Danner Van Hise: Charleston High School Class of 2026

Kathleen Kidwell-Edwards
4 days ago
2 min read

Young person in glasses sitting on a piano bench, wearing a green shirt and beige vest. They smile in a warmly lit room with wooden floors. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

The best thing about photographing senior portraits is that every single student is unique. Part of our process is having the student fill out a questionnaire before we plan the session. Even though we already knew Danner through scholastic bowl, the questions he answered helped us know what was important to him going into his senior photo session.

Person stands with arms raised on a wooden stage, under a dramatic wood panel ceiling. Dark curtains backdrop, an empty room ambiance. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Choosing the Perfect Locations

Doudna Fine Arts Center

Theater has been an important part of Danner's life, and we really wanted to document that. Thankfully the Doudna Fine Arts Center at Eastern Illinois University was gracious enough to lend us their space to make that happen.

Person playing a grand piano in a wood-paneled room. They wear a green shirt, gray vest, and brown shoes, focused on the keys. Warm lighting. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

A person in glasses, green shirt, and beige vest sits smiling on wooden stairs indoors, near a white wall and wooden stage. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center

Young person smiling, wearing glasses, green shirt, and gray vest. Reclining with feet up on empty theater seats. Warm lighting, relaxed mood. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Fox Ridge State Park

Fox Ridge State Park, specifically the trail to Eagle's Nest, was the other location for Danner's session. In all the years of living in Charleston, neither my mom (my amazing assistant for the day) and I had never been there. Seriously though, it was awesome! The views were incredible and we tried to capture those in Danner's photos.

Smiling person in glasses sits on a log amidst autumn leaves in a forest, wearing a beige sweater and blue jeans. Tranquil, natural setting. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Person in a beige sweater leans on a wooden railing, overlooking a scenic view of leafless trees and a river. Bright, serene atmosphere. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

A person in a beige sweater and jeans smiles while leaning against a tree in a sunlit forest, surrounded by fallen autumn leaves. Charleston High School senior photo Doudna Fine Arts Center.

Fun Memories About This Session

Danner's session actually had to be split over two days because the first day, it started snowing! And not "pretty, we can take photos in this" type of snow, but windy, gross, angry snow.

Danner is hilarious. I know that sounds silly to say, but I had only ever known him as quiet and very smart. But once he started telling us stuff, I think I laughed all day.

I had never walked up to Eagle's Nest before, and I am absolutely terrified of heights. If you're reading this and feel the same way, just go do it. You won't be sorry-the view is incredible.

Why Senior Photos Matter

Senior photos are more than just pictures. They capture something bigger than a moment in time-they capture the transition from youth to adulthood. For Danner, we hope these photos will serve as a reminder of his high school journey, his hometown, and the people and places that shaped him.