Photography means different things to different people. For some, it’s about checking boxes. A nice location. A flattering angle. A handful of images that look like what everyone else is posting. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
For me, photography has always been more than documentation. It’s about noticing light, movement, expression, and the small details that make an image feel finished rather than rushed. It’s about creating something that feels intentional, even when it looks effortless.
That approach doesn’t always look the same as what’s trending, and it’s not meant to. Senior photos are personal. They deserve more than a one-size-fits-all formula.
Where My Approach Really Comes From
I didn’t come from a traditional portrait background. I came from the early days of the internet. MySpace profile photos. Self-made websites built purely for expression. Song lyrics as design choices. I very clearly remember being about fifteen and creating an entire website using nothing but the lyrics from Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, because at the time that felt like the most honest way to say something about who I was.
That era shaped how I see photography. Images weren’t about perfection or polish. They were about mood, storytelling, and identity. They were meant to feel something. That foundation still shows up in how I photograph seniors today. I’m drawn to images that feel expressive rather than generic, personal rather than overly posed.
At the same time, I understand that senior photos live in two worlds. Parents want images that feel finished, timeless, and worthy of being printed and displayed. Seniors want images that feel current, natural, and like something they’d actually choose to share. My job is to hold both of those truths at the same time.
The art is in blending those worlds. Creating images that feel intentional and elevated, but still relaxed and real. Photos that work just as well framed on a wall as they do living on a phone screen. That balance is where the senior photo experience really comes together.
Why Not Every Image Is Meant to Look the Same
One of the things I’ve learned over the years is that not every image is meant to appeal to everyone. That doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It just means it was created with intention.
I once had another photographer look through my site and tell me she didn’t like a feature image I had chosen for a blog post. What made that moment interesting wasn’t the feedback itself, but the fact that the image she disliked was consistently a client favorite. That contrast said more than either opinion on its own ever could.
Photography is subjective. Taste matters. Style matters. Some work is clean and traditional. Some is minimal. Some leans artistic, expressive, or mood-driven. None of those approaches are inherently better than the others. They’re simply different languages.
My goal has never been to make images that blend in or check every possible box. It’s to create work that feels thoughtful, intentional, and aligned with the people I’m photographing. Seniors respond to that honesty. Parents appreciate the care behind it. And when both feel seen in the process, the images land the way they’re meant to.
Style, Intention, and Collaboration
Like every photographer, I have a style. I’m drawn to true-to-life skin tones with intentional pops of color. I love strong lines, open spaces, vast skies, and images that have depth you can almost feel. Those preferences show up consistently in my work, and they’re a big part of why people choose to book me.
At the same time, style isn’t about rigidity. Senior photos aren’t meant to be a one-way creative exercise. They’re a collaboration. I welcome ideas, inspiration, and input from seniors and their families. If there’s something you’re excited about, I want to hear it. And if there’s a look or concept that doesn’t align with how I work, I’ll be honest about that too.
That honesty matters. If I don’t think I can execute a certain style well, I’ll tell you upfront rather than forcing something that doesn’t feel authentic to either of us. The goal isn’t to recreate someone else’s work. It’s to create images that feel intentional, personal, and well done.
At the end of the day, these photos belong to you just as much as they belong to me. My role is to bring my experience, perspective, and artistic eye to the table while making space for collaboration. That balance is where the best work happens.
Final Thoughts
The senior photo experience should feel intentional, personal, and collaborative. It should reflect who your senior is right now while still creating images that hold up years from now. That balance comes from trust, communication, and a shared understanding that photography is both craft and art.
I bring my style, experience, and artistic perspective into every session, but I never forget that these images are meant to belong to you. The best work happens when seniors feel seen, parents feel confident, and the process leaves room for collaboration instead of formulas.
If you’re looking for senior photos that feel thoughtful, expressive, and true to this season of life, I’d love to help create something that feels like it fits.
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