Prom night is one of those milestone moments—and Natalie and Blake kicked things off with a photo session that felt totally them.

We met at JC Raulston Arboretum, one of my favorite portrait spots in Raleigh. The gardens were lush and green, with quiet corners and open spaces that gave us the perfect setting to relax and explore. Natalie, a dancer, twirled through the grass in a flowing red dress with a bouquet of red roses, while Blake looked sharp in a black tux with matching red accents.

What made the session even more special? They brought some of their family along, and we included them in a few photos. Those moments—candid, connected, full of laughter—added a whole new layer of warmth to the shoot.

From the grassy fields to the Japanese garden and fountain area, every spot gave us something unique, and every photo tells a bit of their story.

A couple in formal attire poses for prom photos, with her in a red gown and him in a black tuxedo by a large tree.
Couple in formal attire dancing on outdoor deck with woman in red gown and man in black suit.
Elegant red mermaid gown with a dramatic train photographed on a wooden deck in a lush garden setting.
Couple posing in garden for prom photos with woman in red mermaid dress and man in black tuxedo.
A formal group photo outdoors with people dressed in formal attire including a red gown and black tuxedo.
A tender moment on a wooden deck as two people share a sweet interaction in front of lush greenery.
Two people sharing a fun moment outdoors, one wearing a white and navy outfit and another in a flowing red gown.
A couple in formal prom attire pose on a garden path with lush greenery, wearing a black suit and red gown.
Close up of a formal black suit lapel with red roses, baby's breath flowers and a red bow tie.
A person in a sparkly red formal dress holds a flower bouquet while posing on outdoor stone steps.
Formal portrait of someone in a black tuxedo with red bow tie and vest against a stone wall and garden backdrop.
Four people pose together in formal and casual attire in front of a decorative stone water feature.
Three people pose together in front of a decorative stone waterfall wall with cascading greenery.
A person in a stunning red mermaid gown poses elegantly by a stone waterfall feature.
Sparkling red formal dress with ruffled back detail and delicate beading in an outdoor garden setting.
A formal couple poses in front of a stone wall with greenery, wearing red gown and black tuxedo for prom or formal event.
Formal group in elegant attire posed on stone bench outdoors with large tree trunk and greenery in background.
Three people stand together on a wooden deck surrounded by green trees on a sunny day.
Two people in contrasting dresses stand on a wooden deck surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
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Ready for your photos?


At Russell Captures Photography, I focus on sessions that are personal and relaxed. Whether it’s prom, senior portraits, or graduation photos, my goal is to reflect you—your vibe, your story, and the people who matter most.

Class of 2026—if you’re thinking about senior photos, now’s the time to start planning for summer or fall sessions. Let’s make something memorable.

📸 Ready to book? Visit russellcaptures.com to get started.