Harlan Senior Photographer | Kolbie’s Summer & Fall Senior Session

One of my favorite things about offering my Glam and Glitz senior experiences is the option to split a senior session between multiple seasons. It gives seniors the chance to capture completely different looks while showcasing the places that have shaped their high school years. From the lush greens of summer to the rich colors of fall, every season tells a different part of their story.

That was exactly the plan for Kolbie, a Harlan Community High School Class of 2026 senior whose personality shines just as brightly as her smile. As a cheerleader, dancer, and lifelong animal lover.. we wanted every part of her senior portraits to reflect who she is. 

We kicked off Kolbie’s senior portraits during the summer at Prairie Rose State Park, just outside Harlan. With towering trees, peaceful water, and warm golden light filtering through the leaves, it was the perfect setting for timeless portraits. Prairie Rose continues to be one of my favorite locations for senior sessions because every turn offers a beautiful new backdrop while still being close to home for Harlan seniors.

When autumn rolled around, it was time for part two of her senior experience.

Kolbie knew she wanted to include Merrill Field, where she had spent years cheering on the Cyclones. I always encourage seniors to choose locations that tell their story, and Merrill Field was the perfect place to celebrate such an important chapter of her life.

She also had one request that definitely pushed us outside our comfort zone - she wanted a photo sitting on top of the football goal post! 🤪 It took a little creativity (and a lot of teamwork), but we eventually got her up there. Looking back, it was completely worth the effort!

After finishing at the football field, we made our way into downtown Harlan to add even more variety to her gallery. The historic buildings and small-town charm gave her portraits a completely different feel from the nature-filled summer session.

And then came one of those moments that you simply can’t plan..

Out of nowhere, a friendly cat wandered over and decided Kolbie was its new best friend 😂 Since she’s such an animal lover - and had even featured her own cat on her senior cheer banner - it honestly couldn’t have been more perfect. We all got a good laugh as our unexpected little furry friend happily joined the session for a few photos. Sometimes the best memories happen when life throws in a surprise.

Kolbie’s two-season senior experience is such a wonderful reminder that your senior portraits should be more than just beautiful photos. They should celebrate your passions, your personality, the places you’ve made memories, and even the little unexpected moments that make your story uniquely yours.

Congratulations again, Kolbie! Thank you for trusting me to capture such an exciting season of your life. I can’t wait to see where your next adventure takes you!