Every session has a story. Some are about the light or the location. Some are about a senior who surprises you with how naturally they take to the camera. Collin's session in Downtown McKinney had all of that — and then it also had a missing saxophone, a lost mom, and enough laughs to make it one of the most memorable shoots I've had in a while. We'll get to all of that.
Downtown McKinney — A Senior Portrait Dream Location
Downtown McKinney never misses. The historic architecture, the variety of textures and colors, the charm of a well-kept small-town main street — it all adds up to a backdrop that feels classic and cool at the same time. For senior portraits, it offers so much variety within a short distance, which means more looks, more settings, and more personality packed into a single session. It was the perfect stage for Collin.
Starting with the Saxophone
We opened Collin's session with his saxophone, and right away the photos had something special going for them. There is an instant story when a senior incorporates something they're passionate about — the instrument becomes part of who they are in the frame, not just a prop. Collin clearly has a comfort with that saxophone that translated beautifully on camera. The shots were cool, confident, and completely him.
He came dressed in a sharp black suit for the first half of the session, and the combination of the suit, the sax, and the Downtown McKinney backdrop made for some seriously striking portraits. Clean, polished, and full of personality.
A Natural in Front of the Camera
Collin was a total natural — and I mean that genuinely. Some seniors need a little time to warm up and find their footing in front of a camera. Collin showed up already there. He was relaxed, easy to direct, and brought a confidence to every frame that made the whole session flow beautifully. Those are the sessions that just go, and this was one of them.
The Outfit Change Heard Round Downtown McKinney
After the suit and saxophone portion of the session, it was time for the classic t-shirt and jeans look — a whole different vibe that rounded out the session perfectly. I popped up my changing tent, Collin made the switch, and we headed to our next spot in Downtown feeling great about the session so far.
And then someone noticed the saxophone was no longer with us.
In the shuffle of moving locations and changing outfits, it had been left right where we started. Collin's mom caught it first, and there was a brief moment of — let's call it elevated concern. She headed back to retrieve it while Collin and I kept moving. The good news: the saxophone was exactly where we left it, completely unharmed and unbothered. The slightly chaotic news: somewhere in the process of retrieving it, mom got turned around in Downtown McKinney and missed the rest of the shoot entirely.
We shot the whole second half of the session just the two of us, laughed about it when we all reconnected, and it became one of those stories that gets retold every time someone asks how the session went.
The Photos Made It All Worth It
Despite — or maybe because of — the adventure of it all, the photos came out absolutely wonderful. Mom saw them and loved every single one. The suit, the saxophone, the t-shirt and jeans, the Downtown McKinney backdrop — it all came together into a gallery that captured exactly who Collin is right now. That's what matters at the end of the day.
Collin, you were a blast to photograph. And to mom — glad you found the saxophone, sorry we lost you, and so happy you love the photos.
Book Your Senior Session in McKinney or the DFW Area
Downtown McKinney is one of my favorite locations in all of Collin County, and I would love to take you there for your senior session. Whether you're bringing a saxophone, a suit, or just yourself — let's make something great.
Ready to plan your session? Visit www.maryhickmanphotography.com to explore the portfolio and get in touch. No saxophones will be left behind.
Mary Hickman Photography serves seniors and families in Allen, McKinney, and throughout the DFW area and Collin County.
