wild + timeless | reese’s senior photos

Just before fall fully arrived, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing my cousin Reese’s senior portraits at Chinook Pass near Tipsoo Lake, right in the heart of Mount Rainier. These photos are exactly the kind of work I love doing—authentic, full of movement, and surrounded by the wild beauty of the mountains and forest. There’s something magical about this time of year when the light softens, the air turns crisp, and summer starts to give way to autumn.

The natural setting at Mt. Rainier’s Tipsoo Lake gave us the perfect space to let Reese’s personality come through. What made this session so special was how easy it all felt—no stiff poses, just moments of real connection and movement. Reese flowed with the environment, making each frame feel effortless and alive. That’s what I love about photographing in places like this: they allow people to be themselves in the most natural way.

Chinook Pass provides the kind of vast, ethereal backdrop that feels both expansive and grounding. You get it all here—towering evergreens, reflective lakes, and those wide-open views that stretch on forever. These are the types of places that invite people to relax and just exist in the moment, which is where the magic happens. It’s about creating something that feels as much about the experience as the final images.

When I look back at these photos, what stands out most is the balance of joy and stillness. It’s what I aim for in every session: moments that are luxurious in feeling but rooted in nature and real emotions. I think that’s where the beauty lies—not in perfection, but in those small, authentic moments that unfold naturally when you’re comfortable and connected to your environment.

Photographing senior portraits at places like Chinook Pass and Tipsoo Lake isn’t just about capturing beautiful landscapes—though they certainly deliver on that. It’s about the experience of being in a space that allows people to feel free, at ease, and fully themselves. And when that happens, the photos practically take themselves.

This session with Reese reminded me why I love doing what I do. If you ever find yourself craving a moment like this—where the forest, the mountains, and your own story collide in a way that feels both wild and timeless—these places will always be waiting.