Why Your Teen or Senior Should Join the JMFHOTO 2027 Senior Team/Teen Squad
Every year, when I begin forming my next Teen Squad and Senior Team, I get so excited thinking about the incredible group of teens I’ll get to know over the coming year. But what really makes this program special — and what I always share when I talk with moms and their teens — is that this is so much more than taking pretty pictures.
Raleigh Senior Photographer
As a Raleigh senior photographer, I see firsthand how quickly these high school years fly by. I’m also a mom of two young adults, and I know how precious this time is. I homeschooled my kids for most of their education, and they’re now both in college. I remember every season — the excitement, the challenges, the growing independence, and the bittersweet moments of watching them become young adults. Those years go by faster than you can imagine, and that’s a big part of why I pour my heart into creating these programs.
Before photography, I worked as a computer programmer for 15 years — I have a degree in computer science. But about seven years ago, I felt a tug on my heart to take a leap of faith. I left my web developer position to follow a passion I had carried for years. When my kids were little I used to stage little photoshoots with them. I also started photographing my daughter at her dance competitions and recitals. That’s where my love for photography truly began.
From there, I taught myself everything I could — experimenting, studying, and developing a style that felt like me. I learned how to create NC senior portraits that showcase both the sparkle in the eyes and the beautiful colors of the sky behind them. Through these portraits I strive to capture confidence, personality, and joy.
Calling to work with teenagers
I was a Sunday school teacher for over 18 years — mostly working with little ones. However, I’ve always felt that the difficult storms I went through during my own teenage years were meant to shape me into who I am today. Those challenges gave me a deep understanding and compassion for what teens face. I know how hard those years can be. These years are filled with comparison, insecurity, and pressure. I truly believe my calling now is to pour into teenagers, encourage them, and remind them how incredibly special they are.
That’s where my JMFHOTO Teen Squad and Senior Team come in
These programs are my way of pouring into teens. To help them build confidence, find genuine friendships, and create memories that will last far beyond high school.
Throughout the year, we do:
✨ Fun photoshoots — seasonal, creative, and full of laughter
💖 Service projects — to help teens connect through giving back
🎉 Events and hangouts — where friendships grow naturally
And yes, they’ll walk away with beautiful senior portraits — the kind that truly capture who they are. Each family receives digital images, and many choose to add on tangible keepsakes like wall art or albums — heirlooms that can be treasured for years to come.
But what I want every mom to know is this:
This isn’t just another activity to fill your teen’s schedule. It’s an experience that helps them see themselves the way the world already sees them — beautiful, strong, confident, and full of potential.
Over the years, I’ve watched girls come into my program shy and unsure, and by the end of the year, they’re radiating confidence. I still keep in touch with so many of them — cheering them on as they head to college, start new chapters, and continue growing into amazing young women.
Being part of the JMFHOTO team is about so much more than photos.
It’s about finding belonging, building confidence, and celebrating this incredible stage of life.
Looking for more than Raleigh senior portraits….
If you’re looking for a North Carolina teen photographer or Raleigh senior photographer who will make your child feel seen, confident, and celebrated, I’d love to connect. I photograph high school seniors and teens throughout Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and the surrounding NC areas.
If you have a teen or senior who would love being part of something uplifting and unforgettable, I would love to talk with you more about what makes this program so special.
👉 Applications for the 2027 JMFHOTO Teen Squad and Senior Team are open now, and I can’t wait to meet the amazing group who will make up next year’s team!
2027 Senior Team Application – Click here to learn what sessions are included and pricing
