Celebrating Jacob Sheldon's Senior Year: Senior Photos at the Historic House of Refuge

Updated: Aug 26

Photographing Jacob Sheldon, a soon-to-be graduate of Clark Advanced Learning Center’s Class of 2025, for his senior photos at the historic House of Refuge in Stuart, Florida, was a true pleasure. This session was particularly special because of Jacob’s deep connection to the location. Not only is it a breathtaking spot along the coast, but it’s also where he’ll be interning during his senior year—a perfect fit for someone passionate about maritime history!

Jacob Sheldon standing on the beach at sunset with the historic House of Refuge in the background, capturing a vibrant and picturesque scene.

A Session Inspired by History

Jacob plans to study history at Florida Gulf Coast University after high school, with hopes of working in a museum near the water. The House of Refuge—a place rich in history and surrounded by the ocean—couldn't have been a more fitting backdrop for his senior portraits. His love for maritime history and the ocean blended seamlessly with the natural beauty of the location, creating the perfect setting to capture this exciting milestone in his life.

Jacob Sheldon leaning against a white cement brick wall, with a close-up view highlighting the textured surface and the cement between the bricks.

A Laid-Back, Authentic Style

Jacob brought his unique style to the session, wearing denim jeans, a classic white t-shirt, and a pink and white open button-down collar shirt. The outfit was a perfect balance of casual and cool, with a splash of personality. He also added flair with round blue polarized sunglasses in a few of the shots. We made sure to capture his easygoing style and confidence throughout the session, making the most of the beautiful scenery around us.

Capturing His Passion and Personality

Jacob’s hobbies include 3D printing, hanging out with friends, playing games, and watching movies. His friends describe him as fun and outgoing, which definitely came through during our shoot. Jacob’s love for music, especially rock bands like Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, and Metallica, is a significant part of his identity and what makes him unique. We spent the afternoon chatting about his excitement for gaining more freedom after graduation and what life might be like as he steps into this new chapter. His energy and enthusiasm made the session fly by!

One of the highlights of the session was the breathtaking sunset that painted the sky in vibrant hues of orange and pink. As we moved from the rustic architecture of the House of Refuge to the stunning beach nearby, Jacob’s love for history and the ocean truly came alive in the photos. His excitement for the future is palpable—whether it’s wrapping up his senior year, heading off to college, or envisioning a career working in a museum near the water. Jacob knows how to live life to the fullest, embracing the advice he's been given: "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up the session, I couldn’t help but admire how grounded and thoughtful Jacob is about his future. In five years, he hopes to finish college, and in ten, he dreams of life by the water, working in a museum, and staying connected to the history he loves. His passion, combined with his easygoing and fun-loving nature, makes me certain that Jacob has a bright future ahead of him.

It was such a joy to capture this moment in Jacob’s life, and I can't wait to see all the incredible things he'll accomplish. Congratulations, Jacob, and best of luck as you take on your senior year and beyond!