Sam {Yarmouth High School Class of 2026} | Maine Senior Photographer

Over the past several months, I’ve had the extreme pleasure of photographing many more seniors than usual – and some of them just hit a little different. You may remember Cassie and Sebastian – two of the seniors in my very close-knit neighborhood. Today, I get to share neighborhood senior number three – Sam. Yup. Those tears. Here they come again. I love our neighborhood so.dang.much, and these kids, Sam included, are almost like second children. So, hold on because here we go with another sappy one.

I can’t imagine it was totally easy being the only guys in a sea of girl neighbors, but Sam and Sebastian embraced it. When the kids were little, Sam was the competitive one (I’ll never forget his efforts as he tackled the pinata at our first birthday party after we moved in. 😂). He also embraced the role of the big brother jokester – always working hard to make everyone smile. He was a bundle of energy in the best way, and always so adorable with his sweet smile and big laugh. For awhile in the middle, Sam kind of did his own thing with his friends and we saw him only ocassionally. But over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know a more grown up Sam – and this Sam – boy, oh boy, this Sam is one special kid. If you came to Yarmouth High School’s production of Hadestown, Teen Edition, Sam most likely stole your heart as he played Orpheus – guitar in hand, with his sweet voice and boyish charm. Or if you’ve ever been in the lobby after a Playmakers performance, I have no doubt you’ve observed Sam hugging everyone around him, tears openly flowing. When I asked Sam to share some things about himself, he shared that he “loves helping people and doing the right thing.” He even interviewed his friends who shared common themes of kindness, helpfulness, and a caring heart. He is active in theater, sports (an avid runner), and co-founded an organization called Dishes on Demand, which loans dishes to organizations for team dinners and such to reduce the waste of paper plates and plastic utensils. He is a young man not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, feel all the feelings, and share his big love, heart, and kindness with the people around him. I am blown away by the incredible human Sam is, leaving his mark on Yarmouth as someone who is out to make a difference in his community and those in his life. I know he has certainly made a difference in mine. ❤️

For his senior photos, Sam was determined to take his photos in the fall, as the colors of the leaves were peaking. He chose the Audubon as his location, which is always magical in mid-October and we nailed the timing, our sunny golden afternoon being such a gift for this awesome human. I suggested he bring his guitar along, and I’m so so happy he did. Sam is most at ease with his guitar in hand (and sounds a little like Noah Kahan as he sings and plays, if you ask me!). His super fun family joined for some photos at the beginning, and then Sam and I explored the grounds as the sun set over the fields.

Sam – you are truly one of a kind, in the best way. I will miss your smile and infectious energy next year. You are such a gift, and I know you are going to move mountains wherever you land. I’m so proud of you, and so honored you asked me to take your senior photos. Keep those music dreams alive – I totally believe in you. 🎶 ❤️