Columbia Tennessee Senior Portraits | Rachel Lynne Carr – Class of 2026
A Full Circle Moment Behind the Lens
Photographing my sweet niece Rachel’s senior portraits in Columbia, Tennessee was such a surreal and special experience. I flew out from California to spend the week with family and capture this huge milestone for her. I’ve been taking Rachel’s photos since she was a newborn, and standing behind the camera for her senior portraits brought everything full circle.
Over the past few years, Rachel and her family have built a wonderful life in Tennessee. They’ve truly made Columbia home—finding community through their church, new friends, and the charm of small-town southern life. Watching her grow into such a confident, joyful young woman has been incredible, and this session was a celebration of just how far she’s come.
Downtown Columbia – Where Her Story Shines
We began Rachel’s session in the heart of downtown Columbia. The historic courthouse stands tall in the center of the square, surrounded by charming brick shops and local businesses that give this small town its personality. It’s a spot that means a lot to Rachel, so it was the perfect place to start.
She wore a flowy burnt-orange dress paired with her favorite cowboy boots—simple, southern, and so her. Despite the bright midday start time, large clouds rolled in within the first hour, giving us the softest, dreamiest light for the rest of the day.
Before leaving the square, we stopped at a cozy coffee shop. Inside, the warm brick walls, soft window light, and relaxed vibe added a completely different feel to her portraits. She grabbed a drink, laughed with her sister Jessica (our session DJ and reflector holder!), and relaxed.
The Train Depot – A Touch of History
Our next stop was Columbia’s historic train depot—a cool spot Rachel wanted to go to. The tall clock tower, rustic wooden textures, and vintage train details made this location feel timeless. Rachel looked perfectly at ease here, sitting in the grass with the train behind her and walking along the old wooden platforms.
The mix of history, character, and that easy Tennessee charm made this spot such a beautiful setting for her portraits. I loved how the textures of the depot contrasted perfectly with her soft, natural look.
Just beside the depot was a charming outdoor café space with picnic tables, string lights, and plenty of character.
Rachel enjoyed this area, laughing between poses while the rest of us (including Mom, Nana, and Papa!) cheered her on. The textures, tones, and playful energy made this part of the session so much fun—and the images from this spot are some of my favorites from the entire day.
River Walk Reflections & Dr. Pepper Fun
After the depot, we headed to the Columbia River Walk—a peaceful park with tree-lined trails and a bridge in the distance. It’s such a gorgeous area, and the soft, even light that day made it even better.
This was also the perfect place for Rachel’s fun and creative ideas. If you know Rachel, you know her love for Dr. Pepper runs deep! She brought along cases of her favorite soda, a matching tee, and her usual bright energy that kept everyone smiling. These photos are playful, full of laughter, and absolutely her.
We also wanted to highlight her creative side, so she brought along her sketchbooks and art supplies for a few portraits. Seeing her completely in her element, focused on her drawings, was such a wonderful glimpse into who she is. Between her love of creativity and that bright, genuine smile, these images are full of joy and authenticity.
Volleyball Pride at Home
Our final location brought us right to her backyard, where she set up her volleyball net. Rachel’s love for volleyball is such a big part of her life, and she wanted to celebrate that. In her green and black Knights uniform, she was absolutely glowing—confident, strong, and proud.
From serves to smiles, every photo reflected her passion for the sport and how much she’s grown as both an athlete and young woman.
Senior Jeans & A Bright Future Ahead
We wrapped up Rachel’s senior session with her “senior jeans”—a fun nod to her school senior year with her jeans covered with her class year, name, and creative designs. It was the perfect way to end the day—personal, meaningful, and so very Rachel.
Her big sister Jessica helped with the reflector and kept the laughs going, while Mom, Nana, Papa, and everyone else offered ideas, encouragement, and love. It was truly a family affair and such a joyful way to celebrate her senior year.
Watching Her Soar
This session wasn’t just about senior photos—it was about celebrating who Rachel has become. From the quiet little girl I once photographed to the confident, joyful young woman she is today, she’s come such a long way.
Her senior portraits in Columbia, Tennessee were more than just pictures; they were a reflection of her journey, her personality, and her bright future ahead.
Rachel, I’m so proud of you. Keep shining, keep chasing your dreams, and keep spreading your wings—you’ve already come so far, and the best is yet to come. ❤️
To see other Senior Photo Sessions see below:
