs. They did join in for some family portraits on the observation deck, which led to some exceedingly cute shots of Alex and his grandmother. It was so sweet of him to welcome them into his photoshoot and recognize them in that way. It was just further proof of what a thoughtful young man Alex is.