Luke is a senior in the class of 2025 at Manchester High School in New Franklin, Ohio. We held his senior portrait session in the middle of October, capturing a variety of settings that reflected his personality and interests. Our session began in parts of Portage Lakes State Park, moved to a field near his home, and concluded in the gym at the new Manchester High School.
I met up with Luke and his parents at their home, where we reviewed our game plan for the evening. We had mapped out the session in his pre-session consultation a few weeks prior, ensuring that every location and outfit change would highlight different aspects of Luke’s life. He was ready to go in a pair of jeans with a blue-green flannel shirt over a white t-shirt, finishing the look with his HEYDUDE shoes.
We started with portraits in the wooded area and along the edge of the lake, where the warm sunshine and early fall colors provided the perfect natural backdrop. These scenes suited Luke’s easygoing nature and love for the outdoors, making for a relaxed and comfortable start to the session.
For his second look, Luke changed into a black Nike hoodie, which paired perfectly with his shiny red Ram truck. These portraits, both close-up and full-length, brought out his serious and fun sides, showcasing a piece of his personality that is both confident and grounded.
During our planning phase, we had all agreed on the beauty of pine trees and the magical element they bring to portraits. So, a pine tree grove was our next stop, and it did not disappoint. The rich greens and soft light created a striking contrast that made for some of my favorite images from the session.
Then, things really got exciting as we incorporated Luke’s Kawasaki dirt bikes. He has both a 4-stroke racing bike and a matching pit bike, and the vibrant Kawasaki green added an extra dynamic element to his portraits. Capturing Luke in his element with his bikes was not only fun but also a meaningful way to showcase a big part of his life.
Our final stop was the brand-new Manchester High School gym, where we focused on his basketball portraits. Luke is having an incredible season, and I am so glad we dedicated time to highlight his passion for the sport. We captured some traditional basketball shots but also got creative with red-colored lighting and action shots, including some fun images of him hanging off the rim.
Beyond his love for sports, Luke is actively involved in his community. He has volunteered at youth basketball camps and leagues, as well as events such as Safety City, Shot with a Cop, and holiday events at the Tudor House like the Santa breakfast and Easter egg hunt. He has also worked at CopperSmith Racing for over three years, where he works on dirt bikes—a perfect job for someone with his mechanical skills and passion for motorsports.
In his free time, Luke enjoys golfing and spending time boating on Portage Lakes with his friends. His friends describe him as funny, always ready for fun, and easygoing. He also enjoys watching the Cavs, eating fast food, and traveling whenever he gets the chance.
Luke is both focused and driven, looking forward to graduation so he can begin working and saving money. His goal is to purchase his first home in a few years, and he has aspirations of becoming a police officer, with hopes of advancing to a detective role or working as an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) park ranger.
When asked about his senior portrait experience, Luke shared:
“It was fun! My whole family got to enjoy it with me. The location of each scene was less than a mile from my house. I grew up playing with my neighborhood friends in those locations. The spots truly represent me. My favorite pictures are the ones with my dirt bike. My advice to other seniors is to have a plan, keep it simple, and enjoy the experience.”
Luke, I had an absolute blast capturing your senior portraits. Your session was a perfect mix of adventure, personality, and meaningful locations. It was a pleasure getting to know you and your family, and I appreciate the opportunity to document this exciting time in your life. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors—you have an incredible path ahead of you!