As the school year draws to a close, there's a tangible sense of excitement and accomplishment in the air, especially for high school seniors. It's a time of transition, of stepping into the next chapter of life, and what better way to commemorate this milestone than with a senior graduate photoshoot?

Capturing senior graduate photos is one of my favorite parts of my job. My recent session with high school senior graduate, Addie, was a testament to the joy and significance of this time in her life.

The Location: Choosing the perfect location for a photoshoot is crucial in setting the tone and capturing the essence of the graduate. For Addie’s session, we opted for a natural setting with the vibrance of wildflowers. I have to admit, I went on a big hunt for wildflowers because sometimes in the Bay Area, they can be hard to find in enough abundance in an area with good parking and not too far away. Admittedly, I was also coming back from my honeymoon and so I had limited time to explore different locations for different flowers. Thankfully, Sunol Regional Wilderness Park had just what we needed: the purple Arroyo Lupine. The beautiful park provided the perfect backdrop that complemented Addie’s sweet smile, joy, and luckily enough, her cap and gown.

The Wardrobe: Addie brought her A-game when it came to wardrobe selection. She swapped between two beautiful dresses, one a sweet mint green that perfectly matched her Cal Poly San Luis Obispo pennant (where she is going to college this coming fall), and another silk midi that pulled in the pink from all the wildflowers. Each outfit showcased her individuality and flair and perfectly popped amidst the green grasses and wildflowers.

The Poses: As a photographer, I understand the importance of making my clients feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. I’ve been both in front of the camera and behind it, and as someone who struggles posing myself (even though I can pose others), it makes me understand that much more the importance of prompting clients in a way that feels natural, gentle, and comfortable for them. With Addie, it was easy. Her infectious smile and natural poise made each pose effortless and authentic. From playful candid shots twirling to more posed portraits, Addie’s versatility allowed me to capture a wide range of emotions and expressions. My favorite has to be either the cap holding shot, or the classic cap toss!

The Moments: Beyond the poses and locations, I think my favorite part might have been the moments shared between Addie and her mom. Through the proud smiles Addie shared with her mom, each moment captured was a testament to the love and support surrounding Addie as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. I felt lucky to share in the fun and joy when I heard Addie is attending my own Alma Mater next year, Cal Poly SLO.

The Final Product: After the photoshoot, Addie had a tough time choosing her favorite images – and I can't blame her! I couldn’t even choose my own favorites. Addie now has a timeless collection of memories that she can cherish for years to come, and even some sentimental B&W filmlike photos that bring all the old time feels.

In conclusion, a high school senior graduate photoshoot is more than just capturing images – it's about celebrating a significant milestone and preserving memories that will last a lifetime. Seniors in high school have truly accomplished a hard feat, with the extensive pressure in school nowadays, constant AP and Honors requirements, and so much more. I am truly honored to be a part of this journey and look forward to capturing many more milestones in the lives of my clients.

If you’re interested in booking your own graduate shoot, whether it is high school senior, college grad, or even higher education past those I listed, inquire with me here on my website. And… CONGRATULATIONS!