09/03/2026
I flew a drone over his football field before I ever photographed him.
Not because every senior session needs drone footage and not only because it looks cool.
I wanted to see the entire place. I wanted to understand the field, watch how the light moved through it and start thinking about where his story could come to life.
I don’t want to simply show up with a camera and start taking pictures.
Before a senior ever steps in front of me, I’m already thinking about what matters to them, what we’ve talked about and how I can make the session feel like it actually belongs to them.
For him, football isn’t just something he does. This field holds years of practices, friendships, pressure, growth and memories that will eventually feel very different when he’s no longer standing in the middle of them.
So yes I scout. I take notes. I fly the drone. I study the light. I look for the pieces other people might pass by.
The finished photographs are what everyone sees.
But all of the thought that happens before them is what helps those photographs feel personal.
Seniors. …. If your session could be built around one part of your life, what would it be?
Ashlee Hanson