How to Capture Senior Photos That Feel Like YOU:
Featuring Hannah and Austin
As a photographer, one of the most fulfilling parts of my job is capturing senior photos that feel authentic—photos that really showcase who you are, your passions, and your journey. Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, your senior photo session should be an opportunity to celebrate all that makes you you. I recently had the privilege of capturing two sessions that showcase how varied graduation photos can be—Hannah’s UNT graduation shoot and Austin’s high school senior portraits—and I wanted to share how we made both shoots feel true to each of their personalities!
1. Start with a Personalized Location
For Hannah, her photo session was set against the beautiful backdrop of the University of North Texas campus, a place where she had spent countless hours learning, growing, and pursuing her passion for the arts. It only made sense to capture her academic achievement and dreams for the future at a location that meant so much to her (she also joked that her tuition paid for the location so we should make the most of it!). From the iconic UNT landmarks, her sorority house that was home to so much of her experience, to the quiet corners where she spent her study sessions, we made sure the setting reflected her journey.
On the flip side, Austin is a more reserved, quiet soul who’s passionate about fishing. For his senior photos, we headed to a local creek where he often spends his time relaxing and doing what he loves. Capturing him in a natural, serene environment allowed his personality to shine through. His photos at the creek, with his fishing gear and the gentle flow of water in the background, told the story of a young man who finds peace and fulfillment in the outdoors.
Choosing a location that resonates with who you are makes all the difference in senior photos. Whether it's your school, your favorite spot to hang out, or an environment that reflects your hobbies, starting with a place that has personal significance sets the tone for a session that's all about you.
2. Incorporate What You Love
It’s all about making your session feel uniquely yours.
For Hannah, we brought along a few props that represented her journey—her art portfolio and supplies—to symbolize her future as an art educator and advocate for arts funding in schools. These props were more than just accessories; they told the story of her passion and dedication to making a difference in the world of education. And hey, if you’ve ever had a sorority party with a champagne spray (we might know someone), we can reference that in your celebration shoot too!
For Austin, his photos wouldn’t have been complete without his fishing gear. Whether it was a candid shot of him casting into the creek or a peaceful moment of him standing by the water, these details helped tell his story. They were a natural extension of his personality, showcasing how much he values solitude and nature.
When you think about your senior photos, ask yourself: what are the things that make you feel most like you? It could be a hobby, an interest, or something that reflects your future goals. Adding personal touches to your session will make the photos feel even more genuine.
3. Relax and Let Your Personality Shine
Both Hannah and Austin had very different personalities, and my goal was to capture their true selves in a way that felt comfortable and authentic.
For Hannah, a confident, creative, and driven individual, we kept the energy high and fun, encouraging her to play around with different poses and expressions. Her photos captured not only her joy in achieving her degree but also her excitement for what’s to come. We kept the shoot light-hearted, with moments of laughter and quiet reflection, making sure every image told a part of her story.
Austin, on the other hand, is more reserved. He’s not someone who wants to be in the spotlight, so we took a more laid-back approach to his session. We let the environment do most of the talking. His photos by the creek were calm and reflective, capturing his quiet nature in a peaceful setting. There were no forced smiles or over-the-top poses—just Austin, the water, and the simple moments that make him feel at home.
The key to senior photos that feel like you is to relax and stay true to who you are. Don’t worry about what you think you "should" look like in a photo; just let your personality come through naturally. The best photos are the ones where you're most at ease.
4. Focus on Authentic Poses and Moments
While it’s easy to get caught up in trying to replicate poses you’ve seen on Pinterest or Instagram, the best senior photos are often the ones that feel natural and effortless. For Hannah, we mixed candid shots—walking around campus, laughing with friends, and capturing those little moments that made the day feel so memorable. We also added some formal poses to showcase her academic achievements, and she absolutely owned every pose, flowing seamlessly from one to the next. Her ability to move and express herself brought a beautiful versatility to her gallery.
For Austin, I focused on capturing moments that felt comfortable for him and helped reduce his camera anxiety. Whether it was a quiet moment standing at the edge of the creek, or a shot of him adjusting his fishing gear, we made sure every photo felt true to his personality. I encouraged him to look out over the water or engage with his environment, letting him feel relaxed while doing something he loves.
Posing is important, but staying authentic and confident is even more so. When you’re not trying too hard, and lean into trusting your photographer, the best, most genuine moments will emerge.
5. Capture the Details
Don’t overlook the little things that can make your senior photos feel extra special! For Hannah, we made sure to capture the unique details—her UNT ring and sorority ring with her DBU shirt (Grad school, here she comes!!), the art supplies that represent her career path, and even her favorite flowers, bluebonnets. These details add a layer of depth to your photos, allowing you to tell your story in a more intimate way. Whether it’s your tassel, your shoes, or the way you style your cap, those small touches can make your photos even more meaningful.
6. Have Fun with Your Session!
Senior photos should be an exciting and fun experience! While you might feel a little nervous at first (trust me, it’s totally normal), remember that this is your time to shine. Let loose, laugh, and enjoy the moment.
Whether you're jumping into your college graduation photos (and the campus fountain) like Hannah, or taking a peaceful moment by the water like Austin, the more you enjoy your session, the more your photos will reflect your true spirit.
Final Thoughts: Be True to Yourself
Senior photos are a celebration of who you are and the journey you’ve been on. By choosing locations, props, and poses that reflect your personality and passions—just like Hannah and Austin did—you’ll end up with photos that truly feel like you. So, whether you’re graduating from high school, college, or taking photos for another special moment in your life, let those photos tell the story of your unique journey.
Want to chat more or even book a session with me?