I’ve had high school seniors bring all sorts of fun and meaningful things to their sessions over the years… but this one was definitely a first!

Meet Bubba the bearded dragon. 🦎

And yes… Bubba was wearing a bow tie.

Obviously, this was amazing.

Malia brought her bearded dragon along for her senior portraits in Ashland, Oregon, and I was absolutely thrilled. There is something so fun about when seniors bring pieces of their real lives into their sessions. These photos become so much more than just pretty portraits, they become a snapshot of who they were during this season of life.

And Bubba was quite the celebrity.

As we wandered through Lithia Park, pretty much everyone wanted to stop and say hello. A girl walking around with a bearded dragon in her arms is not exactly something you see every day! Bubba made plenty of new friends, and honestly, I think he enjoyed the attention.

I love that Malia chose to include something so unique and personal. Years from now, these photos won’t just remind her what she looked like during her senior year, they’ll remind her of the things she loved, the personality she had, and the funny little details that made this chapter uniquely hers.

That is exactly what senior portraits should be.

Bring your sports gear. Bring your instruments. Bring your pets. Bring your hobbies, collections, favorite books, cars, artwork, or anything else that tells your story.

Let’s capture you.

And beyond the adorable reptile addition, the setting was absolutely gorgeous. October in Lithia Park is one of my favorite times of year. The autumn colors are incredible, with vibrant leaves, beautiful textures, and that warm fall glow that makes everything feel magical.

Malia looked amazing against the colorful backdrop, and between the stunning fall scenery, her beautiful smile, and a very dapper little dragon, this session was definitely one to remember.

Congratulations on your senior year, Malia! Thank you for bringing Bubba along and making your session one of the most unique and fun ones I’ve ever photographed. 🦎🍂🤍

If you’re dreaming of your own photo session in Ashland, Oregon, I’d love to help bring it to life. Explore Ashland photography sessions →