Senior Portraits at Riverbend Park | Mackenzie

Last weekend was very windy. Nevertheless, I was able to shoot these senior portraits at Riverbend Park. The sky was full of large clouds, heavy with water, but the gale that blew on Sunday morning kept them from unloading over Jupiter.

We began very early, at dawn, but not in the park. Instead, we started on the beach, next to Juno Beach Pier. Mackenzie, a tall, very beautiful girl, was waiting for me with her mother. The wind was cold, so we waited a bit next to the bushes for the sunlight to grow stronger.

Usually, my senior sessions start with a walk on the beach. During this time, I try to get close to the boys and girls so they loosen up in front of the camera. It’s the moment I ask them where they’re finishing their studies, which college they’ll attend and, most importantly, what they want to do with their lives. That’s when she told me she would love to work in healthcare. When I asked her why, she replied that she loves helping and taking care of others. Is there anything more beautiful?

From the beach to the park

After Juno Beach Pier, we went to the park. The first part of the session, on the beach, helped us break the ice, so these senior portraits at Riverbend Park would be a piece of cake. And they were: Mackenzie was already used to the camera, she moved with ease and didn’t stop smiling.

There, at Battlefield Park, she changed clothes twice: first into a beautiful long dress, and then into a much more casual look. That’s when she brought out the icons of Florida State University, where she will build her career. I hope she learns a lot and reaches wherever she wants to go. Remember, Mackenzie, that a smile heals almost everything, and you already have that. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Why Riverbend Park is perfect for senior portraits

Riverbend Park is a large Palm Beach County park in Jupiter, along the Loxahatchee River, just off Indiantown Road. Together with the Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park, it protects the site of the last battles of the Second Seminole War. In fact, people have lived along this river for more than 5,000 years.

Today, the park has trails, wooden footbridges, kayak routes and huge oak trees covered in Spanish moss. At its heart stands the “Tree of Tears”, a 300-year-old oak on top of a burial mound. Legend says it may have sheltered wounded Seminoles after the Battle of the Loxahatchee. Because of all the shade, the park is also a great alternative to the beach on hot or sunny days.

Good to know

Tips for senior portraits at Riverbend Park

• Combine beach and park. Starting at the beach at sunrise and finishing in the park gives you two very different looks in one session.
• Bring your college gear. For example, a shirt, pennant or sign from your future school makes the photos truly yours.
• Plan your outfit changes. A long dress for the park and a casual look work beautifully together.
• Choose comfortable shoes for walking. The park has trails and footbridges, so bring flats for between shots.

Are you planning senior pictures? Then have a look at my Jupiter senior portraits photographer page for packages, locations and answers to common questions.