Senior Photos in Nashville
Adolescence is coming to an end, and adulthood is calling! Senior portraits are meant to highlight this wonderful transition in life. It’s a time full of hope and possibility, marking the celebration of one chapter closing and another beginning.
Nowadays, portraits are more than formal, studio-style photos meant for yearbooks. Senior pictures are personalized, allowing young adults the freedom to showcase their individuality as they come into their own.
Hiring a professional photographer is a way to hold on to this moment forever.
If you’re interested in booking a family photography session, contact me here or call me at (949) 933-7313
When I plan a portrait session, it is really important to me that I learn about the senior. Discussing likes, dislikes, and expected outcome from our session helps me get to know each individual better. It’s my goal to make everyone I photograph feel comfortable in front of the camera.
When planning senior portrait sessions, it’s also super important to highlight what interests, hobbies and personality traits make each individual unique. Whether you are a star football player or a lead in a theatre production, I want to highlight what is important to you.
Some may use Pinterest or Instagram for senior picture ideas. Having a point of reference, inspiration or mood boards definitely help guide the shoot.
I’ve provided a breakdown of what to expect when planning your senior photo session, including:
How to plan for a shoot
Where you should plan to shoot
What time of day you should plan a shoot
What you should wear to a shoot
Posing ideas
Pick a location special to you
Where You Grew Up
When I interview a client, I always ask about a place that is sentimental to them. A familiar setting normally puts the person being photographed at ease because they know what to expect.
For example, these senior portraits were taken on Main Street in Downtown Franklin, TN. She grew up going to Main Street all throughout her childhood and teen years, so taking photos there felt comfortable for her.
Walking the charming sidewalks, crossing Main Street and sitting atop historic stone walls all made for excellent photo ops.
Where You Went To School
The campus of your high school or college are a great spot for senior photos. If you spent a lot of time in the quad with your friends or ate lunch on the bleachers, these spots carry meaningful memories.
This photo was taken on the Vanderbilt campus, where this senior graduated. He spent formative years walking these paths, going from class to class. Several years from now he’ll be able to look back on these photos with fond memories or who he was and what he learned there.
Where you played sports
If you decide against continuing a sport in college, capture it before it all comes to an end. It is another way to look back on what helped shape a young person.
From football to cheer, if your sport was important to you, incorporate it into your senior portrait session. It’s a great way to pay homage to your time on the team. Courts, fields, rinks, bleachers all make great spots for settings, too.
Where You Performed
If performing arts are your thing, showcase them in your photography session! Students who love theatre, choir and dance are always fun to photograph because their charisma and talent.
Use your instrument as a prop. Reserve your school’s theatre or choir room. Reference a setting or an instrument as a symbol of what is important to you.
In nature
Oftentimes, some of the best locations are right in our own backyard. Between parks, hiking trails, or Tennessee’s rolling hills, there are so many options for naturalistic settings.
Wear something you’re comfortable in
Incorporate accessories
Accessories are a great way to mix up your senior portrait wardrobe. Hats, jewelry, and scarfs add layers to your look add more personality to the images. Hats, in particular, are a great way to add variation because you can play with them during your shoot. I often ask my clients to do something with their hands, like taking a hat on or off, to create movement. This makes photos feel less still and more natural.