Every fall, my calendar fills with senior sessions—and each one reminds me that this work is about so much more than taking a nice photo. Senior portraits are a chance to pause time and celebrate a major life transition. It’s not just about how a senior looks, but who they are right now, and who they’re becoming.
Recently, I photographed a senior at Mellon Park—he brought his trumpet, a calm creativity, and a quiet confidence that felt so true to him. I’ve known his family for years, since they first moved to Pittsburgh and stayed with us while house hunting. I’ve photographed his older siblings during their senior year, and each session has been completely unique.
The key to great senior portraits: they should feel personal and authentic.
Whether you’re a parent helping your teen prep, or a senior looking forward to your own session, here are a few tips to help make the experience smooth, meaningful, and fun.
1. Bring Something That Tells Your Story
Props aren’t required, but they can help personalize your session. Think about what lights you up:
- An instrument you’ve played for years
- A sports jersey or piece of gear
- A book, sketchpad, or camera
- A jacket from your job, club, or favorite team
Bringing something meaningful adds context to your images and sparks more natural interaction. It also gives you something to do with your hands, which can help calm nerves.
2. Choose a Location That Reflects You
The right setting makes all the difference. Think about where you feel most like yourself. Do you love:
- The natural light and open space of a park?
- The color and energy of the city?
- The track where you spent four seasons competing?
- A cozy corner of your home?
Wherever we go, I aim to use the environment to enhance—not overpower—your story.
3. Don’t Overthink Posing
You don’t need modeling experience to have great photos. I’ll guide you into natural poses that feel relaxed and true to you. Some people loosen up after a few shots, others need a little more direction—and that’s totally normal.
The best photos come when you forget about the camera and start feeling comfortable in the moment. That’s my job: to create a space where that can happen.
4. Think About What You Want to Remember
This time in life is a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and momentum. Try to capture not just how you look—but how you feel.
Do you want your photos to reflect:
- Confidence?
- Curiosity about the future?
- Connection to a sport, school, or place?
- A quieter sense of who you are becoming?
These choices can help shape the tone of your session—from your wardrobe, to your location, to your expressions.
5. Keep It Low-Stress
Senior year moves fast. Between classes, college apps, and everything else, this is one moment to slow down. Your photo session should feel like a break from all the pressure—not another task on the list.
Choose outfits that feel good, not just trendy. Don’t worry about being perfect. The goal is to walk away with images that feel like you.
Final Thoughts
Senior portraits are more than a rite of passage—they’re a chance to document a season of life that’s full of change, growth, and possibility. Whether you show up with a trumpet or just your smile, what matters most is that the images reflect your story.
I love helping seniors and families create something real, something lasting—photos that will bring you back to this exact season, years down the road.
Let's tell your story!
Let’s work together to create beautiful images that you can treasure for a lifetime!
