Fall in Kansas is something else. The colors here in Lawrence are half the reason I love shooting this time of year, and Ben’s Class of 2026 session leaned all the way into them. This Lawrence senior session was one of my favorites of the fall. He’s graduating from Free State High School this year, and he showed up with real ambition and a style all his own. He also made the whole afternoon fun.

We covered a lot of ground. The University of Kansas campus, the brick corners of Downtown Lawrence, and the glowing trails at the Lawrence Arboretum. Three very different backdrops, one really good Lawrence senior session.

Here’s how Ben’s fall senior session came together.

Stop 1: Timeless and Classic on the KU Campus

We started on the KU campus. Ben’s first look was easy and classic, a clean white henley, blue jeans, and the white Adidas Sambas he basically lives in. We worked through some of the best spots on campus, where the old brick and stone buildings made a perfect backdrop and pulled out his glasses and wavy reddish-blond hair.

Starting at a university felt right, since medical school is the goal. Ben’s a sharp kid. He sings in the Free State Chamber Choir, and his friends call him a big goofy guy, a label he’ll happily give you himself. Those first few minutes in front of a camera can feel like a lot. That’s exactly why I guide every pose, so he never had to wonder what to do with his hands or where to look. He settled in and started having fun almost right away, and by the end of the first stop, the real Ben was already showing up.

Stop 2: Urban Textures and Fun Facts in Downtown Lawrence

Next we headed downtown for a completely different feel. Ben switched into a purple, white, and black color-block polo with black pants, and we made our way through the brick alleys and doorways that give Downtown Lawrence its look.

This is where I really got to know him. We talked while we walked, and a few great Ben facts came out. He’s a PlayStation guy, no debate, and his game is Bloodborne, which is not a casual pick. He’s also low-key famous with his friends for the time he bought a giant pile of $2 hot dogs after the fourth quarter at homecoming. The deal was too good, he went all in, and they still bring it up. Then there are the cars. His dream car is a blacked-out Dodge Charger. But hand him a million dollars and the first thing he’s buying is a 1984 Chevy Caprice to fix up, a running joke he’s got going with his godfather.

Stop 3: Golden Hour at the Lawrence Arboretum

Our last stop was the Lawrence Arboretum, right at golden hour. The leaves were glowing, the light was coming through the prairie grass, and it was about as good as fall gets around here. Ben changed into a green checkered button-up under a tan quarter-zip with jeans. Peak cozy fall.

We walked the trails and shot under the trees. And then came the best part of the whole day. I had him throw a handful of leaves in the air, and he just let go and laughed. He told me later it was his favorite moment of the entire session. Mine too.

Congratulations, Ben!

Working with Ben was the best kind of afternoon. He’s a good reminder of what these sessions are really about, celebrating exactly who you are right now. Future doctor, choir singer, or the guy who can’t pass up a homecoming hot dog deal, your photos should sound like you.

Ben, you’re going to do big things in college and in medical school. Keep singing, keep laughing, and soak up every bit of your senior year at Free State.

Book Your Own Lawrence Senior Session

Class of 2027 looking for a senior photographer around Lawrence, Kansas? This is what I do.

Every Lawrence senior session is built around you, from your outfits to the spots that actually mean something to you, and I keep the whole thing low-stress and fun.

Summer and fall dates fill up fast. Head to my contact page and let’s grab yours. I’d love to tell your story next.