destinyridleyphotography

04/07/2026

03/09/2026

this is probably the shortest session i’ve ever had. not only did we all have places we had to be at within the the same hour these were shot, but the autumn wind was adamantly reminding us that winter was right around the corner.
Carliese & Kaison attend college in two different states, and were visiting Alaska for only a matter of days. It was such an honor that they wanted to take just a few moments for themselves before distance became a heavy reality in their love story.

02/17/2026

it’s currently 13° outside and all I can think about are summer sunset sessions just like this one. melody brought her mama, her bible & we picked some Alaskan wildflowers at golden hour. Melodys mom wrote the sweetest letter that she read during the session. the letter was filled with how proud she is of the woman that melody has become, and the hopes she has for the woman she will continue to grow to be. it’s such a joy to be able to take a step back and let moments like that organically unfold. no prompting, no leading. just a mom and her first born fully in the moment & present for one another. it’s a privilege to witness and capture vulnerability in such a special season. it’s the sort of thing that makes things a bit blurry while i try to look through my viewfinder and makes me love this job all the more!!! 🥹🤧

12/08/2025

Winter Formal may have been canceled… we still went out and romanticized life

09/11/2025

Days before rex was about to leave for college in another state, we managed to sneak in a session for this beautiful couple!!
Makayla & I toiled over location spots. Nothing felt right. We were so indecisive. And now we know why!! Once we got word of this property… complete with horse stables, big open fields next to the mountains, and endless trails for us to explore… our hearts LEAPED. Makayla and I couldn’t contain our excitement!!! This whole session felt like a fever dream. We received above and beyond what we could even think to ask!!
I’ve known M for a while. I was as blessed to take her senior pictures. Of which was a big pivoting point for my creative side. So in many ways, M has such a special place in my heart. Being able to meet Rex, and witnessing the way they love one another, was a sweetness you can’t put into words. The way they look at eachother when no one else is looking, the way love leads every interaction… these two share a love that you pray finds you!
This session was a pure miracle!!! My souls rejoices anytime I think of these two and this evening we spent together 🫶🏽

08/14/2025

This session is one I would love to re-live over & over again! From the location, to the weather, and spending time getting to know Makayla and her mom Valencia… this evening was oh so special!!!

08/08/2025

there’s just something about senior sessions near golden hour. so nostalgic. practically poetic.
Getting to have time with these girls for Gabi’s senior pics, was incredibly special!!!

08/24/2024

Could this family get anymore beautiful?? 🥹
You know you’re shooting for a fellow photographer, when poses come naturally and the kids effortlessly do all the photogenic things!
Everything about this session was amazing. From the location, to the family, and their perfectly curated outfits!!! But my absolute favorite aspect was seeing how Christina’s amazing heart, her resilience and her sense of humor was so evident in each of her kids!!
I’m so excited for you and this new bundle of joy you’ll be welcoming into this world Christina! This little one is already sooo loved and has the best parents and siblings anyone could ever ask for!!! 🫶🏽

08/14/2024

| Class of 2025 |
This sunset senior session was dreamy!!!!!
Makayla was such a trooper, traversing downhill and in mud, all while heels!!
The morning of this shoot, we were touching base and confirming all the details. With all the rain we had received in the last few days and how it was overcast the morning of, I honestly didn’t have much hope we’d have the sunset vibes we were hoping for. But God had other plans and the sunset was everything we longed for and more!!!
Congratulations on your senior year sweet girl! I pray this year is as fun & genuine as you are!!! I can’t wait to see what your future holds! 🩵✨

07/30/2024

This session with the beautiful aunika was perfect timing in so many ways!!! I’m so glad she was willing to endure the wind & the rain alongside me, because it allowed room for us to be creative together & honestly just have the best time. Words can’t express how thankful I am for this sweet soul! Having someone who shares the same photography passion & heart for Jesus, is such an answered prayer!!!!

07/27/2024

Time spent with Mishell was such a major blessing!!! Driving to and from our locations, I got to hear bits & pieces of her testimony and some of the profound ways God carried her through seasons of her life. Her life is such a testament to how faithful God is and how His timing is always so perfect!!!!
Not only is she absolutely beautiful, but her smile is one of my favorites ever, because it’s evidence of the genuine joy she has because of her Heavenly Father!!

07/11/2024

Working with these two beauties, is always such a dream!!! They’re absolutely hilarious and it’s so fun how we bounce ideas off each other. Words can’t express how thankful I am for these girls!!!