SENIOR YEAR PHOTOS
These moments are core memories for the senior and their family. I always say you will repeat your high school graduation year more than you ever expect to capturing that season is something to treasure.
WHY book with me!! I have been working closely with seniors and have had 3 of my own seniors in the last 5 years. I see all ends of the spectrums from taking pics for mom to I can’t have enough pictures of this time and LOVE to capture it ALL.
High school senior photo shoots typically happen from the summer before senior year to the end of summer after graduation. Each session has a specified length and number of images targeted to capture. I want your to enjoy your session so choose which one is your vision and we can collaborate for location and season as here in Chicago each season has its own feel for images.
SIMPLE Senior SESSION $325
This is perfect for the senior looking for a shorter session to capture the essential images in one outfit.
A simple session is at one local location or at the New Lenox studio. These are scheduled directly with Christina or at a specified date & time.
Session will be up to 25 minutes for (1) senior ONLY
ONE location/spot & ONE outfit (Two outfits MUST BE discussed prior to session)
10* edited images delivered digitally with full printing rights
Images ready within 14 days of session {August-November within 21 days of session}
Standard senior Session - $475
This session is perfect to give extra time to relax, change outfits and capture a variety of images of your senior
Session will be up to 50 minutes for senior only.
Up to 2 outfits
20-25* edited high resolution digital images delivered digitally with full printing rights
Location(s) TBD by Christina & client
Images ready within 14 days of session {August-November within 21 days of session}
Can add a family photo at start or end (1 pose of family and sibling) for $50 additional
Travel fee is added from Tinley Park for the following distances - over 15- 20 miles $50; 20-35 miles $75
Permits are required for some locations such as the Wildflower Farm, Cantigny, and others inquire for details
*OPTION to upgrade your gallery to ALL images $150
COMPLETE senior SESSION $650
This is the most time & outfit changes & all inclusive so once your gallery arrives no decisions to be made they are all yours!!
Allow up to 1.5 hours for the session
Up to 3 outfits
Gallery delivery includes ALL images (40+ images)
Location(s) TBD by Christina & client
Images ready within 14 days of session {August-November within 21 days of session}
Can add a family photo at start or end (1 pose of family and sibling)
Permit costs are added for locations such as the Wildflower Farm, Cantigny, and others inquire for details
DOWNTOWN CHICAGO SENIOR SESSION
starting at $750
Head into the city to capture your senior. Senior sessions are scheduled individually and usually early morning or later afternoon/evening to use the best natural lighting. City sessions are tailored to each senior. Contact Christina to book this directly.
Pricing includes all of the above in The Complete Senior Session
Allow up to 2 hours for the session
Senior Year Photos: A Complete Guide
Senior year photos celebrate who you are right now—your style, achievements, and the relationships that shaped your journey. Whether you’re planning a studio shoot or a sunset session outdoors, this guide helps you make confident choices from selecting a photographer to refining your look on camera. From senior pictures to senior portraits and even high school graduation pictures, a thoughtful senior year photo session creates images you’ll be proud to share and keep.
Why Senior Year Photos Matter
Senior year marks a meaningful transition from high school to your next chapter. Senior year photos become a time capsule, capturing growth, commitment, and community. They remind you where you’ve been and highlight where you’re headed.
For family and friends, senior pictures are keepsakes that celebrate personality and accomplishments. Framed prints, announcements, and graduation party displays help loved ones share in the moment. Senior photos also complement high school pictures you’ve taken over the years, tying together a visual story from freshman year through your senior year photo.
Thoughtful senior portraits reflect personal milestones. Include elements that showcase your activities—letterman jackets, instruments, sports gear, or academic awards—to tell the full story of your senior year. These details add meaning to high school graduation pictures and elevate your senior year photos beyond simple snapshots.
Planning Your Senior Photo Session
Start with photographer style. Review portfolios to see how they handle natural light, composition, and storytelling. Look for consistency across sessions and read recent reviews to learn about communication, turnaround times, and how they make clients feel at ease. Ask about packages, image licensing, and delivery formats so you know exactly what’s included in your senior year photo session.
Choose locations that reflect your interests and personality:
Urban backdrops for strong lines, color, and texture
Parks and gardens for soft, timeless scenery
Campus settings to connect your portraits with your high school experience
If a favorite coffee shop, sports field, or library corner is meaningful, request permission or permits in advance. Consider spots that resonate with your high school pictures to keep your senior photos cohesive.
Timing influences the look of your images. Golden hour—about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset—provides flattering, warm light. For a crisp, bright feel, consider late morning and work in open shade to avoid harsh shadows. Check the forecast, plan a backup date, and account for travel time between locations so your senior pictures stay on schedule.
Tips for a Memorable Senior Photo Experience
Wardrobe should feel authentic and photograph well. Build a versatile set of outfits:
Classic look: solid, neutral tones for a timeless portrait
Expressive look: signature colors or subtle patterns that reflect your style
Activity-based look: uniforms or gear that highlight a sport, club, or passion
Avoid busy prints and prominent logos that distract. Bring layers—jackets, cardigans, scarves—to quickly add variety. Coordinate shoes and accessories, and consider textures that add depth without overwhelming the frame. These choices ensure your senior portraits and high school graduation pictures feel polished and true to you.
Confident posing looks natural when you focus on small adjustments: relax shoulders, lengthen the neck slightly, and shift weight onto your back foot. Create angles by bending elbows, lightly touching pockets, or crossing arms with soft hands. Practice a range of expressions—gentle smile, bright laugh, thoughtful gaze—so you can transition smoothly during the session. Small refinements turn senior photos into senior year photos you’ll love.
Personalize your shoot with hobbies and interests. Bring a guitar, sketchbook, sports equipment, debate medals, or other meaningful items. If cultural or community traditions are central to your story, include attire or accessories that honor them. Coordinate with your photographer to stage these elements so they enhance the narrative without overpowering the portrait. This intentionality elevates both senior pictures and high school pictures while keeping the focus on you.
Preparation boosts confidence. Get plenty of sleep, hydrate, and pack a small kit: lint roller, blotting papers, hairbrush, bobby pins, lip balm, and a backup shirt. For makeup, opt for camera-friendly finishes and set products to reduce shine. If you’re unsure, consider a trial run with a stylist to test your look under similar lighting before your senior year photo day.
Make Your Senior Photos Count
With the right planning, your senior year photos will reflect who you are and the memories you want to carry forward. Choose a photographer who understands your vision, select locations that feel like you, and prepare details that bring confidence on camera. Senior portraits, senior pictures, and high school graduation pictures each play a part in telling your story. These images will become a meaningful chapter in your journey—high school pictures you’ll return to for years to come, and a senior year photo collection that celebrates the milestone.
What cities do you take SENIOR photos in?
We are based in Tinley Park but take pictures in the entire Chicagoland area including:
Orland Park
Homer Glen
Naperville
Hinsdale
Clarendon Hills
Mokena
Manhattan
Lemont
Lockport
Palos
New Lenox
Frankfort
Joliet
Burr Ridge