Graduation is a big milestone. A lot of hard work is put in to get there. Your accomplishments deserve to be captured and remembered. But, a lot of typical senior portraits can feel over-done, forced and just plain cheesy. So how do you get authentic graduation photos that actually feel like you?

Hi! I’m Sammy and I’ve been photographing seniors for 7+ years. I ran a professional photography studio who’s primary focus was on senior portraits for 4 years. I have had quite a bit of practice and have perfected my process of how to get graduation photos everyone will love.

It starts with setting expectations. Typically, for a senior session a photographer is trying to bring together 3 visions: the photographers’, the senior’s and the parents’. Balancing all three of these can be tough sometimes, but with good communication before the shoot you can assure your client will be happy.

All of the seniors I worked with in 2023 had one thing in common when they inquired with me: they had a VISION. I wish I had half the confidence some of these kids possess when I was in high school!? I love to see a generation that understands the importance of photos, especially milestones like graduation.

Esther was one of those seniors who just radiated with personality right from the beginning. She came to me with a specific vibe - ethereal, dark and moody. She wanted to show off her fashion style, but most importantly for the photos to feel authentic.

I location scouted for days looking for the perfect location when I stumbled upon Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park - 1211 W. Highway 34, Loveland, CO 80537. The park was easily accessible by car, had early opening hours, not overly-crowded and had a variety of different scenes all within a small area. The park has the Big Thompson River flowing through it, a gorgeous 140 ft iron bridge, an art installation and lots of color-changing trees in the fall. Across the road from the park is a golden field of tall grass and trees that feel like a completely different location.

Edgy, Non-traditional senior portraits in Colorado, Viestenz-Smith Mountain Park

Denver Senior Portrait Photographer

Professionalism can look like so many different things. For me, its becoming friends with the people I work with in order to achieve the best possible photographs FOR them. Every one of us has been in a situation where you have to ask a stranger to take your photo, and how does that feel? AWKWARD. But, a friend taking your picture? Say less. She’s your bestie and going to make sure she gets all of your angles and way too many options. That’s me.

Before all of my consult calls, clients receive a Get To Know Y’all Questionnaire from me. This helps me have an understanding of who the senior is before we ever even speak face to face. I have talking points to help conversation flow effortlessly. During these conversations, I want to have an understanding of who the grad is and what they want their photos to look like. I make sure to leave time for overflow for these meetings because if we’re having great conversation, I don’t want to have to cut things short. At the end of the call, I confirm the senior’s vision to make sure were both on the same page. Last, I’ll create a custom vision board. This includes photos of the location, outfit and accessory ideas and overall vibe of the shoot. Sending visuals like these to your clients can really help to get everyone on the same page!

Dark, Moody Colorado Senior Portraits: what to wear

Sure, buying a new outfit for your photo session is never a bad idea. However, make sure you are comfortable in it! First, the practicality of the outfit. Are you able to sit, walk, spin and run around in your clothes for your session? Some of the cheesiest senior photography comes from forced, still poses. I like to encourage my subjects to move a lot. I find it helps warm them up in front of the camera, giving more natural facial expressions and body looks. Second, do the clothes make you feel good, confident? All too many times, I’ve seen seniors arrive to their session in something Mom or Dad picked out and the look on their face is miserable. In order to avoid these types of situations, I ask the senior or parent to text me what the senior will be wearing. I try to help guide them in a direction that will look best for the location we have picked out.

Preparation is key. A photographer’s job does not start at your photoshoot. A good photographer will guide you through every step and communicating what to expect at every stage. Doing your homework before picture day will result in better photos.

Great photos don’t just happen, they’re planned.

I’d love to work with you to create timeless photographs for your graduation! Inquire here.