Bring You....
A senior session is more than just a photo shoot; it is a milestone. It is a moment in time where we get to pause, breathe, and document who they are right now before they launch into whatever comes next.
When I work with seniors, my goal isn't just to get a smiling portrait for the wall. I want to capture what makes them tick—their quiet passions, their loud achievements, and the little quirks that define them.
The secret to a session that feels authentic? Bring the things that tell their story. Here is a guide to choosing items that will help us capture their true essence.
Think Beyond the Traditional
We often feel the pressure to bring the "expected" props. While there is a time and place for those, I encourage you to look at your senior’s life and pick items that spark a genuine reaction.
Ask yourself: What do they do when no one is watching?
1. The Hobbies That Consume Them
If they are never without a sketchbook, bring the charcoal, the messy erasers, and the art they’ve been working on for months. If they are a musician, don’t just bring the instrument—bring the sheet music with the pencil scribbles in the margins.
The Goal: Capture them in action. I want to photograph the way they hold their brush or the focused look on their face when they’re tuning their guitar.
2. The Uniforms & The Gear
Whether it’s a scouts uniform, a dance leotard, or a well-worn baseball glove, these items represent dedication. They are symbols of the hours spent practicing, the team they call family, and the challenges they’ve overcome.
The Goal: Don't just hold the gear—let’s incorporate it into the setting. A sports uniform in a studio is fine, but that same uniform on the field where they had their best game? That’s where the magic happens.
3. The "Little Things" That Make Them, Them
Sometimes the most powerful elements are the ones that seem insignificant.
The Coffee Order: Is there a specific mug they always have in their hand while they study?
The Collections: A shelf of vinyl records, a specific collection of vintage cameras, or even their favorite worn-out sneakers.
The Comforts: A thrifted denim jacket, a pair of glasses that have seen better days, or a classic book they’ve re-read a dozen times.
How to Prepare for the Session
To ensure we capture that genuine connection, here are a few tips for preparing for the shoot:
Make it Personal: Avoid buying new, stiff props just for the sake of the photos. Use items that show wear and love. If they’ve had a jersey for four years, don't buy a new one—bring the one with the scuffs.
Layering is Key: Bring a few "core" items that define them, but also bring options. If they are an athlete, we can do some classic portraits in casual clothes, and then transition into the gear.
Focus on Comfort: When they have things they love in their hands, they stop worrying about where to put their arms or how to smile. They start interacting with the item, and that is when the candid, unposed magic happens.
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, my job is to create a time capsule. We are looking for the look in their eyes when they talk about their future, the way they laugh, and the confidence they’ve built over the last four years.
When we focus on what they love, the "essence" of who they are takes center stage. Let’s make this session a celebration of the person they’ve become—quirks, passions, and all.
Are you ready to start planning your senior's session? Let’s talk about their story and brainstorm how we can bring those elements into our next shoot.
