Friday Feature – Be Yourself – Kiyan’s Senior Session

Senior year is a big deal. It’s a year filled with excitement, anticipation, and a bit of anxiety. For both you and your parents, this year marks a huge transition. For you, it’s the end of high school and the beginning of the next chapter in life. For your parents, it’s a bittersweet moment of letting go of their “baby” and preparing to help you launch in the world. And in the middle of it all, there’s a moment to capture: senior portraits. While spending time downtown for Kiyan’s senior session I had a few thoughts I wanted to share.

As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with some amazing seniors over the years. Every session has been an absolute joy, each senior brought authenticity to their session. So, if you’re getting ready for your own senior portraits, I have one big piece of advice: Be YOU!

Embrace Your Unique Style

Senior portraits are all about capturing who you are at this moment in time. Don’t fall victim to the comparison trap. The best images happen because you’re confident and comfortable as your true self.

Some guys dressed up in a button-up shirt, while others kept it more casual with a cool graphic tee. Some had multiple wardrobe changes, mixing things up throughout the shoot, while others kept it simple with one consistent outfit. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to senior portraits. What matters most is that you choose outfits that express who you are. No matter which direction you choose these portraits will be something you look back on as the years go by, so put some effort into your choice.

Remember, Senior Photos Are About YOU (and a Little Bit About Mom and Dad)

Let’s be real for a second—senior photos aren’t just about you. Yes, they’re your moment to shine, but for your parents, they represent something bigger: the last year of high school, the transition into adulthood, and the bittersweet reality that you’re growing up and getting ready to leave home.

For many seniors, this might be the first time they’ve ever been in front of a professional camera by themselves. At first it can feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t like the spotlight. Let’s face it, for some of you, this is could potentially be the only time to experience a professional portrait session. That’s a big deal!

As a mom, I can totally relate to the emotions that come with senior year. Senior photos are a way to freeze a moment in time, a way to hold onto their “youth” for just a little longer before they head off into the world. It’s also something for us to hold onto once you’ve taken off on your next great adventure. For parents, it’s more than just about the photos—it’s about cherishing those last moments of childhood and celebrating the young adult you’ve become.

A Time of Change and Growth

For most seniors, the photoshoot is not just about looking good—it’s about showing the world who you’ve become and how far you’ve come. Senior year is a time when you’re ready to take on the world. You’re excited about what’s next—whether it’s college, a career, travel, or any other adventure. There’s a sense of accomplishment, a “I did it, I’m graduating, and I’m ready for the next chapter!” energy that comes through in every senior’s face.

And that’s what makes senior portraits so special. You’re at a unique point in your life, somewhere between being a child and being an adult, and that moment is worth capturing. The energy, the excitement, the mix of joy and nerves—it’s all there, and it’s all worth remembering.

Take the Time to Enjoy the Moment

It’s easy to wrap yourself up in the stress of senior year—between final exams, college applications, and figuring out your next step. It can feel like there is never enough time. But I encourage you to take a breath, slow down, and enjoy this experience. Senior portraits are a celebration of you—your journey, your story, and all the amazing things that make you who you are.

Take the time to appreciate the moment, not just for yourself, but also for your parents. Let them be a part of this experience with you. Whether it’s helping you choose outfits or simply being there to cheer you on, senior portraits are a time to connect and create lasting memories.

Be True to Yourself

In the end, my best advice for your senior portraits is simple: Be true to who you are. Whether you’re feeling glamorous, casual, or somewhere in between, let your personality shine through. These photos are for you, and they should reflect your true self. So don’t worry about trying to be someone you’re not.

And most importantly, enjoy the experience. It’s a moment that marks the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another. So go ahead—be yourself, capture your journey, and let these senior portraits remind you of just how far you’ve come.