“Sophia lost her father to cancer 2 years ago, yet she kept her grades up throughout it all. I think that just says a lot about who she is.”

These were the words that Sophia’s mom spoke to me during their consultation when I asked Leslie to tell me about her daughter. Bubbly, bright, and giggly, Sophia let me know how she loved flowers, coordinating outfits, softball, and a myriad of other things. But when her mom shared this intimate detail with me, that’s when I really felt like I knew who Sophia was.

She was resilient. Strong. Independent. Loving. A fighter, just like her dad.

Knowing we were not only going to capture who Sophia was but also her mom and dad in her portraits was something I was so excited about. We flipped our hair in flower fields (Sorry for the bugs, Sophia!), ran through an apple orchard (And avoided the giant’s hornets’ nest), danced in the desert, and all the while incorporated pieces of Sophia, her parents, and her life, into every shot.

Bonus? It was her momma’s birthday, and she told me it was the best way to spend her big day that could think of!

Thank you so much, Sophia and Leslie, for allowing me into your lives and giving me the chance to tell your story. I hope these photos always remind you of this special time and this young woman Sophie has grown into. I love you both so much!

-Makayla

Hair and makeup: Behrens Artistry

MAKAYLA MADDEN IS AN AWARD WINNING WEDDING, BOUDOIR, AND SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER BASED OUT OF BOISE, IDAHO (BUT SHE’LL GLADLY TRAVEL!). SPECIALIZING IN CAPTURING RAW AND REAL MOMENTS, MAKAYLA LOVES GETTING TO KNOW HER CLIENTS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A UNIQUE AND CUSTOM EXPERIENCE, AND PICTURES THAT THEY’LL CHERISH FOREVER. TO BOOK YOUR SESSION, VISIT THE “CONTACT” PAGE.