A few weekends ago, Aiden and I drove to Millarville to shoot our final grad session of the 2023/24 season. As a creative person I always feel a mix of nerves and excitement when heading to a location that we have never seen. When we arrived where our GPS had navigated us Aiden and I were like two kids in a candy shop. The location had stunning 360 degree views of the foothills and mountains and dirt roads. We knew this Calgary grad photo session was going to be special.

The Vision

We have known Zoe and her family for many years and if there is one word that embodies them it is the word “outdoorsy”. Her parents have passionately passed along a love for nature and participating in all of the amazing activities that living in Southern Albert has to offer. Zoe had a beautiful grad dress that she wanted to be photographed in, but also desired to highlight her adventurous spirit. We used the word “wild” as a guide when we developed our shot list. This wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about showcasing the essence of who she truly is—a girl who finds joy in the untamed beauty of the world around her.

I loved how Zoe choose to style her hair. It was the perfect mix of tamed and untamed. Her loose curls and minimal makeup allowed her natural beauty to shine through. She accessorized with her cherished friendship bracelets and a special copper bracelet made by her brother, each piece representing significant relationships in her life. These personal touches serve to add depth and meaning to the photos. She also wanted to incorporate a lot of movement into her photos to showcase the beautiful layers of her dress.

The Location

Her mom played a pivotal role in bringing Zoe’s vision to life, scouting stunning locations that would do justice to the theme. They settled on a breathtaking property in Millarville, Alberta, which bordered a cut line on crown land. The site offered panoramic views of the foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for Zoe’s wild spirit.

The scheduling of this photoshoot also speaks to the tenacity and dedication of Zoe and her mom. Most grads schedule their shoots in the early or late spring, but a series of events meant that we were unable to find a date that worked. This was important to both of them and we are so thankful for their determination to make it happen.

Even as the date approached, her mom was committed to overcoming every obstacle. They had hoped to feature hay bales in the shoot, which would perfectly complement the wild theme. However, just a day before their scheduled shoot, they learned that the hay bales at their chosen location had been moved. Faced with this setback, they sprang into action, determined to find another field of hay bales they could access in time.

On the night of the shoot we found ourselves literally chasing the the golden light as we drove to the field of hay bales. By the time we drove up into the farmers field and Zoe scaled the bale in her party dress we were just in time for the enchanting blue hour. I have been wanting to capture some pictures at this unique time of day and I must say these are some of my favorite pictures of the night.

The Results

The photos that followed were nothing short of magical. Zoe radiated joy and confidence as she posed amidst the breathtaking landscape. The golden hues of the sky perfectly complemented her loose curls and the vibrant colours of her bracelets, creating a stunning visual narrative of a girl who embraces life’s adventures.

These images are more than just photographs; they are a testament to Zoe’s spirit, determination, and the love that surrounds her. As she steps into this new chapter of her life, these photos will serve as a reminder of her love of God’s creation and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship. Here’s to Zoe—a graduate poised for the next great adventure!

It’s never too early to start thinking about your personalized grad photo session with Laura Perron Photography. Contact us today to start of conversation.