2026 IMPACT Award Winner Regan; Peachtree City & Newnan GA Senior Photographer
Each year, the Live Oaks Photography IMPACT Award honors a high school senior in the Newnan and Peachtree City, Georgia area who reflects strength, character, and kindness in a way that has a positive impact on others.
This year’s winner, Regan, embodies all of it.
Just four days before the start of her freshman year, Regan was involved in a terrible golf cart accident that would shape her high school journey in ways no one could have predicted.
After her senior session, I interviewed Regan and her parents to hear their perspective on the entire experience and to give the many people in our community who nominated and voted for her a glimpse into what that support meant to their family.Their answers offer a beautiful look into Regan’s journey and the ripple effect of a community choosing to celebrate someone who quietly inspires others.
A Journey of Strength and Faith
For those who don't know Regan’s story, the accident changed everything in an instant.
Her dad shared:
“With Regan suffering such severe and traumatizing injuries just 4 days before the start of her freshman year, I had a tremendous amount of anxiety and fear in how she would mentally and emotionally deal, cope and recover from her trauma. However, she amazed me and everyone involved in her recovery with her grace, gratitude and appreciation for those around her and the care she received. I never would imagine a 14 year old girl would approach such a traumatic situation with such an optimistic outlook.”
Regan remembers that season as difficult, but defining:
“Although that time may have been the hardest thing I’ve had to go through, the people I was surrounded by made it almost seem easy… I kept being reminded that God was in control and that gave me a sense of peace that was unexplainable… My faith truly transformed my perspective of life and helped me to see that God was going to use me to inspire others.”
Her strength carried her through recovery, but it also quietly inspired an entire community.
What the IMPACT Award Means
When IMPACT Award nominations began coming in, Regan didn't realize just how far her story had reached.
“I was shocked when I found out I was nominated for this award… I don’t think I really realized the impact I’ve had on people… I didn’t realize how many people my story had reached and touched. Winning is truly an honor…”
Her mom shared:
“I was happy for her to see how others see her… to see her soak in the kind words and to know she's inspired people was what moved me the most.”
And when she found out she had won:
“When the announcement came out she had tears in her eyes. She was overwhelmed and so excited.”
The IMPACT Award is not about popularity.
It's about recognizing character, resilience, and the way someone’s life encourages others.
Many of the nominations for Regan came from people whose lives she touched in ways she never fully realized. Stories like hers are exactly why the IMPACT Award exists, to give our community a way to celebrate the seniors who quietly make a difference every day.
Planning a Personalized Senior Photography Experience
Regan’s senior session, like every Live Oaks Senior session, began long before camera day.
We met for a consultation during the summer to plan locations, outfits, and the overall vision for her senior portraits. Regan’s family chose to upgrade the session to a full Senior Experience so they could have more time, variety, and fun on the session day.
When an additional surgery pushed her timeline back, everything shifted, but we didn't lose momentum.
Her mom said:
“Meredith did not hesitate to provide us with flexibility for Regan to completely heal before the session… In the meantime she checked in on Regan and sent emails on what to do in preparation for the session. By the time session day came we were relaxed and ready to go!”
Regan admits she was nervous going into the experience:
“Personally, I typically don’t like being in front of the camera… I was really nervous. Meeting with Meredith ahead of time helped to put me at ease… She took the time to get to know my story… In doing this, she was able to help me curate a session that captured who I am.”
That is the difference between simply showing up for senior photos and having a guided, full service experience.
At Live Oaks Photography, every senior session begins with a consultation, whether it is a full Senior Experience or a Senior Express session. We walk through the details together so families know exactly what to expect and feel completely prepared.
My goal is to make the process easy, fun, and completely stress free for both seniors and their parents. By the time session day arrives, everyone can simply relax and enjoy the experience.
Waterfall Senior Photos and Golden Field Portraits
Regan’s session day was a photographer’s dream. The weather was perfect, warm with a light breeze and the kind of golden light photographers always hope for. We began at the waterfall at Cochran Mill Park, one of the most beautiful natural locations near Peachtree City for senior portraits.
We climbed on rocks, Regan splashed in the water, and her dad was the total MVP of the moment by holding my light stand steady so it wouldn't go crashing onto the rocks.He also shared the sweetest nickname for her: “Smiley Wiley.” Honestly, it could not be more fitting. Regan has the most beautiful smile and the kind of joy that is completely infectious.
Next we headed to Boots or Barefoot Farm, where the golden fields were glowing around her. Regan’s mom had a gift for saying exactly the right thing to make her laugh. Watching the three of them together that day was such a sweet reminder of how special this season is for families.
Her mom described the day perfectly:
“From the waterfall and playing in the water to the field of gold that glowed around her as she spun and skipped. All of it was like being in a movie.”
One of Regan’s favorite memories from the session?
“My favorite moment during the session was when Meredith told me to splash water at my dad… I thought it was so funny… I was just having fun and wasn’t so focused on the pictures.”
Her dad remembers something different:
“I vividly remember the expression of joy, confidence and beauty on my daughter's fac as Meredith worked with Regan through different poses and action shots. The look on Regan's face was priceless and one I'll never forget.”
The goal during our sessions is not stiff poses. It is creating space for real moments to happen.
Embracing the Scars and Telling the Story
One of the most powerful images from Regan’s senior portraits highlights the very scars she once hoped would quietly fade into the background.
Her mom shared:
“Regan told me that in one particular image Meredith asked her to turn her face so that the side where the scars from the accident are the most prominent was facing the camera… When she saw the image, she was so glad Meredith had suggested it. To me that's the image that most represents her journey.”
After the accident, Regan’s hope was simple:
“After the accident, Regan's hope was that she would look normal by the time she finished high school. While she does not dwell at all on imperfections from scars and surgeries, this experience made her feel like she was beyond normal, but beautiful and glowing. I couldn't have hoped for a better way for her wish to come true.”
In her own words:
“The experience and the pictures that came out of it made me feel beautiful and seen.”
Helping seniors see themselves this way is the heart behind everything I do at Live Oaks Photography.
Moments like this are why senior portraits matter.
The In Home Reveal and Custom Senior Album
Seeing her senior photos for the first time during the in home reveal was emotional for the entire family.
Her mom shared:
“Wow. I did not expect to get so emotional. I was so grateful and overwhelmed. And in complete awe… It’s hard to describe the feeling of seeing the beautiful images and watching my daughter see herself in them.”
Her dad added:
“As a father, I was overcome with emotion… To see Meredith capture the spirit and beauty of my daughter was a very emotional moment for me.”
Together they selected a 10x15 custom senior album with a debossed champagne leather cover.
Regan shared:
“I love that I got to customize my album and make it my own. Everything was focused around what I liked and what felt the most like me. Everything was so personalized and made me feel special. After seeing the pictures on the screen, I could not wait for the album to arrive. When it did, I was absolutely amazed at the results”
Her mom described it this way:
“The album is so beautiful and like nothing I've seen. The placement of the images creates a Wow moment every time you turn the page. It's special because it captures the growth, the strength and the beauty of her journey.”
Digital images are convenient.
But a custom album tells a legacy story.
It preserves not just how this season looked, but how it felt.
More Than Senior Pictures
When asked what made the Live Oaks Photography Senior Experience different, Regan said:
“It wasn’t just a one time meeting with a photographer… It was getting to know each other and making the experience personalized… Meredith made sure to make me feel seen and heard… She made this experience unforgettable and a memory that I’ll always cherish.”
Her mom echoed that:
“It’s not just a photo session… What stood out most was how comfortable Regan was taking pictures… and it led to amazing, artistic photographs that were beyond our expectations.”
And perhaps the most meaningful reflection of all:
“The album will be cherished forever, but the love Regan felt through being nominated and voted for is something that is more valuable than anything.”
Nominations Open Again This Spring
The IMPACT Award was created to celebrate rising seniors in the Newnan, Peachtree City, and surrounding Georgia communities who lead with kindness, strength, and integrity, often without seeking recognition.
If you know a rising senior from the Class of 2027 whose story deserves to be honored, nominations for the next IMPACT Award will open in April. Families, teachers, coaches, and friends are all invited to nominate seniors whose character and kindness deserve to be celebrated.
Because every senior deserves to feel seen.
And some stories are too extraordinary not to be shared.
Together we can make sure they are.
Thank You to Our Community
I want to say one more huge THANK YOU to everyone who nominated and voted in last year’s IMPACT Award.
Regan was the perfect nominee and truly embodies everything this award represents. Your support made this experience possible and showed her just how much of an impact she's had on others.
Working with Regan and her family was an absolute joy. Her laughter, energy, and genuine spirit made the entire session unforgettable.
If you have a high school senior in the Peachtree City or Newnan area and are looking for a senior photographer to capture this special season of life, I would love to help create portraits that truly reflect who they are.
Whether you choose a full Senior Experience or a Senior Express session, we will plan every detail together so the day is fun, relaxed, and completely memorable.
Fill out the contact form below and let's get your consult scheduled! Senior year is busy and will be here before you know it, let's check senior photos off the list and make some memories in the process!
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Hi There!
Thank's so much for reaching out. We have received your inquiry and will respond shortly. In the meantime, please be sure to check out these helpful links that may help answer any questions you have on pricing, process, and sessions.
Senior Experience and Senior Express Session info: https://www.liveoaksphotography.com/lop-senior-experience
Investment/Pricing Info: https://www.liveoaksphotography.com/investment
We look forward to learning about how we can serve you!
Meredith