It’s the end of summer here in Calgary, and as I reflect on this past spring and summer, one session in particular stands out. My nephew, Jacob, graduated from high school in June and booked us for his personalized grad session. He’s an aspiring singer-songwriter, and we really wanted to highlight that part of his story in his Calgary grad photoshoot. A lot of time and thought went into planning this one, and I think it’s a great example of how to creatively capture who a grad really is in this season of their life. In this post, I’ll share a bit about the creative process and what made it so special.

Telling a Story Through Grad Photography

I’ve known Jacob his whole life (obviously!), and while his talent as a singer was evident from a young age, his passion has really deepened over the last few years. He’s been so resourceful—teaching himself how to record, edit, and publish music online. His growth vocally and as a lyricist has been amazing to watch. The courage it takes to put your art out into the world at such a young age—especially when peers can be quick to criticize—is something I deeply admire.

Last year, he and his bandmate Josh wrote a song called Dirt Roads—a track that started off as a joke during a writing session and somehow turned into a total earworm. Soon, everyone in my house was humming it. I remember live-streaming a school performance for his senior project and when he played Dirt Roads, the crowd actually started singing along. As a fellow musician, my heart could have burst. The lyrics painted such strong visuals that I couldn’t stop thinking about them as we planned his shoot.

When I pitched the idea of designing the whole grad photoshoot around the song, his first response was, “Really? That song?” It wasn’t his most serious work—but once I explained the concept and direction, he was totally in.

🎵 Time is ticking,
got a tractor full of gas and a bucket of chickens….
Wheat in my mouth,
Got a little red barn and a nice farmhouse….
I’ve seen the light,
Got my Chevy keeping me up all night….🎵

Finding the Perfect Calgary Grad Photoshoot Location

Next came the location. My sister (his mom!) started scouting spots that would match the lyrics—and found The Barn at Prairie Lane in Airdrie. This venue was perfect: it had a dirt road, a red barn, a restored Chevy truck… and yes, even a bucket of chicken. If you’re looking for a unique spot for grad or family photos, I highly recommend checking this hidden gem out.

📍 For more ideas on outdoor photo locations, you might enjoy our Calgary Family Photography sessions—perfect for seasonal inspiration!

The Session

Jacob’s entire family—including both sets of grandparents—came out on a warm June evening. We were quite the entourage walking down the dirt road, with Aiden and I photographing Jacob’s session while my mom snapped a few family portraits for my sister. There was lots of laughter and creative energy as everyone pitched in with ideas.

The owners of the venue were so gracious and even helped us find a few extra props to complete the vision. The wide-open sky across the farmland added that final magical touch to an already dreamlike setting.

The Final Gallery

As soon as we got home, Aiden and I dove into editing. One of the absolute best parts of photographing grads is being able to show them how amazing they really are. Jacob’s older sister even joked about how good he looked in the photos—high praise from a sibling!

Both Jacob and Josh were thrilled with the gallery. We’re dreaming that someday these photos end up printed inside the liner notes of their first album. This fall, Jacob is heading to college in Edmonton and we’re cheering him on as he begins this exciting new chapter.

Why Personalized Grad Sessions Matter

From the brainstorming and concept design to the final gallery, this photoshoot was everything Aiden and I love about photography. It reminded me that your grad photos should be as unique as you are. Whether you’re a musician, an athlete, a book lover or someone who thrives outdoors—there are so many ways to personalize your grad session to reflect your story.

A custom grad session doesn’t have to happen during grad month. You can book your shoot anytime in your Grade 12 year—or even after! If fall colours or a winter vibe speak more to who you are, let’s make it happen.

📸 Want more ideas on how to plan a creative grad session? Check out our post on Personalized Grad Photoshoots

Let’s Tell Your Story

At Laura Perron Photography, we love helping grads create meaningful and personalized photos that go beyond the cap and gown. If you’re ready to start dreaming and designing your own Calgary grad session, we’d love to chat! Start a conversation with us today.