Maya's Senior Photos at Bird Park | Walpole, MA Senior Photographer

Some sessions are just worth waiting for. And Maya's? We certainly put that to the test!!

After multiple weather reschedules, we FINALLY had the most beautiful evening for Maya's senior photos at Bird Park in Walpole, MA. And while I promised her that waiting for the right night would be worth it, I also know just how frustrating those postponements can be.

If there's one part of photography I don't love, it's making those weather calls. When there’s 100% chance of rain, it’s an easy call. But when the forecast keeps changing, there's an 80% chance of cloud cover, and the beautiful light I'm hoping for is nowhere to be found, deciding whether to move forward or reschedule is never easy.

But Maya and her family were incredibly patient and gracious throughout the entire process. And when our evening finally arrived? It couldn't have been more beautiful!

Choosing the Perfect Location for Senior Photos in Massachusetts

When Maya's mom first reached out, we initially talked about doing her senior pictures at the beach.

But during our session planning call, Maya wasn't entirely sure what location she wanted. So I recommended she scroll through my Instagram and take note of a few of her favorite images. Not necessarily the outfits or the poses, but the photographs that she was naturally drawn to.

And of her favorites, not one was taken at the beach!

She ultimately chose Bird Park in Walpole, MA, one of my favorite spots for fall sessions.

Its foliage is always spectacular and the tall grasses are my favorite feature and is why It's a spot I return to year after year, and it never disappoints!

Fall Senior Pictures at Bird Park in Walpole

Maya brought several looks, and I absolutely loved every one of them! And she was such a natural in front of the camera! She was relaxed, comfortable, and allowed herself to have fun - which always translates into the best images.

But we also HAVE to talk about her SMILE!

GUYS.

If you've followed me for a while, you know that in my other life I’m a dental hygienist. So when I tell you that Maya has an absolutely radiant smile, please understand that I consider myself uniquely qualified to make that statement!

Including Your Dog in Your Senior Pictures

One thing that was important to Maya was including her dog, Willow, in a few of her senior portraits.Those images are some of my favorite shots from the entire session.

I do, however, owe Willow an apology.

For reasons I still cannot explain, I repeatedly called her Lola throughout the session. I have absolutely no idea where that name came from, but apparently, once my brain committed to it, there was no turning back.

Thankfully, Willow didn't seem particularly offended.

If you're thinking about including your dog in your senior pictures, I'm always happy to work that into our session planning. Full disclaimer though: I cannot guarantee that I will call them by their given name. 😉

Making Time for Family Photos During a Senior Session

Maya's grandparents are longtime neighbors and friends of my mother- and father-in-law. And because my in-laws are some of the most important people in my life, having the opportunity to photograph people who mean so much to them was special for me!

Although not shown here, we also made time for a little family session. We photographed Maya with her sisters, the whole family together, and, of course, her grandparents.

Senior year is such an exciting time, but it's a big deal for the whole family - not just the graduate! Being able to photograph seniors alongside the people who have supported and loved them along the way makes those images even more special.

Maya, I cannot thank you enough for your patience and for trusting me through every single weather reschedule. You were an absolute delight to photograph, and I hope you love these images as much as I loved creating them for you.

I wish you the most incredible senior year and nothing but wonderful things in the years ahead!

And with that, Maya's session officially wraps up my 2026 portrait season!

As much as I absolutely love photography season, I also look forward to the quieter months that follow. And this off-season? I've got some pretty exciting things to keep me busy!

It's also crazy to think that this coming May will mark 10 YEARS of Courtney Wager Photography. It's been an amazing journey so far. I've watched my skills and confidence as a photographer grow, and none of that would have happened without the families who trusted me with their photographs long before I'd fully found my confidence behind the camera.

I think back to 2017 and the imposter syndrome that came with calling myself a photographer. Ten years later, I just wrapped up my biggest season yet, and I am so grateful to every single client who has trusted me, to all the incredible people I've had the pleasure of photographing, and for the opportunity to create something I genuinely love.