Braaden, Merkel, TX Senior 2025

There are sessions I photograph that leave a lasting impression, and then there are people who leave their mark on your heart long before the camera ever comes out. Braeden is one of those people.

Braeden is the son of my dear friend Jenn, who has been there for me through thick and thin. If you know Jenn, you know loyalty, strength, and fierce love. It is no surprise that Braeden reflects all of that and more. Watching him grow into the young man he is today has been an absolute honor.

From the moment I met Braeden, I could tell there was something truly special about him. He has one of the most compassionate hearts I have ever encountered. He is the kind of person who serves, volunteers, and helps others. He does these things not because they are expected, but because it is simply who he is. He is quiet at first, but once he is comfortable, his loyalty runs deep. The world truly needs more people like Braeden.

And speaking of fitting perfectly into who he is, Braeden is a proud Ravenclaw. As a fellow Harry Potter fan, I have to say that the sorting hat got it exactly right. Wit, wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose all describe him perfectly.

He is not only kind. He is also brilliantly smart. Braeden is one of the top students in his class. He earned excellent scores on both his ACT and TSI exams. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He works at Chick-fil-A and still maintains a 98 GPA. He will graduate from high school with his associate degree already completed. His dedication is incredible.

But what inspires me most is not just his accomplishments. It is the heart behind them. Braeden plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in forensics. His dream is to begin in the field of forensics and eventually become a detective. He has even talked about becoming a foster parent one day. That goal speaks volumes about the depth of his empathy and his love for others.

This is a young man who sees the world not just as it is, but as it could be. He is someone who will make a difference not only through his career but through every life he touches.

Braeden, thank you for letting me capture this season of your life. I cannot wait to see where your journey takes you, and I have no doubt that your story is going to inspire so many people.

To Jenn, you have raised an absolute gem of a human being. I know this is just the beginning of something really beautiful.

Here is to the quiet leaders, the deep thinkers, and the world changers. Here is to Braeden.