Riley Farnstorm | '25 EMDP Ambassador | Hebron, NE

Meet Riley – 2025 EMDukat Photography Ambassador

Hebron, Nebraska | Senior Class of 2026 at Thayer Central | Actively pursuing her dreams

Some seniors are involved.

And then there are seniors like Riley.

Riley is a Class of 2026 senior at Thayer Central in Hebron, Nebraska, and one of my 2025 EMDP ambassadors. When I say she is involved, I mean she is deeply rooted in her school, her community, and her way of life in Thayer County.

She’s not just busy. She’s committed.

A member of 4-H and a volunteer on the Thayer County 4-H Council. Vice President of her FFA chapter. Active in NBHA, BBR, and Nebraska 4D. A member of National Honor Society and SkillsUSA. Involved in Grace Lutheran Church Youth Group. A charter member of the Hebron Youth Action Committee through the Hebron Community Foundation.

And that’s just the leadership side.

She’s a varsity speech team member and two-year district medalist. A competitive dance team member at the state and national level. A One Act production participant.

And in the arena?

She’s a State Champion in pole bending and barrel racing through 4-H State Rodeo. She’s competed at NBHA State Finals and runs multiple barrel jackpots throughout the year.

All of this, before she even started her Senior year of high school at Thayer Central High School!

This is a young woman who knows how to work hard. She grew up working alongside her parents on their family farm. She understands responsibility. She understands commitment. And she understands that nothing worth having comes without effort.

A Sunrise Session Worth the Wait

Originally, Riley’s ambassador session was scheduled for an evening. But Nebraska weather had other plans. Wind. Rain. Then heat that was hotter than snot. Instead of forcing it, we pivoted. We moved her session to sunrise.

And it was the best decision we could have made.

The early morning light wrapped around Riley and her horse, Watawin, in a way that simply cannot be replicated in the middle of the day. The air was calm. The fields were quiet. And the images that came from that morning are nothing short of stunning.

There is something about sunrise sessions that feel intentional. Earned. Like you showed up before the world did.

And Riley did exactly that.

Class of 2026 & authentically herself

Riley represents everything I love about photographing seniors in rural Nebraska.

Leadership. Agriculture. Faith. Family. Determination. A deep love for horses.

Her ambassador session was beautiful, yes.

But more importantly, it was honest to who she is.

And that’s always the goal.

If you’re a Class of 2026 senior in Hebron, Thayer County, or anywhere across rural Nebraska, Iowa & Kansas who values more than just “senior pictures” & who wants images that reflect your life, your hard work, and your story, let’s start planning.

Because these years move fast.

And they deserve to be remembered well.

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Would you love a session that reflects your story, style, and strength—just like Riley's? Whether you're in the arena, the pasture, or somewhere in between, I’d love to create portraits that feel like you. Let’s talk about what a custom session might look like.

Learn more about PORTRAIT session >>

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