The Senior Experience: More Than Just Pictures

Senior year is a big deal. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, friendships, experiences and growth—and senior photos should feel like more than simply showing up, smiling at the camera.

My Senior Experience is designed to be personal. We’ll plan the session together, choose a location and wardrobe that feel like you, and create images that capture who you are at this particular moment in time.

And if being in front of a camera makes you a little nervous? That’s completely normal. Making you feel comfortable is my job.

It Starts With Getting to Know You

I want to learn a little about you. What do you love? What are you involved in? How would your friends describe you? Do you envision senior photos in a natural setting or somewhere more urban? Is there a location that has personal meaning?

During our pre-session planning, we'll talk through your ideas, the overall look you want and anything else that will help make the session feel personal.

You don't need to arrive with it all figured out. I'll help you along the way.

WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR SENIOR PICTURES?

This is one of the biggest question.

I'll provide styling guidance to help you choose clothing that photographs beautifully while still looking like you. We'll talk about color, texture, layers and how your outfits work with the location we've chosen. Senior sessions also allow time for outfit changes. I usually recommend creating variety: something casual and then maybe something of a more polished look.

The goal isn't to transform you into someone else. It's to photograph different sides of who you already are.

Choosing the Right Location

This area gives us so many possibilities for senior portraits—from gardens and open fields to historic architecture and more urban settings.

We'll choose a location (or locations) based on the look you're drawn to and your personality. If you're deciding between a few options, I'll can provide some samples and recommendations, weighing out benefits and drawbacks.

The location should add to your photographs not overpowering them.

You Don't Need to Know How to Pose

This is probably the most important thing I can tell you:

You are not expected to know what to do in front of the camera.

I've been photographing people for 18 years, and directing my clients is a huge part of what I do. Call it my "big sister energy", but I know when things are off and I will call it out.

I'll tell you where to stand, what to do with your hands, where to look and how to move. We'll try different expressions, but I don't want your final gallery to feel like someone else or posing like everyone else.

Some of my favorite photographs happen in the moments between the poses—when you laugh, move, relax and forget, for a quick moment, what you are actually doing.

Your Senior Photos Should Feel Like You

There isn't one way a senior session is supposed to look.

You might want beautiful, classic portraits that your parents will frame and keep forever. But we also know you want fun, relaxed ones showing more you full of you actual personality.

We can do both. This is an Experience, not some timed photo session.

I want these photographs to remind you of who you are.

Ready to Plan Your Senior Experience?

If you're a high school senior—or the parent of one—I'd love to hear what you're envisioning for your senior portraits.