Kylee Nicole Rocha – Class of 2026 Senior Portraits at West 12 Ranch
There’s something special about photographing seniors who are already chasing their dreams, and Kylee was one of those go-getters. A senior at Pleasant Grove High School, Kylee is graduating early this January—months before her Class of 2026 peers—to begin college life at the University of Iowa. She earned a full-ride scholarship for soccer and academics and plans to study Sports Medicine on her path to becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
Kylee wanted her senior portraits to reflect her country-inspired personality and celebrate everything she’s worked so hard for. We chose West 12 Ranch in Lodi, the perfect mix of rustic charm, open fields, barns, and warm golden light—an ideal setting for her bright and confident personality.
A Country Start – Sunflowers and Southern Charm
We began the session under the ranch’s beautiful oak trees, where soft light filtered through the leaves. Kylee wore a white lace tie-front tank top, dark wash jeans, and brown boots, keeping it casual but classic. A white cowboy hat and sunflowers added just the right touch of country flair.
This first setup captured exactly what Kylee envisioned—warm, relaxed, and full of personality. The old wooden wagon and weathered fences brought out the ranch’s natural textures, perfectly complementing her easy smile and calm confidence.
Fall Vibes and Vintage Charm
Next, we moved to an old red truck bed decorated with pumpkins, sunflowers, and fall leaves. The vibrant autumn colors popped against Kylee’s crisp white top and dark denim, creating a cozy, seasonal look. Her natural laughter and relaxed poses made every frame shine.
This part of the session felt playful and nostalgic—exactly what senior year should be.
Faith, Dreams, and the Future Ahead
Kylee brought a special prop that represented her faith and future—her decorated graduation cap with the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you.” She paired it with her white cowboy hat and jeans, surrounded by fields of tall grass glowing in the evening light.
This part of the session truly captured her spirit—grounded, hopeful, and ready for what’s next.
Jeep Life – Confidence and Personality
Every senior session should include something personal—and for Kylee, that was her black Jeep Rubicon. She wanted a few fun and adventurous images that showed off her confident, independent side.
These photos captured a different energy—bold, empowering, and full of pride for how far she’s come.
Country Roads and a Hint of Whimsy
For her second outfit, Kylee changed into a red ruffle dress with tiny white prints and white cowboy boots—a perfect mix of sweet and stylish. We photographed her walking down the tree-lined path with string lights, spinning, laughing, and soaking up the last light of the day.
This setup captured the carefree joy of senior year and the excitement of new beginnings.
Rustic Fall Truck and Golden Hour Glow
We circled back to another vintage truck for a soft, dreamy fall setup. Surrounded by dried florals and pumpkins, Kylee looked radiant in the warm golden light. Her red dress popped beautifully against the rustic backdrop and faded truck bed. She also stood by the beautiful willow tree on the ranch’s back pasture that has been on the property for over 50 years and with deep roots.
Fields, Light, and Natural Beauty
The beautiful golden light towards the end of the evening gave us the perfect backdrop—a soft golden haze that wrapped around the tall grass and trees. Kylee’s smile said it all: this was her moment. She paired her red dress and boots with her white hat for the final set, bringing the whole session full circle.
Horses, Fences, and Quiet Moments
No West 12 Ranch session is complete without a little time spent with the horses who love to wonder over to anyone in the pasture. Kylee enjoyed the gentle connection standing next to one of the ranch horses. The light shone through as she stood by the fence, sunlight streaming through the trees behind her.
The Perfect Blend of Rustic and Modern
We mixed in a few timeless portraits at the old wooden corral—simple, bright, and beautifully natural. These are the images every parent loves: authentic smiles and timeless backdrops that never go out of style.
Ready for College – Iowa Hawkeyes Pride
Kylee wrapped up her session proudly showing off her University of Iowa Hawkeyes gear. She paired her cropped yellow-and-black top with high-waisted jeans and her soccer ball—a fun nod to her scholarship and future college career.
Every detail, from her shoes to the flag she carried, celebrated where she’s headed next.
Honoring Her Journey
Kylee wanted to include a special memory from her own soccer beginnings — a framed photo of herself as a little girl on the field. It was such a meaningful detail, symbolizing how far she’s come and the years of dedication that led to her full-ride scholarship. Seeing that photo next to her Iowa gear was the perfect way to celebrate her journey from a young athlete to a soon-to-be college player.
A Celebration of Hard Work and Heart
To finish the session, we celebrated Kylee’s achievements—her sportsmanship, academic dedication, and the bright future waiting ahead. Her confidence in front of the camera and love for the game shone through in every image.
Celebrating the Next Chapter
Kylee’s senior portraits were the perfect blend of country charm, heartfelt details, and personal milestones. Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do—capturing the joy, excitement, and pride that come with closing one chapter and stepping boldly into the next.
Watching seniors like Kylee chase their dreams and celebrate how far they’ve come is such a privilege. I can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes in this new season of life!
To see other senior sessions see below:
