If you’re a high school (female!) senior, what’s more fun than the day you get to get all fixed up and model and laugh and pose for 3 hours and take your senior pictures?  The day that you get to do all this with your VERY BEST FRIEND since kindergarten!  Yes, a senior best friend photo shoot happened, and these were my first seniors for 2017!

When McKenzie’s mom contacted me about doing this, she originally wanted to schedule the session for mid to late summer.  I advised that maybe we wait until the end of September hoping that we might see a little bit cooler days.  Unfortunately, that did not happen.  It was a record 100 degrees for mid-Sept., but we did have sunny skies and a beautiful sunset.  And the most beautiful girls with the prettiest smiles and biggest personalities.

McKenzie (left) and Taya (right) did everything I asked.  I even found a field full of these beautiful – but spikey – purple thistles and they trampled through them for the most amazing shots at the end of the night. I should also mention that they were full of bumble bees, too.  But hey, it’s like I tell my own girls – “Like beauty – getting a good shot – is sometimes pain.”

taya michele

Caddo Mills High School | Caddo Mills, Texas
college plans: undecided
major:  undecided

In 15 years I will: have a college degree, a stable job, a child and my own house with my family.

mckenzie leigh

Crandall High School | Crandall, Texas
plans to attend Letourneau University (playing softball!)
major:  Elementary Education, minor in Kinesiology

In 15 years I will: hopefully be teaching little children in an elementary school and be a coach.

(McKenzie) most influential person in my life:  My mom.  She’s my best friend and the person I can tell everything to.
(Taya) most influential person in my life:  My mom.  She’s always there for me and knows exactly what to say when I’m upset.

(Taya) I’m happiest when: I’m with my family and boyfriend.

(McKenzie) I’m happiest when: I’m with my family.  They make me smile!

(Taya) best childhood/high school memory:  traveling with all the girls in my family to New York on July 4th weekend.

(McKenzie) people would be surprised to know that: my nickname is Ethel.  It is not a family name. My aunt made it up when I was a toddler.  People think it’s my real name.

(Taya) Dream vacation:  The Bahamas or Hawaii
(McKenzie) Dream vacation:  Going to Australia, sitting on the beach and getting tan

(McKenzie) favorite meal: grilled cheese sandwich with sweet potato fries.
(Taya) favorite meal: Chick-Fil-A

(Taya) my best talent: playing volleyball

(McKenzie) Most prized possession: My necklace I got for my 17th birthday.
(Taya) Most prized possession: My senior ring and letter jacket.

(Taya) people would be surprised to know that: I was diagnosed with scoliosis the summer before my 7th grade year, and I wore a brace for almost two years.

(McKenzie) best childhood/high school memory:  going to Disneyworld for the first time on my 6th birthday and getting to eat breakfast with Cinderella (my favorite Disney princess).

(McKenzie) my best talent: baking!

All the best, McKenzie and Taya!