Where do I even start.
Every single year I think there is no way the next group of seniors could top the last one. And every single year I am proven completely wrong. The Class of 2026 came in with so much energy, so much personality, and so much trust — and together we made some of the most beautiful work I have ever created.
This post is my love letter to them.
The Moment Senior Season Starts I Am Fully Obsessed
There is something about the beginning of senior season that gets me every time. Inquiries start coming in, I start getting to know each girl, and I can already feel that this is going to be something special. The Class of 2026 had me feeling that way from the very first consultation call.
These girls showed up ready. Ready to have fun, ready to be vulnerable in front of the camera, ready to trust the process — and that makes all the difference in the world when it comes to the final gallery.
Golden Hour Was Extra Golden This Year
I am convinced the light was just showing off for us this year. Some of my favorite sessions from the Class of 2026 happened in that last hour before sunset when everything turns warm and glowy and a little magical.
There is nothing I love more than watching a girl who walked in nervous completely transform the second the golden light hits her face. That is the moment I live for. That is the moment that makes this job everything.
The Locations We Found Together
One of my favorite parts of the planning process is figuring out where each session is going to take place — because no two girls are the same and no two sessions should look the same either.
This year we shot in wildflower fields, downtown alleyways, open Texas pastures, shaded wooded spots, and a few of my secret locations that I will never fully give away. Every single backdrop was chosen specifically for that girl and her vision and I think you can feel that when you look at the images.
The Outfits Though
Can we talk about the outfits for a second? Because the Class of 2026 did NOT come to play in the wardrobe department.
Between pieces from my style closet and their own personal style we put together some of the most beautiful outfit lineups I have ever seen on a session. Flowy dresses in fields. Denim and boots at golden hour. Dressed up and editorial in the city. Every look was intentional and every look photographed beautifully.
Styling is something I put a lot of time and thought into with each of my seniors and this year it really showed. I am so proud of every single look we created together.
The Moments That Stopped Me in My Tracks
Every season has a handful of images that make me stop mid-edit and just sit with them for a minute. The ones that feel like more than just a photo. The ones that feel like a real moment frozen in time.
The Class of 2026 gave me so many of those moments. The candid laugh mid-walk. The look back over the shoulder. The quiet in-between moment that somehow turned into the best shot of the whole session. Those are the images that remind me why I do this.
What I Want Every 2026 Senior to Know
If you were a part of my Class of 2026 and you are reading this — thank you. Thank you for trusting me with something as important as your senior year. Thank you for showing up fully as yourself. Thank you for letting me hype you up and chase the light with you and make something beautiful together.
Watching you all graduate and step into whatever comes next makes my heart so full. You are going to do incredible things and I cannot wait to watch it happen.
This season meant everything to me. Every single session. Every single one of you.
Class of 2027 — You Are Next
If you are a rising senior and you have been thinking about booking your session — now is the time. I only take a limited number of seniors each year and spots genuinely do fill up fast.
I would love nothing more than to add you to this legacy and make you feel every bit as celebrated as the Class of 2026.
Head to the link in my bio to inquire about the AWP Luxury Senior Experience. I cannot wait to meet you. 🤍
April Wetzig is a senior photographer based in central texas specializing in natural, film-like senior portraits. To inquire about booking your senior session visit www.aprilwetzigphotography.com
