Alayna Garza | Eureka High School Senior Class of 2026
One of my favorite parts of being a Bloomington, IL Senior Photographer is how every session looks so different. Why? Because each senior brings their own story, their own interests, and their own personality to their senior portraits. That’s exactly what made Eureka High School senior Alayna Garza’s session so special!!
Alayna is a 2026 graduate from Eureka High School, and she wanted her senior portraits to reflect the things that matter most to her: her faith, her accomplishments, and her love for the outdoors. From the very first conversation, I knew this session was going to be full of heart. 💛
Faith First
Alayna’s faith is a big part of her life, so it was important to her to include her Bible in her senior photos. Those images are some of my favorites… quiet, thoughtful, and meaningful. They don’t just show who she is today, but also the foundation she’s building her future on!!
Celebrating Big Achievements
During her junior year track season, Alayna and her 4x400 relay team went to state—and won first place! She brought along her ribbons from over the years of competing and the trophy, and those photos were such a fun way to capture her hard work and determination! Years from now, she’ll be able to look back at those images and remember not only the medal, but the countless hours of practice and the friendships built along the way.
For seniors who are athletes, musicians, or leaders in clubs and organizations, I always encourage bringing items that represent those achievements. When you’re booking senior photos, these little details are what make your images uniquely you!
Casual + Comfortable
Of course, we also made time for some relaxed and playful photos that show off Alayna’s personality. She started her senior photoshoot into a simple black tank and jeans, walked along the tall grass, and even splashed in the little river that runs through their property. Those images feel so true to her… free-spirited, joyful, and 100% herself.
Why Location Matters in Senior Photos
Alayna’s session is such a good reminder that choosing locations that feel familiar and comfortable makes a huge difference. Instead of trying to fit into a stiff or unfamiliar setting, she got to take her photos in places that matter to her—her own property, the river she knows so well, and spots that made her feel at ease!
When a senior feels comfortable, their personality shines through naturally!! They laugh more, relax into the moment, and end up with photos that look and feel like them. That’s the whole point of senior photography—it’s not just about looking nice for the camera, it’s about capturing who you are in this season of life!!
This is exactly why I guide every senior I work with—whether it’s in Bloomington, Eureka, or anywhere in Central Illinois—to pick locations that match their personality and story.
Alayna, Class of 2026
Alayna, you were such a joy to photograph! I’ve loved watching you grow up over the years… and I had to dig into my vault of images to find family photos from way back in 2014! From your faith to your accomplishments to your playful spirit, your session tells such a beautiful story of who you are right now. I can’t wait to see all the places life takes you next!
