Taylor’s senior portrait session
Senior photo sessions are a rite of passage, marking the transition from high school to the next exciting chapter of life. I LOVE working with seniors and their families. This is such an exciting time and capturing it on camera is a real joy. I had the pleasure of working with Taylor, a remarkable senior whose photo session was both inspiring and memorable.
Every senior has a unique story, and I really enjoy getting to know each of these individuals during our time together. What made Taylor really stand out was her quiet passion and courage. Not only did she tell me a bit about her work in starting the Botany Club at school, she also shared that she was interested in environmental issues and wanted to go to school for forestry. She loves working with plants and loved doing activities outside, including hiking, camping, and skateboarding. When I asked about how senior year was going, she told me that she felt like she needed to try different things this year to get her out of her comfort zone. The thing she decided to do? Join the school choir! She had never really sang before and didn’t know any of the students who participated - she just went for it because she wanted a challenge. I find that so inspiring and a big reason why I love working with seniors.
Because of her love of nature, we decided to do the senior photo session in Shelving Park in Bend, Oregon. We started off in the forest, moved to the creek, and finally, at golden hour, we moved up to the meadow to capture some gorgeous glow. I had such a great time hiking around with Taylor, finding the perfect spots for her senior pictures in one of her favorite places, and getting to know who she was and what she saw for her future.
Getting to know my clients is the most important part of my job as a photographer, because without a relationship to work from, the photos won’t represent the real individual. Taylor’s mom was a little worried that her “real smile” wouldn’t come out during the session. I think that because Taylor and I got to know one another during her senior photos, it made her more willing to relax. Those genuine smiles came out and her mom could not have been more pleased. A photographer’s dream!
Reflecting on this senior photo session reinforces the importance of capturing these pivotal moments with care and creativity. It’s about more than just a set of photos; it’s about celebrating a student’s achievements, personality, and future ahead. For anyone preparing for a senior photo session, remember to infuse the experience with personal touches, choose a meaningful location, and embrace natural expressions.
Here’s to capturing and cherishing the unique journey of each senior, celebrating the milestones, and looking forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead!
