Magical backlight at Santa Fe's epic canyon

Spring senior portrait season in Santa Fe is in full swing, and many of my recent sessions have celebrated the Class of 2026. Today’s featured session highlights Helen, a soon-to-be graduate of Santa Fe High School, who will attend College of William & Mary this fall.

Set against the dramatic landscape of Diablo Canyon, this Santa Fe senior portrait session unfolded during golden hour as the sun dropped between the canyon walls, creating an ethereal glow, striking sun stars, and unique lens flares. We explored the wide arroyo and the rugged basalt rock formations that make Diablo Canyon one of the most unique locations for senior photos in northern New Mexico.

Sessions like this are why I love being a senior photographer in Santa Fe — the combination of adventurous landscapes, golden light, and personal storytelling makes every New Mexico senior portrait session feel completely unique.

Young woman with auburn hair in white dress poses outdoors at golden hour sunset.
Young woman in floral maxi skirt and white top poses in golden desert landscape with cacti and canyon walls.
Young woman in white top and floral skirt standing in desert canyon at golden hour.
Young woman in white top and floral skirt smiling at golden hour near desert rock formations.
Young woman in white top and red patterned skirt poses with chin resting on hand during golden hour outdoor portrait.
Young woman in boho white tank top and red skirt touches her hair during a warm sunset portrait session.
Young woman in white sleeveless top and red patterned skirt stands among desert shrubs in golden sunset light.
Young woman in bohemian skirt sitting in desert landscape with golden sunset behind rocky mountains.
Young woman in white lace dress poses at golden hour with sun flare in rocky desert canyon landscape.
Woman in white lace dress and cowboy boots stands in desert canyon at sunset.
Smiling young woman in white lace mini dress posing in desert canyon at sunset.
Portrait of young woman with auburn hair wearing white ruffled dress and gold necklace at sunset.
Woman in white dress and cowboy boots poses gracefully in a stunning red rock canyon at golden hour.
Dramatic black and white portrait of young woman in white dress with sun flare behind red rock canyon formations.
Young woman in white dress and boots walking through scenic desert canyon at sunset.