Charlotte Senior Off To Cadet Basic Training This Month

From Providence High School to West Point

Miller has an exciting few weeks ahead of her! This Charlotte senior graduates from Providence High School tomorrow and starts Cadet Basic Training on June 26 at the United States Military Academy West Point! Yes, you read that correctly. She’s attending West Point! Miller applied because she wants to serve our country and honor her father’s legacy. Dad Howie graduated from West Point in 1990. I’m so in awe of this. Miller has always been such an amazing leader and trusted friend. She has a quiet confidence and strength that will no doubt serve our country well. I hope the rest of West Point’s freshman class is just like her.

Miller and her family are long-time friends and clients. We first met when my family moved to Charlotte in 2006. Since that time Miller has grown into an amazing young woman. I’ve had the opportunity to photograph her many times over the years and every single time, she shines brighter and brighter. Take a look for yourself. Here are a few of my favorites from Miller’s Senior+Family Portrait Session.

Charlotte senior portrait at Marvin Efird Park
Senior portraits in the natural fields of Marvin Efird Park
Senior portraits plus family pictures with pets
Candid of siblings laughing in a natural wheat field, backlit
black and white candid of siblings laughing at each other
Senior picture and sibling portrait
Family portrait at Marvin Efird Park, south of Charlotte NC
Candid image of mom and dad laughing at graduating high school senior
Senior portrait of a girl with her dog
Senior portrait with girl framed by barn doors and yellow twinkling lights
Charlotte senior portraits at a barn
Charlotte senior pictures - girl sitting against barn door with twinkling lights above

Graduation Cap & Gown Portraits

Cap and gown portraits are always some of my favorites. These are no exception. As you can see, we had a gorgeous night, so Miller and I took full advantage of tossing her cap right into the sun flare from the setting sun. We also achieved prime placement of her 2023 charm. Don’t laugh. It’s surprisingly hard to capture because those numbers are always spinning. I love the candids here too and of course, Mom Karen hugging Miller gets me every time. You are welcome Karen 😉

Professional portrait of a high school senior throwing her cap into the sunflare
Senior portraits in graduation cap and gown
Senior portrait in graduation cap and gown
High school senior in Charlotte, NC photographed wearing graduation gown
Senior pictures in cap and gown at Marvin Efird Park
black and white portrait of mom hugging daughter who is wearing graduation cap and gown

Swimmer, Leader and Ordained Elder

For as long as I’ve know Miller, she’s been a swimmer. I seriously think she was swimming before walking and she hasn’t stopped since. She swam all four years at Providence High School (PHS) and spent six years on the ATOM club team. She turned her love of the water into a job and has worked as a lifeguard for the last three years at Aqua Tech. She has also been very involved PHS’s Student Government and served on the school’s Executive Board this past year. Appointment to this board is a huge honor as is being ordained as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA. Miller and her family attend Matthews Presbyterian and she has served for several years on the church’s Mission Committee.

Favorite Senior Memory and Looking Ahead to West Point

Senior portrait of graduate wearing collegiate West Pointe shirt

At West Point, Miller will not declare a major until her junior year. But I can already declare that she will be a major success! She plans to hang out with friends and swim for the Beverly Crest Swim Team until she leaves for basic training on June 26. Miller has collected many great memories during her high school years, but her favorite one is brand new: a trip to Holden Beach a few weeks ago with all of her senior friends. I’m so excited that tomorrow they get to walk across the graduation stage and make more great memories.

Miller – Walk tall tomorrow and go kick butt in basic training. You’ve earned it! I am so proud of you and so in awe of all that you have accomplished. I know the best is yet to come. Thank you for serving!

Click here to see more senior sessions from the blog.

Charlotte NC Professional Photographer Abbe McCracken

meet Abbe

Welcome to my blog! I’m a child and family photographer based in Charlotte NC.

 

Parents always ask, “what if my kid doesn’t listen?” My answer: that’s actually perfect. Don’t tell your children I said so, but personalities shine when listening ears fail. I welcome the silly. I want the giggles. I watch for honest smiles, real connections and stolen family moments.

 

This applies to your big kids and high school seniors too. Wink, Wink.

follow my own fam

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

abbemccrackenphotography@gmail.com

404-550-0812