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

Erin | High School Senior

Meet Erin. She is Chad's beautiful, athletic, intelligent cousin who graduated a semester early from her central-Illinois high school, Prairie Central. You'd never know by looking at these photos, but her Senior Session on the farm was SUPER cold with biting winds pulling the temp down to 17°F. Check out her Session highlights and read a little more about why we love this girl.

SeniorsAmberFebruary 17, 2015High School, High School Senior Story, Senior Story, senior 2014, senior session, Illinois Senior, farm, winterComment

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...

Donny | Horlick High School Senior '15

We've had the honor of getting to know Donny (and his entire family!) over the last several years. He just started his senior year at Horlick High School (Racine, WI) and I was thrilled when he contacted us for a Senior Mini Session! He definitely rocked this Session at Petrifying Springs Park a couple weeks ago.

Check out his story and Session highlights...

Jessica | Case High School Senior '15

It's the first week of her last year of high school! Jessica will be graduating from Case High School (Racine, WI) and we were so honored to meet her and capture this season of her life. Beyond her pretty looks, she has one of the most beautiful personalities we've had the pleasure of meeting. She absolutely rocked her Senior Session with us. I'm loving these image highlights, but I'm even more excited about her story...

Natalie | Horlick High School Senior '15

We had so much fun getting to know Natalie! This pretty lady is about to start her senior year at Horlick High School (Racine, WI). She's got such a genuine heart for people, big aspirations for her future, and great advice for her fellow classmates. This Senior Session took place at Natalie's beautiful home in Racine. I'm loving these highlights, but I'm even more excited about her story.

Kaci | Horlick High School Senior '15

Helloooooo, Kaci! This gorgeous young lady is heading into her senior year at Horlick High School (Racine, WI). She's got pretty much everything going for her: a stunning smile (obviously), athletic talent, smarts, stamps in her passport, a sweet personality, involvement at school, and dedication to her family. We absolutely loved getting to know Kaci during this Senior Session in Racine!

Read Kaci's story as you check out the photo highlights from her Session...

Joey | Case High School Senior '14

This Case High School (Racine, WI) stud is in his last few days of his senior year. Joey is quite the character. His smile, laugh and genuine kindness make him a magnet to most people. We've had the pleasure of knowing Joey, his family and many of his friends for quite a while—all of his friends speak incredibly highly of him, too. We had so much fun with him during his Senior Session back in the fall.

I hope you enjoy these photo highlights from Joey's Session as you read his story...

Rachel | Prairie High School Senior '14

Perhaps one of the most bubbly, fun-loving students I know, Rachel can be found smiling at virtually any moment you cross her path. She finished up her senior year at Prairie High School (Racine, WI) TODAY where she has impacted many with her positive outlook on life and her infectious laughter. We've known Rachel and her family for years, as we are a part of the same church family, so it was a special honor to photograph her Senior Session this past fall. I think you'll love reading about her experiences and the advice she lives by.

I hope you enjoy these photo highlights from Rachel's Session as you read her story...

Aaron | Horlick High School Senior '14

We had fun with Aaron at his Senior mini session back in the fall. He was born and raised in Racine and attended St. John's Lutheran School through eighth grade before attending Horlick High School (Racine, WI) for the last four years. Aaron has more going for him than just his good-looking smile—he's also an accomplished academic (in the top of his class!), a member of National Honor Society and a golfer for his school's team.

I hope you enjoy these photo highlights from Aaron's Session as you read his story...

Maddy | St. Catherine's High School Senior '14

Ahh, Maddy… We had the honor of shooting this senior's session last fall. As I look through her images again, I am reminded of how stunning she is! Her pretty red hair & gorgeous smile are to die for, but that's just the beginning. This young lady is super involved in her school organizations and her community—love her outlook on life, responsibility she holds herself to, and the dedication she has to whatever she does.

I hope you enjoy these image highlights of her Senior Session while you read her story...

Derek | St. Catherine's High School Senior '14

The first thing most people notice about Derek is that he is 6'6" tall. (DEFinitely the first thing I noticed when we met!) But as we got to know him, it was very clear that this St. Catherine's High School (Racine, WI) senior is more than just "a tall guy." I wanted to use this story to tell you about a few things you may not know about Derek from first glance.

I hope you enjoy these photo highlights as you read Derek's story...

Brittany | Case High School Senior '14

Brittany is a current senior at Case High School (Racine, WI) and she is not afraid to take life by the horns—or should I say handlebars? You don't have to hang out with this girl long before you learn two things: she loves to sing and she absolutely loves four-wheeling. We enjoyed this Senior Session over the fall that included all of her hobbies.

I hope you enjoy these photo highlights as you read Brittany's story...