WHAT WOULD DOLLY DO? Capturing a Western-Inspired Photoshoot, with a Touch of Dolly

Season 5 of the Teen Team ended in the most meaningful way possible — with a shoot inspired by one of the most iconic and powerful women of all time, Dolly Parton.

This year, our mission as a team centered around discovering what it truly means to be a powerful woman. Not powerful because of popularity, appearance, or perfection — but powerful because of kindness, confidence, courage, authenticity, resilience, and the ability to lift others up. Throughout the year, these girls learned not only who powerful women are, but how to become one themselves.

Our final teen team shoot, titled What Would Dolly Do?, brought that mission to life in the most beautiful way.

The shoot took place in an old western town that felt like stepping back into Dolly’s childhood. The location included a tiny two-room cabin similar to the one where Dolly grew up with her parents and 11 siblings. Standing inside that little cabin was a reminder that greatness does not come from perfect circumstances. Sometimes the most powerful women come from humble beginnings, hard seasons, and impossible odds.

I always want our shoots to tell stories. I want them to create memories. Most importantly, I want these girls to walk away feeling seen, valued, empowered, and confident in who they are.

Each girl came dressed in her own version of western-inspired fashion — fringe, denim, boots, rhinestones, hats, flowy dresses, and country glam. Every outfit reflected their individuality, which was exactly the point. Powerful women are not all the same. They are unique, confident, and unafraid to become who they were created to be.

But the most meaningful part of the shoot was the signs.

Each girl chose a Dolly Parton quote that resonated deeply with her personality, her struggles, her growth, or her outlook on life. These weren’t just props for a western-themed photoshoot. They were reflections of who these girls are becoming during some of the hardest and most formative years of their lives.

Mia carried the words, “Be bold, be confident, be you.”

High school can make girls feel pressured to fit in, shrink themselves, or become who others expect them to be. Mia’s quote was a reminder that confidence begins when you stop apologizing for who you are. Mia lives this quote beautifully. She has a quiet confidence about her and never tries to be anyone other than herself. She reminds others that authenticity will always stand out.

Teagan, Emma W., and Taylor chose the quote,

“It’s hard to be a diamond in a rhinestone world.”

That quote could not describe teenage life more perfectly. High school often feels filled with comparison, pressure, trends, filters, popularity contests, and unrealistic expectations. Staying genuine in a world focused on appearances is not easy. These girls chose authenticity over imitation — and that is what makes them each diamonds. Each of them shines in her own way and never loses herself trying to fit the mold of what the world says she should be. They prove that being real will always matter more than simply fitting in.

Summer and Chloe held signs that read, “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”

Being a teenager means constantly facing fear — fear of rejection, failure, judgment, or not being enough. But bravery changes everything. Growth happens when girls learn to try anyway. Summer and Chloe embody this perfectly. Whether stepping outside their comfort zones during shoots, trying new things, or simply showing up fully as themselves, these girls continue to prove how much strength there is in bravery.

Addy’s quote said, “If you don’t like the road you’re walking, pave another one.”

What a powerful message for young women navigating friendships, expectations, and future dreams. Sometimes the strongest thing a girl can do is choose a different path than everyone else. Addy has always had a strength about her that allows her to think independently and stay true to herself. She’s the perfect example of someone unafraid to create her own path instead of following the crowd.

Ellie’s sign read, “If I can hold God’s attention, I can hold the world’s.”

In a generation constantly seeking validation online, this quote was such a beautiful reminder that worth is not measured by likes, followers, or popularity. Ellie radiates the kind of confidence that comes from knowing who she is deep down. She carries herself with grace and faith, and this quote reflected her heart perfectly.

Emma Smith chose, “Storms make trees take deeper roots.”

Teenagers today carry so much pressure, anxiety, heartbreak, and uncertainty. But difficult seasons often shape the strongest people. Growth doesn’t always happen during easy moments. Emma is resilient in the most beautiful way. She continues to grow through every challenge life throws at her, becoming stronger, wiser, and more grounded with every storm she faces.

Haleigh’s sign said, “Stay true to yourself and you’ll never go wrong.”

Simple. Powerful. Timeless. In a world constantly telling girls who they should be, staying true to yourself is one of the bravest things you can do. Haleigh has a genuine spirit that makes people feel comfortable around her. She never pretends to be something she’s not, and that authenticity is what makes her so special.

Kristen chose, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”

That quote perfectly captures what this Teen Team has always been about — helping girls discover who they are while building confidence, kindness, leadership, and self-worth. Kristen could not have chosen a more perfect quote for herself. This girl is genuine, confident, and never afraid to take up space. She knows exactly who she is, and she walks in that confidence unapologetically.

And Riley carried two quotes that reflected her heart perfectly: “If you see someone without a smile, give them yours.” and “I think everyone should be allowed to be who they are.”

Those words represent the exact mission of our Teen Team — kindness, inclusivity, compassion, and creating a place where girls feel accepted exactly as they are. Riley has always been someone who makes others feel included and valued. Her kindness is effortless, and she naturally brings light into every room she walks into.

As a photographer, I capture smiles, outfits, sunsets, and beautiful locations. But as the leader of this Teen Team, I’ve had the privilege of capturing something even more important — growth. I’ve watched girls become more confident. I’ve watched friendships form between schools and communities. I’ve watched girls encourage one another, step outside their comfort zones, and begin to understand that beauty is so much deeper than appearance.

This season wasn’t just about photography. It was about empowering teenage girls to become strong women. And honestly, there may not have been a better role model to inspire this final session than Dolly Parton herself — a woman who proved you can be kind and strong, glamorous and genuine, successful and humble all at the same time.

As these girls move forward through high school, I hope they remember the words they carried during this shoot. On hard days, lonely days, insecure days, stressful days, and uncertain days, I hope they remember to be brave enough to try, bold enough to stand out, and confident enough to remain true to themselves.

And one last Dolly quote from me to you .......

Photographer and Teen Team Leader: Davinda Baldasare

Teen Team Assistant Season 4 & 5: Lily McCarthy

Thank you to Jeff and Donna Grossenbacher for inviting us to their western town to shoot our final Teen Team Photoshoot for Season 5.