Mt Pleasant Senior Photographer - Mary Hickman Photography
If you caught the blog post about the cousin session in Greenville, you already know this family is a whole lot of fun. Well, we took that energy and moved it to Mount Pleasant, TX for a ranch session that I will not be forgetting anytime soon — and not just because of the gorgeous sunset and the incredible shots we walked away with. More on that in a minute.
Starting with Family
We kicked things off with some family portraits, and there is truly no better backdrop for family photos than a working ranch. Wide open land, real light, and a family that actually likes each other — it makes the job easy. These shots have a warmth and a grounded quality to them that a studio or a park just can't replicate. The ranch set the tone for the whole evening.
Then It Was Keith's Time to Shine
Once we wrapped the family shots, we shifted focus to Keith — and this young man had a session planned that was one hundred percent him. We started with some fishing shots down by the water, which were relaxed, natural, and full of personality. From there, Keith picked up his bow and we got some seriously cool shots that showcased a side of him that matters. These aren't just senior portraits — they're a snapshot of who he actually is, what he loves, and how he spends his time. That's exactly what a great senior session should be.
The Snake Encounter I Will Never Forget
Here's where the evening took an unexpected turn.
We were making our way toward the cow pasture to take advantage of what was shaping up to be a truly stunning sunset, and I was walking through the grass when — at the very last second — I spotted them. Two copperheads. Right there. I managed to hop over them, heart absolutely pounding, and I won't pretend I wasn't rattled. Copperheads are no joke, and nearly stepping on two of them in one step is the kind of thing that replays in your head for a while.
I will say — it has completely changed the way I walk on location shoots. Eyes on the ground, every single step. And apparently the universe wanted to make sure I really learned that lesson, because I've since encountered another copperhead right here in Allen. So if you ever see me walking a little more cautiously on a session, now you know why.
After taking a moment to collect myself and let my heart rate return to something resembling normal, we got back to what we came there to do.
A Cow Pasture Sunset That Made It All Worth It
The sky over that cow pasture did not disappoint. The kind of wide-open Texas sunset that you only get when you're out in the country with nothing between you and the horizon — it was all warmth and color and everything you hope for when you plan a ranch session. Keith was a trooper through the whole snake situation, and we finished that portion of his shoot with some stunning shots that would have never happened anywhere else.
Ending on a High Note — with a Mustang
We closed out the session with what might have been the most fitting finale possible — Keith and his Mustang. There is something about a guy, his car, and the last light of a Texas evening that just works. The shots were cool, confident, and completely him. It was the perfect ending to a session that had absolutely everything — family, personality, wildlife, and a sunset that showed up right on cue.
Keith, it was such a blast to photograph you. Snakes and all.
Book Your Ranch Senior Session
If you're a senior who loves the outdoors, has a meaningful location, or just wants portraits that actually look like you — I am your photographer. I travel throughout the DFW area and beyond to bring your session to life, wherever that may be.
Ready to plan your session? Head to www.maryhickmanphotography.com to get in touch. I promise to watch where I step.
Mary Hickman Photography serves seniors and families in Allen, Greenville, Mount Pleasant, and throughout the DFW and East Texas region.
