Eli is a homeschool graduate who is headed to Dallas Baptist University (DBU) to study criminal justice! I’ve known Eli and his family for years since he has participated with my kids in competitive speech and debate.

For our senior session, we went to the Fort Worth Stockyards! Since he scheduled an early morning session, we were able to dodge the crowds, which would have been a real challenge to work around.

Arriving early turned out to be a great idea, because we also managed to see the daily Longhorn steer cattle drive!

Posing Eli was so easy, and he came prepared with several outfits and a great attitude. He’s super kind, smart, and funny!

In turn, the Stockyard offered plenty of varied locations. We found unique doors, cool arches, pillars, iron bars, and plenty of brick!

We were easily able to capture his hardworking, good-natured personality. Great job, Eli!

His parents and younger brother tagged along with us to cheer him on! They kept us smiling non-stop.

It was important to Eli that his girlfriend join us as well. She was a calming presence for his jitters (we all have them a little bit when having our pictures taken by a professional), and she made sure that his hair and clothes looked picture perfect. Plus, she was a great help to me in carrying some of my camera gear at times. Thanks, Grace!

In addition, I took plenty of photos of him with his loved ones. It was great to snap a few pics of him with the people closest to his heart!

It was an honor to photograph this incredible young man. I have no doubt that you’ll go far! Congratulations, Eli!