Olivia Lynn Pettit Senior Photos | Elk Grove Senior Photographer
There are some sessions that just feel extra special, and Olivia’s senior session was definitely one of them.
I first worked with Olivia’s family back in 2022 when I photographed her sister Grace’s senior photos, so getting to come back and capture this milestone for Olivia was such a full circle moment. Even more meaningful—Grace is graduating from Sacramento State this May, and we were able to grab a few quick sibling photos of the two of them together in their caps and gowns for mom. Those are always the moments that mean the most.
Olivia is a senior at Elk Grove High School and will be graduating at the end of May. She’s planning to start at Cosumnes River College and is still deciding between teaching or nursing, with future goals of possibly becoming an Ag teacher or a physical therapist.
We photographed her session out at West 12 Ranch, one of my favorite locations with so much variety. Between the pastures, haybarn, and those beautiful tree-lined lanes, we had the perfect mix of rustic charm and soft golden light. With her family there, country music playing, and a relaxed vibe the whole evening, it made for such a fun and easygoing session.
A Bright Start with a Pop of Color at the Ranch
Olivia’s first look was the perfect way to kick off the session. She wore light blue jeans with a pink plaid ruffle top that fit right in with the ranch setting while still adding a fun pop of color.
We started by moving through a few different areas of the property—grassy pastures, vineyard rows, and some of the shaded spots near the trees. The light at this point was still bright but soft enough to give us that clean, vibrant look. As we moved around, we mixed in a variety of poses—standing, seated, and using some of the chairs and props around the ranch to keep things natural and relaxed.
This part of the session really set the tone. Olivia was comfortable right away, and you can see that confidence come through in every image.
Meaningful Details with Her FFA Journey
For her second outfit, Olivia changed into dark blue jeans and a soft yellow tank, and this is where we incorporated some of the most meaningful parts of her session.
We brought in her FFA jacket, along with a few personal items that told her story—her childhood blanket, her stuffed bunny dressed in a graduation outfit, and a photo from her kindergarten graduation. These are the kinds of details that make a senior session feel personal, and Olivia did such a great job bringing pieces that truly represent her journey.
We used areas around the haybarn and fencing, along with some shaded pasture spots to create a slightly more rustic feel. The light here was starting to soften even more, giving us that warm, golden tone that works so well with these earthy colors.
This part of the session felt especially meaningful, blending where she started with where she’s headed next.
Golden Hour Glow with Cap and Gown Moments
We finished the session with Olivia’s off-white lace dress, and this is where everything came together.
The light during this part of the session was absolutely beautiful. That soft golden glow coming through the trees and down the ranch lanes gave us such a dreamy look. We moved through a few of the tree-lined paths and open areas to take full advantage of it.
This is also where we incorporated her cap and gown, along with a few fun touches like her Mickey Mouse graduation ears and her stuffed bunny again. It added a mix of classic senior portraits and a little bit of personality, which is always the goal.
The off-white dress paired perfectly with the setting and lighting, creating a soft, timeless feel to end the session.
Wrap Up
Olivia’s session was such a great reminder of what makes senior photos so special—it’s not just about the photos, it’s about the story behind them.
Having her mom, dad, and sister Grace there made the whole experience even more relaxed and fun. We had country music playing, took our time moving through each spot, and just enjoyed the evening. Those little details always make such a difference in how a session feels.
Olivia, it was truly an honor to capture this milestone for you and to work with your family again. I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next.
To see other senior sessions, click here to view more of my senior photography blogs
