A Three-Day Las Vegas Senior Session I’ll Never Forget

PortraitsSeniors
Written By Jen Peterson
A woman stands confidently on red rocks in a flowing navy dress under a cloudy sky. Below, she appears in four other outfits: casual and eveningwear, smiling brightly near neon signs and colorful backgrounds, conveying joy and elegance.

Araya Senior Session

This senior session was one I’ll never forget. Three incredible days spent with this beautiful family and getting to photograph Araya’s senior portraits in not one, not two, but THREE epic locations. From the moment this trip began, I felt so much excitement and joy. I felt like pinching myself to make sure this was even really happening.

I hope as you read this, you too will feel that same excitement!

Playful Fun at the Neon Museum

Our first stop, the Neon Museum! The neon glow of the museum was perfect for Araya. It matched her bright and bold personality. We shared many laughs as we walked through the different neon signs. One of my favorites was in front of the “Debbie” sign where I got Araya’s contagious laughter going, so much that even my cheeks were hurting from smiling and laughing behind the camera!

Shooting during the photographer’s hour at the museum was amazing. They only allow up to 20 people during 10-11pm and it was incredible. And even when the rain started about halfway through the session, that didn’t dampen the night! Instead we brought out the clear umbrella which added another layer of epicness to an already epic evening.

By the time we wrapped up the evening, I knew we had just captured some incredible moments. But this was just the beginning…

Side-by-side images of a woman at a neon sign exhibit. Left: Black and white, back view, hand in hair. Right: Full color, smiling, hands on hip, vibrant lights.
Black-and-white image of a woman in profile with long hair in front of a large, illuminated sign. The mood is dramatic and nostalgic.
A smiling woman with long blonde hair is in front of bright, retro neon signs. She wears a black top and brown skirt, exuding a cheerful, playful vibe.
Smiling woman with long blonde hair in a black off-shoulder top and light jeans against a bright pink neon sign background, conveying joy and warmth.
A young woman poses confidently in front of vibrant, vintage neon signs at night. Keywords: neon, night, vintage, confident, vibrant, joyful.
A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black top and jeans, poses cheerfully in front of colorful neon lights. She holds a clear umbrella, smiling brightly.
Split image: A woman stands smiling under a clear umbrella against bright red neon lights on the left, and posing playfully in front of retro diner and american express signs on the right.
A woman in a black top and jeans stands smiling in front of a large, illuminated Hard Rock Café guitar sign at night, creating a vibrant, lively atmosphere.

Vibrant Joy at the Pipe Dream Sculpture

Day two was filled with color! The Pipe Dream Sculpture couldn’t have been a more perfect backdrop for Araya’s vibrant personality. Every shade seemed to mirror her - bright and joyful. And then came the moment: bubbles filling the air, Araya laughing as they swirled around her, it was that “go home happy” shot for me. The one that you know instantly is the perfect reflection of Araya!

From Araya’s red dress and cowgirl boots to her custom-made senior jeans and pink shirt, both outfits with this location were simply perfect. Her mom played a huge part in the outfit planning and even created the jeans. She’s so talented! (Sweet side note: she even made a custom painted jean jacket for our daughter, Mandy, since she’s senior this year as well!)

Up to this moment, I felt like we had already captured so much joy and epic moments, how could it possibly get better? And then it did.

A joyful woman in a red dress smiles with closed eyes, surrounded by bubbles. She's standing in front of a vibrant, rainbow-colored striped pipe wall.
A woman in a red dress and cowboy boots holds a clear umbrella. She stands before a vibrant, multicolored wall, smiling with joy. On the right, a black-and-white close-up shows her laughing. The mood is cheerful and lively.
A woman in a red dress and cowboy boots stands in front of colorful vertical stripes, smiling joyfully. She holds a clear umbrella, adding a playful tone.
Smiling woman in a red top leans against a colorful wall with vertical stripes of blue, orange, and teal. The scene is vibrant and cheerful.
A woman in a pink top and patterned jeans stands and walks joyfully beside a wall of colorful vertical pipes, conveying a vibrant and cheerful mood.
Smiling woman in a pink sweater poses with confidence, hand on head. Colorful vertical stripes and greenery in background create a vibrant, joyful scene.
A woman in a bright pink top and colorful jeans poses smiling among blooming roses and stands against a vibrant rainbow-striped pipe wall, conveying joy.
A person in a pink top and patterned pants joyfully jumps with arms raised against a colorful backdrop of vertical stripes, conveying excitement and energy.

Pure Awe at the Valley of Fire

Nothing prepared me for the way day three would feel. As we drove into the Valley of Fire, the landscape opened up in a way that made my heart skip a beat. My jaw literally dropped open as we drove through the fiery canyon. I couldn’t help but think in wonderment that God created all of this. Couldn’t help but feel small in the best, most wonder-filled way.

The goal was to get close to the Fire Wave location, a fairly short walk from Parking Lot 3. As we walked though we came across a spot that was perfect! The layered rock jutted out from the fire red cliffs and overlooked the valley below. It was breathtaking. 

And then, there was Araya, wearing her beautiful navy blue prom dress, standing on the rock looking out towards the horizon where the sun was setting. It was that moment of “Holy cow, I love my job!” It didn’t just feel like another senior photo, it felt like watching her step into her future. I couldn’t help but feel so proud of her. 

As we left the park, I felt so grateful. And I can’t wait to come back!

A woman in a flowing, deep blue gown stands on a vast, rocky desert landscape. The orange-red rocks create a dramatic, contrasting backdrop under a cloudy sky.
A woman in a flowing navy gown stands in a desert landscape with red rocks. She smiles joyfully, her long blonde hair flowing, conveying elegance and happiness.
Woman in a flowing navy gown sits gracefully on red rock formations in a desert landscape, with a calm expression. Warm tones contrast with her dress.
A woman in a flowing navy gown sits on reddish rock formations, with her hair down. The sky is lightly clouded, setting a serene and elegant tone.
A woman in a flowing dark blue gown stands confidently on a rock in a desert landscape. The sky is bright and cloudy, giving a serene vibe.
A woman in a flowing navy gown stands and sits on red rocky terrain. She smiles brightly, with a backdrop of layered rocks and a cloudy sky, conveying elegance and joy.
Blonde woman in a dark dress stands in a desert landscape, touching her hair. The setting is serene, with red rock formations under a soft, cloudy sky.
A woman in a flowing navy strapless gown stands on a rocky desert landscape with red and beige tones. The sky is cloudy, creating a serene atmosphere.
A woman in a deep blue gown stands on a rocky landscape, gazing into the distance, and sits smiling on red rocks. Sky is overcast, creating a serene vibe.
Woman in a white dress and sneakers smiling, holding a graduation cap and gown, standing on a vast rocky terrain with reddish hues under a blue sky.
A young woman with blonde hair smiles, wearing a white dress and blue sneakers on a rocky terrain. A graduation cap in hand and gown draped over shoulder.

A Trip I’ll Never Forget

From the neon glow, to the bursts of color, to the breathtaking desert landscape… This three-day senior session was unforgettable in every way. We laughed so much. We created so much beauty. And I was surrounded by some of our favorite people the entire time.

As we drove home to Northern California, my heart was full. Blessed, Grateful, Honored - all of it. Krystal and Araya, thank you so much for trusting me and for giving me the gift of photographing such a special season in your life. What an incredible adventure and what a blessing!

Two photos set in a desert landscape. Left: Person in black and jeans, arms raised joyfully. Right: Two people in colorful outfits, smiling at the camera.

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Jen Peterson

Hello There! I’m Jen, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Northern California. I love capturing the personal connections between my clients in a bright, fun, and creative way. 

http://jenpetersonphotography.com
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