Capturing Personality in Senior Portraits: Making Memories That Last
WITH BETHANY ELLEN
Senior year is such an exciting and pivotal time. It’s a season of transitions, celebrations, and big dreams for the future. One of the greatest joys in this work is capturing this incredible milestone in a way that truly reflects each senior’s personality, interests, and essence. Senior portraits aren’t just about getting a great yearbook photo—they should be a reflection of who they are at this moment in time.
A lot of times, there’s a little tension between parents and their seniors when it comes to photos. Parents often worry the photos will be too casual or not serious enough. On the flip side, seniors worry about looking too “stiff” or “cringe.” This push-pull dynamic can create extra stress, and sometimes, seniors end up opting out completely.
It’s important to address these concerns early and find common ground where everyone is happy.
What I always find kind of funny about this power struggle is that when I photograph families of young children, the same power struggle happens. Often, parents shout “No! A REAL smile! No peace signs! No tongues out! Just be normal.”
I’ll usually giggle, turn around, and say “some day, you’re going to look back at your photos and laugh at their signature faces, their silly expressions, and that dumb thing they were always doing in every photo. Because sometimes they turn into sullen teenagers who don’t want to take the photo at all. Just let them. I think you’ll like what you see.”
It's important to remember that those signature faces, the silly expressions, and those little things kids always do in photos are often what become cherished memories. The same applies to seniors—they’ll look back one day and appreciate the authenticity of the photos that represent them as they truly are.
As a whole, we value authenticity a lot more in hindsight then we ever give it credit for in the moment.
That’s why on this cusp of these kids leaving the nest, turning into “real” adults, and becoming who they’ll be, we have to make sure we capture their unique personalities.
Why Personality Matters in Senior Photography
Every senior has a unique story, and their portraits should tell that story. Whether they’re an artist, an athlete, a bookworm, or a musician, their session should celebrate what makes them uniquely them. Years from now, when they look back, they’ll want to remember not just what they looked like, but who they were at that time.
How can I make my senior portrait session personal and unique?
With the boom of the internet, individuality and community have exploded in all kinds of new ways. There’s no longer a strict divide between the “main crowd” and the “alt crowd” like there was when a student’s world was limited to their school network. Now, they can connect with like-minded people from all over, finding communities that match their interests in ways that were never possible before. Algorithms bring people together, not just in their hometown but across the world.
This means we can push way beyond the “typical” high school senior photography experience. Sure, we still want to highlight extracurricular activities, but we can do it in ways that feel way more personal and unique. For this project, I searched for artists—because art isn’t just something you create, it’s something that becomes part of who you are. There are endless ways to visually represent that, and I thought it would be fun to incorporate color and line work directly onto their faces. To me, this symbolized how deeply their passion for visual art is woven into their identity—you can literally see it across their face.
It feels weird typing it out, but trust me—when you take creative risks like this, the personalized senior photos that come out of this become something special. Your seniors will love it, their parents might fear it (but will absolutely respect it), and in the end, you’ll create a beautiful explosion of personality that they can’t get enough of.
Encourage seniors to bring props that represent their passions—it makes the session feel way more personal and helps them feel at ease in front of the camera. If they’re a musician, have them bring their instrument and capture the way they light up when they play. If they’re a painter, get them to bring their brushes, their canvas—maybe even let them get a little messy. If they’re an athlete, have them throw on their jersey, grab their gear, and show off that dedication. And if their passion is something more niche? Even better.
Seniors today are into all kinds of cool, unexpected things, and it’s our job to embrace that. I’ve had seniors bring their moth collection, their gaming setup, even a beat-up copy of a book that means everything to them. If it’s important to them, it should be important to us. The best senior portraits happen when we help them fully embrace what makes them unique and create personalized senior photos that capture all their quirky, passionate moments and details that define who they are.
For example, one senior, McKenna, is a visual artist who loves to doodle. To bring that creative side into the session, I started doodling across her face with fun, continuous lines, much like her artwork on a daily basis. This not only tied into her passion but also made for a visually unique and playful portrait.
Another senior, Camille, is an athlete who’s also passionate about color. She loves all things vibrant, so I incorporated some color run powder into her session to showcase her colorful side. The powder didn’t just add a splash of brightness to the photos, it helped highlight her creative personality. This session was fun, energetic, and authentic—just like Camille herself.
For these two portrait sessions, I chose the Desert Oasis backdrop because its abstract design complements a variety of portrait styles. The vibrant colors and organic, cloud-like shapes matched my vision for a shoot that would complement their artistic interests.
Desert Oasis
Abstract, Orange, Green Backdrop for Photography
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Choosing Outfits That Reflect Your Seniors Style and Bring Confidence
Your senior session outfits should reflect your clients’ personal style. Whether they love bold, trendy looks or prefer timeless, classic pieces, wearing something that feels authentically them will help their confidence shine through in the photos. As the photographer, it’s your job to guide them toward choices that will make them feel comfortable and confident.
One question I get a lot from clients is, “Do we need both a dressy and a casual look?” The true answer is: it’s up to them. If a formal outfit doesn’t feel like them, don’t push it. If casual isn’t how they present themselves to the world, don’t feel the need to photograph them in it either. We often get caught up in expectations of what we think should be done, but those rules are made up. The portrait session should feel like them.
If they feel their best in a jersey, encourage them to rock it! If they feel accomplished in their cap and gown, let them own it. And if they want to add some doodles to their face because that’s their vibe? Let them! This is about capturing their story, not following someone else’s “rules” for senior portraits.
Capturing Genuine Emotions During Senior Portrait Sessions
Senior photography doesn’t have to be all smiles and posed perfection. Candid moments, laughter, and even a thoughtful gaze can tell a more compelling story. Trust the process and let the true emotions shine through.
At one point during Camille’s session, she started to giggle and said, “This all feels super silly.” I told her, “Then lean into it! Giggle! Laugh! Roar like a tiger!”
Her brother, who had tagged along, yelled, “Hit ‘em with a roar!” It took a few tries, but suddenly we were all giggling and going crazy. And the photos? They look so fun because we were actually having fun! There’s something incredibly powerful about letting go of expectations and truly embracing the moment. The raw energy of those photos showcases Camille’s vibrant personality in a way that no stiff pose could.
There’s something really fun about capturing the excitement of a senior who’s ready to roar, especially if they’re an athlete. Some of the most impactful sports photos are filled with adrenaline, flexing muscles, and raw energy. It’s all about embracing the hype.
On the other hand, some seniors are quieter and more introspective. Let them take their time and showcase their true nature in their photos.
McKenna’s a bit quieter. And that’s cool too. I love her contemplative vibe. So I finally held out a pencil and let her focus on it, like she was choosing her next line very carefully. This created this awesome, calm photo set that truly reflects who she is to her core.
Beyond anything, a parent wants their child seen for who they truly are. So we have to lean into how they’re feeling and really roll with it. Not what we think they should be feeling or should be doing. Every emotion, big or small, tells a part of their story.
Bringing Pets Into Senior Portraits for Extra Meaning
For my own senior portraits, I brought my puppy along. Looking back, I’m so glad I did. That dog followed me through college, sat with me during late-night study sessions, and moved with me from one tiny apartment to the next. She was part of my life in every way—she even walked my husband down the aisle at our wedding. Those senior photos of us together? They’re priceless now. We both looked like babies, and I love that I have those memories captured forever.
That’s why I always encourage my seniors to bring the companions who mean the most to them. Whether it’s a pet (leashed and with a handler) or a best friend who hypes them up, having that familiar presence makes the session even more special. Personalized senior photos that include these connections make the experience more meaningful. Senior portraits aren’t just about the photos—they’re about celebrating a moment in time, creating memories, and capturing the connections that matter most. The pictures are just the souvenir of a day they’ll never forget.
Creating Lasting Memories with Senior Portraits
At the end of the day, senior portraits should be more than just a pretty picture. They’re a keepsake that reminds them of their journey, passions, and the excitement of this incredible chapter in life. The goal is to make each session a fun, relaxed, and memorable experience—one that reflects their heart and soul.
So, when planning senior portraits, think about what makes them unique and how to showcase that in the photos. Create an experience that’s true to them and tells their story. Because their journey and personality are worth celebrating!
