Last summer, I crossed a big dream off my photographer bucket list — a water shoot at golden hour. And I couldn’t have done it without my friend Cayla, who was 100% down to help me make it happen (and get some birthday photos out of it, too).

I’d been telling Cayla for a while that I wanted to do a whimsical water session — the kind where the sunset hits just right, the light glows on the water, and everything feels a little bit like a fairytale. She said yes immediately. We called it a win-win: she’d get some bookish birthday portraits and a few cute shots with her fiancé, Roberto, and I’d finally get my dream water shoot.

We started the day at Cox Arboretum, where Cayla posed with a stack of her favorite books and wandered through the gardens like a storybook character — running through flowers, twirling in the breeze, sneaking in sweet moments with her fiancé. It was hot that day (classic Ohio summer), so by the time we wrapped up in the gardens, we were both more than ready to head to our secret water spot.

We timed it just right for golden hour — that magical window when the sun dips low and everything looks warm and dreamy. Cayla changed into a flowy, bohemian dress that fit the vibe perfectly. We did a few shots on dry land first, then she stepped straight into the water for me — no hesitation, totally ready to get soaked and float away if needed. (Honestly, she almost did — the current was no joke that evening!)

Her fiancé, Roberto, doubled as our “security crew” — helping me and Cayla in and out of the water, making sure neither of us drifted away, and carefully watching my camera gear to keep it safe and away from the water.

We came prepared: water shoes on, lots of laughter, and just enough caution to keep us safe while we chased the photos I’d been imagining for so long.

Cayla looked completely ethereal — hair in the water, sunlight dancing on the ripples, soft dress floating around her. It felt like something out of a dream, and the final photos are some of my favorite creative images I’ve made.

This shoot reminded me why I love doing personal projects so much: the freedom to try something new, the chance to experiment without pressure, and the magic that happens when you collaborate with people who trust your vision and are willing to get a little messy (or soaking wet) to make it happen.

I hope I get to do more creative shoots like this soon — for myself, for my friends, for anyone who wants to feel a little bit magical at golden hour.

Here are a few of my favorite frames from that day:

Thinking About a Water Shoot?

If you’ve ever dreamed of doing a whimsical water session like this, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Bring water shoes! Safety first — rocks and riverbeds can be slippery.
2. Plan for golden hour — that dreamy light makes all the difference.
3. Wear something flowy that moves well in water (and that you don’t mind getting soaked).
4. Always have a buddy or extra set of hands — especially if there’s a current. Shoutout to Roberto, our “security guy,” for keeping us safe!
5. Be ready to get a little muddy, a little messy, and fully live in the moment.

Sometimes the best photos happen when you’re willing to get your feet wet — literally.

If you’ve got a creative idea (or a bucket-list shoot of your own), let’s make it happen. I’d love to dream something up with you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey — may we always chase light, find magic in the moment, and create beauty where it flows.