Capturing Autumn-A St. Catherine’s School Senior’s Story of Family, Irish Dance & Timeless Portraits

High School Senior Portraits with Virginia Senior Photographer | St. Catherine's School Senior Photos | Henrico, Short Pump, West End, Hanover, Virginia High School Senior Photography | 

One of the things I love most about being a Richmond, VA high school senior photographer is getting to tell each senior’s story in a way that feels personal and true to who they are. Autumn, a Class of 2026 senior at St. Catherine’s School, had a vision for her session that combined elegance, family, and her passion for Irish dance and it all came together beautifully during her portraits at Maymont and Agecroft Hall & Gardens.

We began the session with Autumn and her parents together, capturing some special moments of just the three of them. As the oldest of four siblings with one sister and two brothers, Autumn doesn’t often get time alone with her mom and dad, so these portraits felt especially meaningful.

The session started in the peaceful Japanese Garden at Maymont, where winding stone pathways, a koi pond, and a charming red bridge created a serene and colorful setting for Autumn’s portraits. She looked stunning in her two dresses, one of them a beautiful piece from Saks Fifth Avenue, as we captured her natural grace and style.

Next, we moved to the Italian Garden, known for its lush roses and sweeping stone staircases. The mix of historic architecture and vibrant flowers made a perfect backdrop for more elegant and timeless images.

Midway through the session, something unexpected happened...rain. And not the kind you can plan for; there was no forecast at all. It came out of nowhere, but instead of letting it ruin the day, we embraced it. The soft drizzle gave the gardens a romantic glow, and we still captured gorgeous images that feel even more magical because of it.

After Maymont, we headed to Agecroft Hall, a historic Tudor-style estate that feels like stepping into another time and place. Autumn brought a couple of beautiful outfits to reflect her love for Irish dance, showcasing her passion in a subtle and elegant way. She dances at Heart of Ireland School of Dance here in Richmond, VA, and her skill and dedication were evident in her poise and movement throughout the session. The manicured gardens and old-world architecture of Agecroft provided a perfect backdrop to capture this important part of her life. It was even more special knowing that Autumn has been to Ireland, making the cultural connection in her portraits that much deeper.

After she graduates from St. Catherine’s, Autumn plans to go to college and pursue a career in the medical field-a goal that suits her caring nature and determination perfectly.

Sessions like Autumn’s are why I love photographing high school seniors in Richmond. Whether it’s the colorful blooms of the Italian Garden, the peaceful beauty of the Japanese Garden, the charm of Agecroft Hall, or another location that means something special, I enjoy weaving in a senior’s passions, be it dance, sports, music, or travel, into portraits that feel timeless and uniquely theirs.

If you’re looking for a Richmond senior photographer or a Virginia dance photographer to create portraits that truly tell your story, I’d love to help you plan a session that’s as unique as you are.