If you’ve been around for a while, you might remember my nickname: Traveling Ginger.
(And if you’re new here, take a peek at the pictures below and you’ll get the idea.)
There was a season when I was always on the road, camera in hand, capturing adventures across the country (and sometimes the world). But life has shifted… these days, my greatest adventure involves less travel and more adventuring locally with my baby girl.
The travel bug? Very much still here. So I dreamed up something new, a way to combine my love for photographing seniors with my love for new places and stories.
Introducing The 50 from 50 Project
The goal: one senior from every single state in the United States, photographed by me. Most sessions happen right here on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Some happen in your hometown. The location doesn’t matter as much as the story, and every senior has one worth telling.
Why I Started This Project
Something I’ve noticed after years of photographing seniors in the St. Petersburg and Tampa area: so many of my clients don’t live in Florida. They’re visiting from Ohio, from Minnesota, from Kansas, and they want portraits that feel completely different from what they’d get back home. No parking garages. No brick walls. Just open skies, warm light, and the Gulf of Mexico at golden hour.
That got me thinking. What if I made it official?
What if I intentionally sought out one incredible senior from every corner of the country and made their session something truly worth traveling for?
How the 50 from 50 Project Works:
- Sessions happen wherever you are. Florida beach sessions are always on the table, but I also travel when I can and I love shooting in hometowns, state parks, and places that actually mean something to you.
- Your session gets its own blog feature. Every senior who’s part of this project gets a dedicated post telling their story, your state, your vibe, your portraits.
- You become part of something bigger. The map grows one senior at a time. By the time all 50 states are filled, this will be one of the most epic portrait projects I’ve ever created and you helped it become a reality.
of 50 states photographed — % complete
Updated as new sessions are completed. Click a state to read that senior’s story.
What to Expect from Your Session
Senior portraits with me are not stiff, not forced, and definitely not boring. We’ll explore. We’ll laugh. We’ll find the light. Whether we’re chasing sunset on St. Pete Beach, wandering through your hometown, or shooting somewhere totally unexpected. The goal is always the same: portraits that actually look like you at this exact, unrepeatable moment in your life.
Florida sessions typically take place at iconic Gulf Coast locations: think Fort De Soto, Pass-A-Grille, Honeymoon Island, Madeira Beach, and the St. Pete Pier. If you’re local or visiting, I’ll help you pick the spot that fits your style perfectly.
Not coming to Florida? Reach out anyway. Let’s talk about what a session in your state could look like.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do Florida sessions take place?
Most of my sessions happen along the Gulf Coast: think Fort De Soto, Pass-A-Grille, Honeymoon Island, Madeira Beach, and the St. Pete Pier. Each location has a totally different vibe, and I’ll help you pick the one that fits your style.
When is the best time of year to shoot in Florida?
Honestly? Almost any time. Fall and spring are my favorites because the light is gorgeous, the crowds are thinner, and the weather is perfect. Summer works too, especially for that golden late-evening light after the heat breaks.
What should I wear?
Think flowy, relaxed, and you. Beachy doesn’t have to mean casual, some of my favorite sessions have been seniors in formal gowns on the sand. Plan on bringing 2-3 outfit options and we’ll figure it out together.
How long is a session?
Most senior sessions run about an hour. That gives us enough time to explore a location, switch outfits, and really settle into the session without feeling rushed.
Ready to Create Your Senior Adventure?
Whether you’re planning a Florida trip, want to shoot in your hometown, or are just curious about the project… I’d love to chat. Click here to reach out or book your session and let’s add your state to the map!
