If you are looking to explore a bold, authentic, and fun senior portrait session, let me introduce you to Amari. She is a powerhouse Jackson Day School graduate and dual-enrollment honors student. In addition to receiving her diploma, Amari graduated with her Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts from CPCC with a perfect 4.0 GPA!
When we started planning her signature session, we knew we needed locations that could match her style and artistic energy. We ultimately landed on three amazing locations that served as ideal backdrops. At each location, Amari completely stole the spotlight!
To kick off this incredible senior experience, we leaned into a fun, western-inspired cowgirl look at Goat Island Park. Walking along the greenway, Amari gave a playful tip of her cowgirl hat to the camera before we headed onto the rustic pedestrian bridge. There, we captured an editorial shot with her hands in her hair. Afterwards, we climbed down beneath the bridge structure and shot with massive boulders in the background. The deep, warm environmental textures of the wood and stone perfectly complemented her look, starting the day with pure, adventurous energy; even as the rain began to fall.
Color Pops, Choreography, & A Charlotte Senior Signature Experience
For the next chapter of the day, we headed to the water at Jetton Park. The idea was to fuse her love for dance with deep, rich color contrast. Designing a custom Charlotte Senior Signature Experience means tailoring every location to a senior’s unique talents, so moving effortlessly along the waterfront was the perfect choice. We introduced vibrant smoke bombs that wrapped her choreography in a striking, cinematic haze. The warm contrast of the park’s natural shoreline paired with explosive clouds of blue, purple, and orange smoke created an absolute masterpiece, capturing her incredible movement in a way that feels utterly alive and powerful.
‘The lake location at Jetton Park felt the most like me because I love anything that has to do with water,’ Amari shared. The vibrant color clouds drifting around Amari, as she transitioned from one dance pose to another, added the perfect dramatics to highlight her movement and style. As her mom perfectly put it: ‘Amari loves the spotlight! I’m certain she served face and attitude, giving the photographer everything she needed to have a successful shoot!’ (And trust me, she absolutely did!)
From Royalty to Realness at Camp North End
Amari’s grand finale coupled high-fashion drama and authenticity side-by-side. The jaw-dropping elegance of her prom gown, contrasted the soft tulle against the sharp lines of Charlotte’s city buildings. ‘Even though I had already had my prom, I was very excited to get pictures in the dress. This was my favorite outfit from the shoot!’ Amari expressed.
From a royalty we shifted to realness as we leaned into the playful, industrial textures of Camp North End. Amari rocked a casual vibe while posing inside a giant hanging tire. Afterwards, she came through with an absolute showstopper of a jump in front of a stunning blue mural. Aside from her versatility, Amari’s energy brought a spectacular close to an unforgettable Charlotte Senior Signature Experience.
Why We Pause: A Word From Amari’s Parents
Senior year is a fleeting once in a lifetime moment. It flies by in the blink of an eye making it extremely important for families to pause to take it all in. For Amari’s family, this shoot captured two highlights, beautifully. The closing of one massive chapter and the anticipation of beginning another. Amari is heading to North Carolina A&T State University (NCAT) to study kinesiology on the pre-professional track and minor in dance.
‘Amari has grown into an amazing little lady,’ her parents shared. ‘She’s smart and creative, with a side of sass! She has excelled in school and in dance! More than anything, she has developed her own personal relationship with the Lord… She makes us very proud.’ Their prayer for her next big adventure? ‘We pray that Amari will embrace this experience but remain humble. We pray that she will continue to trust the path that God has created for her. And, we pray that she always knows that we love her unconditionally and will forever be in her corner!’
The Full-Service High School Senior Signature Experience
Whether scouting session locations or navigating muddy lakeside sand after a rainy morning, my goal is always to provide a curated, full-service ‘fine dining’ portrait experience where my seniors feel totally taken care of and free to express themselves.
When asked to sum up her experience, Amari said: ‘The vibe of the session was very chill and overall just fun. You are able to express and be yourself through a lens, which is cool. I love taking pictures with Marcella Colette. She’s an amazing person and always creates a great space for her clients.’
Amari, it was an absolute honor to capture your senior images. At Marcella Colette Photography we aim to represent seniors who are bold, unique, edgy and fun; and seniors like you make that possible! You have given the class of 2027 some massive shoes to fill!
Now, leave it all on the tracks as you prepare for young adulthood at North Carolina A&T State University.
Obsessed with Amari’s session? See the Full Feature
➔ Click here to view more exclusive frames from our 2026 Senior Signature Spotlight.
Ready to Book Your Own Signature Experience?
The books are officially open for the Class of 2027 and availability is limited to ensure every family gets this exact level of boutique, dedicated care. Give your senior an unforgettable portrait experience that celebrates exactly who they are.
➔ Click here to get in touch and let’s start planning your custom Charlotte senior session!
Comments +