A New Beginning: Maddie Lee Becomes the First Portrait in the New JBS Creative Studio

There are moments in your career you never forget — and today was one of them.
This afternoon, I photographed the very first portrait session inside the brand-new JBS Creative Studio, and I couldn’t imagine a better person to help launch this space than Maddie Lee.

Maddie is a 2026 senior at Leander High School, a standout athlete, and someone I’ve had the privilege of coaching for years within the Blaze program. Watching her grow — both on the field and as a young woman — has been one of the highlights of my coaching career. So having her be the first portrait session in the new studio felt meaningful, full-circle, and simply right.

For her session, we built the look around two of Maddie’s favorite things:
• Her favorite color — purple
• Her favorite flower — tulips

The combination created a soft, elegant, expressive palette that brought the studio to life in a way I’ll always remember. The quiet moments. The laughter. The lighting tests that turned into art. It all made this first session one I’ll always be grateful for.

Opening this studio is more than expanding my photography — it’s about creating a space where stories, personalities, families, and athletes can shine.
Working with Maddie on Day One set the perfect tone for what this space is designed to be: creative, personal, intentional, and full of heart.

More portraits, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments are coming soon.
But for now, here are a few highlights from the first ever session inside JBS Creative Studio.

— JB Slimp