As we wrap up the 2023 school year, it wouldn’t be complete without highlighting one last senior session. I had the pleasure of photographing E’Moni, a Westerville North High School senior, not once - but twice!
E’Moni is a brilliant student, star athlete and is passionate about social justice and Black Lives Matter. We had so much fun creating her photos, especially her urban senior photos in Downtown Columbus, Ohio.
As I share photos from both of her sessions, I’ll include some tips on making your senior photos feel authentic to you and collaborating during the planning phase using Pinterest.
Authenticity is Key for Senior Photos You’ll Love
We've all been there - sitting awkwardly in front of the school yearbook photographer, only to end up with photos that look like everyone else's. But when it comes to your senior photos, you deserve better.
Senior photos only happen once, and you’ll want them to accurately represent who you are. You deserve senior pictures that capture your unique personality and passions and feel authentic to who you are.
For E’Moni’s first session, we shot photos in my studio and at the school gymnasium for her basketball photos. Take a look at these photos and tell me which photos look most authentic to her.
It’s apparent that E’Moni really came alive during her basketball photos. She was totally in her element, and it translated into her pictures.
Don't get me wrong; her studio shots also turned out great. But the basketball photos capture her unique style and personality the most. That's the authenticity piece I want you to keep in mind as you’re planning your senior pictures.
Think about the hobbies you love, the clothes you’ll feel comfortable in, and find a way to incorporate them all together.
Some thoughts on authenticity in photos:
Be Yourself. Don’t do something just because you think you have to or because everyone else is doing it. Plan photos that will make you happy.
Rules are OUT. You've spent your whole school career following them, but senior photos are different. Got a wild idea? Share it with me, and let’s bring it to life!
Keep hair and makeup natural. Your senior pics are all about capturing your everyday self, not a fancy event like prom, where you might want a “glam” look. So go for a slightly elevated and natural look.
Comfort is key. When you’re relaxed and comfortable in your clothes, it shows in photos. Tying this all back to authenticity - just be yourself.
Planning on Pinterest
You don’t know what you don’t know. So unless you’ve had multiple professional photoshoots, you probably won’t know if you’ll prefer indoor or outdoor photos. But you can start to figure that out by planning a mood board on Pinterest.
I have an active business account on Pinterest, where I share client photos and blogs just like this. It’s a great tool to collaborate with my senior clients as we plan their sessions.
Start by looking at my boards for locations and photos I’ve taken in the Columbus area. Pin whatever speaks to you. But don't stop at my boards - explore other senior photos too!
What to Pin for Senior Pictures:
Wardrobe Inspo
Poses You Like
Locations (I have many blogs pinned of my favorite areas around Columbus, OH)
Ideas and Inspo: Anything else that you’re interested in replicating.
Here’s a link to my Pinterest account. You can start your board now and invite me as a collaborator when you’ve booked your session!
Urban Senior Photos in Downtown Columbus, Ohio
Downtown Columbus, Ohio, has a lot to offer for urban senior photos. Around every corner is a different wall texture, cool storefront, or hidden alleyways that make cool backgrounds.
Since E'Moni is passionate about social justice and loved the idea of urban senior photos, we went to an area near High Street and Gay Street where some incredible BLM murals were still on display. She rocked distressed jeans and a Black Lives Matter tee. These final photos are packed with authenticity and are unique to her.
She continued the casual urban vibe with jeans and a Siena Heights University shirt, where she's playing basketball this fall! We wrapped up her session at the top of the LeVeque Tower in her graduation cap and gown.
Planning Makes All The Difference
Making your senior photo experience personalized is easy with a little planning. The main takeaways are staying true to who you are, being as comfortable as possible, and choosing a location you’re excited about. If you need help with any of this, I’m always happy to help.
Here are some more resources that will have you well on your way to planning your senior photos:
If you’re ready to chat about creating your customized senior photo session, fill out my contact form here. We’ll start with a free phone consultation and go from there!