Saturday, August 02, 2025 | By: Kelli Gowdy Photography
Ok, we really didn't create music on the farm and the farm wasn't really musical unless you counted the bleats from the goats, oinks from the pigs, or hee-haws from the donkeys, But, we did combine two loves of Lilly's into one session. She loves record stores and vintage vibes, and she absolutely adores animals of all kinds!
Lilly was looking for a truly unique and vintage-inspired senior photo session that was packed with personality, and retro flair. We kicked things off at Nice Price Books & Records in Raleigh, NC, a well-loved local spot that instantly transports you back in time. This used record and book store is filled with character and the perfect retro vibe Lilly was looking for. Plus, they were gracious enough to allow us to use their establishment as a backdrop to her session.
The scuffed hardwood floors, bins of classic vinyl, and worn shelves of CDs paperbacks set the perfect tone for her senior session. The space is warm and a little gritty in the best way, offering an unforgettable backdrop for a high school senior who wanted her portraits to reflect her love of vinyl, vintage vibes, and artistic flair. As a senior portrait photographer based our of High Point, NC, I’m always looking for creative locations that speak to my clients' personalities, and this session couldn’t have been a better match, even if it was in Raleigh, NC.
After capturing the retro magic at the record store, we headed to Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill, NC for a second location that felt like a whole different world. The summer air was thick and muggy, with thunderstorms brewing in the distance and just enough cloud cover to give the light a soft, golden glow. We arrived a couple of hours before closing time, making the timing perfect for the last half of Lilly's session. The farm was nearly empty, creating a peaceful, intimate setting that gave my senior the ultimate VIP experience. As we explored the farm we came to a secret garden of sunflowers. While we hadn't planned this for Lilly's session, it was the perfect addition and surprise creating even more variety in her folio of images!
We wandered through the farm meeting all the animals including baby goats that were equal parts curious and cuddly, a trio of friendly donkeys, soft baby bunnies, some curious but skeptical alpacas, and yes, even an emu who clearly wanted a cameo in her senior photos. The combination of natural textures, earthy tones, and genuine joy created a dreamy setting for this portion of the session.
I may or may not have enjoyed this even more than Lilly with all the friendly animals and up close experience we got at Spring Haven Farm.
For any high school senior looking for farm senior photos in North Carolina or wanting something a little unexpected, Spring Haven Farm delivered the perfect mix of playful and personal.
From flipping through vintage vinyls in a cozy Raleigh record store to snuggling baby goats under stormy Carolina skies, this session was the perfect example of how senior portraits can be as unique and unforgettable as the senior herself. Whether you're drawn to retro vibes, rustic charm, or something totally your own, your session should reflect your personality, your style, and your story. As a High Point senior portrait photographer that also serves Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and the greater Triad area, I specialize in creating custom senior experiences filled with heart, creativity, and connection.
If you're ready to plan your own unforgettable high school senior photo session in North Carolina, head over to my website to learn more about the experience, and reach out to book your consultation. Let’s create something that feels just like you.
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