A Wilmington, NC Photographer Reflects on What’s Ahead
I am exactly where I am meant to be. I trust the timing of my life, the unfolding of my dreams, and the quiet work happening beneath the surface. I move forward with intention, create with heart, and welcome what is meant for me with open hands. What I am building matters – and it is becoming, one moment at a time.
There’s something about the beginning of a new year that invites both reflection and hope. As I step into 2026, my heart feels incredibly full. The past year introduced me to so many wonderful families, couples, and seniors who trusted me with their stories — and that trust is something I never take lightly. There are countless photographers to choose from, each offering their own style and approach, and if you chose Sage Willow Photography in 2025, thank you. Thank you for inviting me into your lives and allowing me to serve as your Wilmington family, couples, and high school senior photographer, capturing moments that matter with intention and heart.
Senior Photography in the Wilmington, NC Area — Growing Something Special
Looking back, 2025 was a year of meaningful growth — creatively, personally, and professionally. It allowed me to fully step into work that feels deeply aligned with my heart, especially through the continued development of my Signature Senior Session Experience. Launching my first Senior Rep Team was one of the highlights of the year. Watching these seniors show up with confidence, experiment with style, explore new locations, and lean fully into who they are becoming was incredibly special. These sessions weren’t about stiff poses or rushed timelines — they were about personality, movement, connection, and that unmistakable main-character energy that defines senior year.
As a local senior photographer serving Wilmington and surrounding coastal communities, my goal has always been to create senior portraits that feel authentic, elevated, and deeply personal — images that both seniors and their parents will cherish long after graduation day.
Class of 2027 Senior Rep Team — Applications Opening Soon
If you have an upcoming high school senior in the Class of 2027 who’s been dreaming about being part of a senior rep team, this is your sign to stay close. This spring, I’ll begin promoting applications for my Class of ’27 Senior Rep Team, and I would truly love to meet your senior. I’ll be growing my team this year and welcoming students from high schools across the Wilmington area, including local and surrounding schools.
Applications will open toward the end of May, and once the new team is selected, we’ll begin planning group shoots, creative sessions, and experiences designed to make senior year feel unforgettable. You can always find details on my website by scrolling to the bottom of my Senior Session page, and I always welcome early inquiries if you’d like to express interest or ask questions. If your senior wants photos that feel like them, this experience was created with them in mind.
Family & Couples Photography Along the Coast — 2026 Booking Is Open
As I look ahead, I’m excited to share that my 2026 calendar is officially open and booking. I intentionally take only a limited number of sessions each month so I can offer the elevated, thoughtful experience Sage Willow Photography is known for. Summer and fall dates along the coast — from Wilmington to Topsail Island and Surf City — tend to fill quickly, while spring often allows for a bit more flexibility.
If you’ve been dreaming about booking a family session, couples session, or senior session in 2026, now is the perfect time to reach out. I love beginning the planning process early, dreaming alongside you about locations, seasons, and the moments you never want to forget.
Now Offering Travel Sessions in 2026
I’m also stepping into something new this year — travel sessions. Stories don’t always live in one place, and sometimes the most meaningful moments happen somewhere deeply personal: a family property layered with memory, a mountain backdrop that feels like home, or alongside a loved one who isn’t able to travel.
In 2026, Sage Willow Photography will be available for travel sessions, created with the same heart-led, storytelling approach. These sessions are booked with my standard session fee plus travel accommodations and allow us to document your story exactly where it belongs.
Your Story Matters — Don’t Wait to Tell It
And finally — a gentle reminder I hold close to my heart. So often, we wait. We plan to book someday. And then life shifts. A loved one becomes ill, a season changes unexpectedly, or someone we love is suddenly no longer here. One of the deepest regrets many of us carry is not having the photographs to look back on — tangible reminders of how it all felt.
No matter what season of life you’re in, your story matters. Whether you’re investing in family photography, couples photography, or senior portraits capturing that once-in-a-lifetime year before everything changes, your moments deserve to be seen, honored, and remembered. As a Wilmington, NC photographer serving families, couples, and high school seniors throughout Wilmington, Topsail Island, Surf City, and beyond, I would be deeply honored to walk alongside you and tell your story through photographs — whatever your season, whatever your reason. Life is delicate and precious, and each of us deserves to be cherished and remembered. 🤍
Sage Willow Photography is a Wilmington, NC photographer specializing in elevated family photography, couples sessions, and the Signature Senior Session Experience, serving Wilmington, Topsail Island, Surf City, and beyond.
Here to capture the magical moments between you and your loved ones
I believe it is in our DNA to be connected to nature, animals and each other. When I look through the lens of my camera, I want to highlight this connection and preserve it so you can share your story with future generations.
