Senior Portraits with Ellie & WWR Boomboom Bugatti at the NCRHA Futurity & Derby

Some moments in life deserve to be remembered forever, and Ellie’s senior portraits with her mare, WWR Boomboom Bugatti, affectionately known as Bug, ere the perfect way to celebrate one of those moments.

I was already photographing the 2025 NCRHA Futurity & Derby in Madison, WI, when Ellie reached out to see if we could plan her senior portraits at the show. It turned out to be the perfect timing, Ellie and Bug had just achieved something incredible: winning the Rookie Rundown Championship with a score of 218. This wasn’t just another win, this was the culmination of five years of hard work, dedication, and an unshakable dream.

Ellie wrote about this moment:

“For 5 years, the Rookie Rundown has been a goal of mine… I’ve fallen asleep dreaming of what my run-in would feel like, how fast our circles would be, and would wake up with butterflies still in my stomach from the pattern in my head. This dream has never quite become a reality, until now. I am so incredibly blessed to say that Bug and I are the 2025 NCRHA Rookie Rundown Champions. It still feels weird to say this!”

With that win still fresh in their hearts, we set out to capture portraits that reflected the love, trust, and joy between them. The soft evening light wrapped around them beautifully, highlighting Ellie’s teal blouse and Bug’s rich chestnut coat. We started with sweet, quiet moments on the grass, where Bug gently lowered her head into Ellie’s arms. From there, we created classic side-by-side portraits and finished with Ellie lounging bareback on Bug at sunset, a perfect blend of confidence and serenity.

The final touch was a timeless black background portrait of Ellie in her cowboy hat, a nod to her western roots and her time in the reining pen.

Ellie and Bug’s story is one of persistence, partnership, and passion. This senior portrait session wasn’t just about marking the end of high school, it was about honoring a dream that became reality and a horse who made it all possible.

If you’re ready to celebrate your own milestone, whether it’s a graduation, a big win, or simply the bond you share with your horse—I’d love to create portraits that tell your story.

Let’s make it happen, reach out today to book your session.

Studio-style black background portrait of Ellie wearing a tan cowboy hat, teal blouse, and jeans, smiling confidently to celebrate her senior year and love of western riding.

Ellie lays bareback across her chestnut mare WWR Boomboom Bugatti at the NCRHA Futurity & Derby, smiling toward the camera with the warm glow of a summer sunset in the background.