How to incorporate who you are in your senior photos

One of my favorite things about senior photos are how unique they are to each student. I want to be able to incorporate all that you are and represent into each session, but sometimes it can be tricky to figure out what that means.

Kelsey is a senior at Mahomet-Seymour High School

She has been playing soccer since she was 5 years old, and plans to continue playing into college. She says her favorite part about soccer is, “All the really cool girls i’ve met! I’ve made friendships with people I would have never even known before!”

Sports are a great way to incorporate who you are into senior photos! For Kelsey, this was a perfect opportunity to show something that has been in her life for as long as she can remember! If you’re thinking about including the sports you or your child is involved in consider the following: is there a ball or type of shoe you can wear? A jersey or costume? A field or studio?

Sarah Tangen is a senior at St. Matthew Catholic High School

She says, “I felt it was important to get these pictures because horses are such an important part of my life, and I wanted to have these memories documented. My time with these horses is very special to me, and they have been a part of who I am today.”

Pets are another keystone part of many kids lives! Do you have a dog, cat, horse, or other pet that you love greatly? Let’s get them in the picture too! Often, seniors feel like their pet wouldn’t cooperate so don’t even want to ask. Please bring them! Don’t worry about their behavior. We will just have fun with them and get pics of you interacting, which are always my favorites anyway. And if we get a nice posed pic of them looking at the camera then that is icing on the cake.

For example…

During the McCoy family shoot, Murphy was more interested in playing and smelling all the smells in this new part of his world than looking at the camera, but I think this photo is much better anyway. I mean… look how cute!

Whatever it takes!

Mimi’s dog, Jake, got offered a pretty sweet dinner in order for him to corporate for her senior photos.

FAMILY! Is there anything more important than family?! We can spend a few minutes at the beginning of your session to snap a few family pics if you’d like. And if you suggest this, I bet you’ll make your mam’s heart so happy.

Matthew’s mom said, “Older people used to tell me to enjoy every day because you blink and the kids grew up. Now I’m the older person telling YOU that it’s true....take advantage of this opportunity to be in the frame with your family.”

Or maybe you want to bring a best friend along for a few pics. Bonus points if your best friend is up for random dance parties during your session.

While the focus during your senior session is primarily on you, we can always spend a few minutes capturing pics with some of your favorite people too.

XOXO,

Heather

Heather is the owner of Sweet Lemonade Photography located in central Illinois (Mahomet).  Life gave her a bunch of lemons (you can read a little more here on her personal blog Sweet Lemonade Life) and by keeping her focus on God, finding the positive in each day, and surrounding herself with supporting, loving and encouraging people she has turned those lemons into the sweetest lemonade.  Her personal blog has been created to share her heart, her adventures and find ways to bless others.  You can contact her at heather@sweetlemonadelife.com or heather@sweetlemonadephotography.com. (hdw/mbd)