Inside Ava’s Senior Session: Custom Portraits That Actually Feel Personal
Lets be Honest…
A lot of senior photos look nice, but they don’t really feel like you.
When I did my own senior photos, I felt like I had no choice in any of it. It wasn’t fun. I didn’t have anyone there hyping me up. The whole thing felt more like a box to check than a chance to tell my story in a meaningful way.
That’s why I do things differently now. I want my senior sessions, whether you’re in Lancaster, Lititz, Palmyra, or anywhere nearby, to feel more like a creative experience and less like a stiff tradition. These sessions are personal. They’re about your energy, your story, and the vibe you want to bring to life.
Let’s make sessions fun!
During senior sessions, I’ll be all over the place. Crouching down, shooting through leaves, chasing light, finding creative angles. I’ll have you running, twirling, playing with movement, whatever gets the images looking alive and feeling real.
I also use mirroring to help you hit natural, flattering poses that don’t feel stiff or awkward. No overthinking. Just flow.
When I shot my sister Ava’s session, she came in with a clear vision. She wanted warm, dreamy, and vintage, so we built everything around that. We played music to help her relax and settle into the vibe. You could literally feel the moment she shifted into her element. That’s when the magic started happening.
No Aesthetic? No Problem
Most clients fill out a questionnaire before we meet or hop on a call. It asks about your personality, interests, and what kind of vibe you’re into. It doesn’t have to be deep, just stuff that helps me understand you.
I always ask seniors to send a few inspo photos if they can. Even a couple of screenshots can go a long way. I’ll study them and figure out what you actually like about the images — the lighting, colors, posing, mood — so we can build something custom.
That said, you don’t need a full aesthetic to get amazing photos.
We go to places you like, you wear what you like, and you bring the things that matter to you. Sometimes, when clients don’t overthink it and just do what they like, the photos end up feeling even more personal.
Like the color yellow, love evergreen trees, and want to shoot at a Christmas tree farm with wildflowers? Sweet.
Want to paint something during your shoot with an easel and some brushes? Let’s do it.
A Few Stories from Ava’s Session
Ava didn’t do a questionnaire — she’s my sister — but she did send me a bunch of inspo photos beforehand. That gave me a clear sense of her vibe before I even picked up the camera. She already had her outfits picked out and just wanted to make sure they’d look good on camera. Spoiler, they did.
She and our mom did her makeup together, which honestly made the whole thing feel even more special.
Side note for clients: if you want professional hair and makeup, I’ve got artists I can refer you to. They can meet us wherever you need. Totally optional. Totally worth it.
When we pulled up to our final location, this glowing field just outside town, I knew it was going to be good. The light was perfect, the flowers worked great as props, and everything just clicked.
It’s always a little different working with family. She knows me as her goofy older brother, not just the guy with the camera. But once we put the music on, she dropped into it. She started moving, laughing, feeling it. That’s when the photos really started to shine.
The Shot That Hit Me
One of my favorite moments from Ava’s shoot was when we got the picture of her with her dog, Bryce. It wasn’t planned. We just stepped into the backyard and had her lay in the grass with him.
Side note: it’s amazing how, with a little experience, you can turn almost any location into a photo spot.
That shot of them just chilling, her and her good boy Bryce, was priceless. It captured their friendship in the simplest, realest way.
This photo is so cute, it hurts.
Editing Style Matters and You Get a Say
Photos hit differently for different people. They tell stories, capture moods, bring back memories, build confidence, and sometimes just stop you in your scroll.
That’s why editing matters. It shapes how your story feels.
Before the session, I’ll walk you through a few editing styles I use most often. Think natural, dreamy, bold, vintage, whatever fits your vibe. You’ll get to choose the look you want, and I’ll carry that direction through your full gallery.
This doesn’t mean you have to know every detail about editing. That’s my job. I just want to make sure the final photos reflect you.
If you don’t have a strong preference, no stress. I’ll pick the style that works best based on your personality and the look of the session.
Now Booking Class of 2026
I’m currently booking Class of 2026 senior photo sessions across Central PA, including Lancaster, Lititz, and Palmyra. Now is the perfect time to book while the weather is still beautiful.
The first 10 seniors to book after this blog post goes live will get 50 dollars off their session.
Want senior photos that actually feel like you?
Let’s make it happen.
