The very first session with my Class of 2026 Senior Team is officially in the books and what better way to kick it off than with a fun, festive Fourth of July-themed shoot at the beautiful Myriad Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City?

This session is always one of my favorites of the year because it sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s the first time the girls come together as a team, and even though everyone starts out a little quiet and unsure of each other, there’s something so special about watching them begin to connect and find their place. I know this is just the beginning of friendships, confidence boosts, and a year of unforgettable memories.

We chose a patriotic theme for our first shoot to celebrate summer and the spirit of the season. Red, white, and blue filled the gardens as the girls showed up with the cutest accessories! We had tiny American flags to wave, a red, white, and blue cowboy hat (that was such a hit!), sparkly red star sunglasses, and even a sweet puppy in an American flag bandana. Yes, a puppy! I mean, does it get more perfect than that?

The Myriad Gardens provided a gorgeous, green backdrop for the session, giving us plenty of beautiful corners to work with from the soft grassy lawns to colorful flower beds and wide walking paths that brought just the right amount of downtown energy to our patriotic theme. The lighting was dreamy, the weather cooperated, and the whole space gave us such a clean, fresh look that made the red, white, and blue pop in all the best ways.

We took a mix of individual and group photos, which is always fun to balance during these team shoots. Individual photos help each girl shine on her own, while the group shots show off the energy and personality of the team. And of course, no senior team session would be complete without the iconic (and slightly awkward) “look at each other and laugh” pose! It always feels silly in the moment, but it never fails to produce some of the most genuine smiles and laughs. It’s that moment when the ice starts to break and the giggles turn real and I live for that.

While the group was still a bit quiet during this first session, I could see little sparks of connection starting. It’s completely normal for everyone to take a little time to warm up, especially at the beginning of the year. I know from experience that by the time we’re halfway through the season, they’ll be laughing loudly, hyping each other up, and showing up not just for the photos, but for the friendships too.

I’m so excited about this group of girls and everything we have planned in the months ahead from styled sessions to fun get togethers and everything in between. Watching them grow in confidence, style, and sisterhood is one of the best parts of this whole experience, and I have no doubt this Class of 2026 team is going to be incredible.

So here’s to the start of a new season, a fabulous group of seniors, and a Fourth of July session that brought the sparkle literally and figuratively. I can’t wait to see how this year unfolds!

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