Senior year is one of life’s biggest milestones, and your senior portraits should reflect who you are during this exciting season of life.


One of my favorite parts of planning a senior session happens long before I ever pick up my camera.


It’s choosing the location.


The right backdrop isn’t just a beautiful place—it helps tell your story. Whether you’re drawn to historic downtown streets, peaceful lakeside views, wide open fields, or towering trees, your location helps create images that feel authentic and personal.


After photographing seniors throughout Central Texas for nearly 20 years, I’ve found that the best sessions are the ones that feel relaxed, natural, and completely unique to each student.


Downtown Charm


If you’re drawn to city life, downtown locations are always one of my favorite places to photograph.


Historic buildings, brick streets, colorful doors, textured walls, staircases, alleyways, and unique architectural details create a timeless look that never goes out of style.


Downtown Georgetown, Salado, Belton, and Temple all offer beautiful character, and each has its own personality. One block may feel modern and sophisticated, while the next has historic charm and beautiful natural light.


These locations are perfect for seniors who want something stylish, classic, and a little different.


A downtown setting pairs beautifully with:


  • A dressier outfit
  • Jeans and a favorite jacket
  • Boots or sneakers
  • A college T-shirt or letter jacket


Water & Natural Beauty


If you’re someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, a lakeside or creek location may be the perfect fit.


Central Texas offers beautiful shoreline views, quiet walking paths, and peaceful natural scenery that creates a relaxed and timeless feel.


One of the things I love most about waterside sessions is how calm everything feels. The reflections, soft breeze, and open skies create photographs that never feel overly posed.


These locations become even more beautiful as the sun begins to set.


Trees, Greenery & Open Fields


Natural landscapes never go out of style.


Large oak trees, winding walking trails, tall grasses, open fields, and beautiful greenery create a timeless backdrop that keeps the focus exactly where it belongs—on you.


One of my favorite things about these locations is how much variety they offer. Within a short walk, we can often photograph under large trees, beside open fields, along walking paths, and wherever the light is filtering through the leaves.


The scenery changes naturally throughout the session without feeling forced.


Why I Love Combining Locations


One thing I often recommend is choosing two nearby locations instead of just one.


For example, we may begin downtown where we can capture beautiful architectural details and a dressier look. Then, as the evening progresses, we’ll head to a nearby park, open field, or lakeside location to finish your session surrounded by nature.


It gives your gallery incredible variety without spending your session driving from place to place.


Many people are surprised to learn just how many different looks we can create within a relatively small area.


Golden Hour Is My Favorite


If you’ve followed my photography for very long, you probably already know my answer when someone asks my favorite time to photograph.


I’m a sunset girl.


There is just something about golden hour that never gets old.


The warm sunlight filtering through the trees, the soft glow around my clients, and those last few minutes before the sun slips below the horizon create some of my favorite images every single time.


That beautiful Texas sunset light has a way of making everything feel softer, warmer, and timeless.


It’s the kind of light I find myself chasing over and over again.


Planning Your Outfits


One of the easiest ways to create a gallery with lots of variety is by bringing several outfits.


I typically recommend three to five outfit changes, depending on the length of your session.


Some ideas include:


  • A casual everyday outfit
  • Something a little dressier
  • A college T-shirt or sweatshirt
  • A sports, cheer, dance, or band uniform
  • Boots, a favorite hat, or clothing that reflects your personality


Each outfit tells a different part of your story and gives your gallery a fresh look without changing who you are.


Bring a Few Personal Touches


Some of my favorite photographs include something that’s meaningful to my seniors.


Think about bringing something that reflects this season of your life.


Ideas include:


  • Your favorite book
  • A guitar or musical instrument
  • Sports equipment
  • Dance shoes
  • Cheer uniform
  • Letter jacket
  • Cap and gown
  • College T-shirt
  • Your first car or truck
  • Even your dog


These little details often become some of the most meaningful photographs in your gallery because they tell your story.


Let’s Plan Your Session Together


One of the things I enjoy most is helping seniors plan their session before photo day ever arrives.


We’ll talk about your personality, hobbies, favorite colors, and the overall style you’re hoping to achieve.


Some seniors love the energy of a downtown setting with beautiful architecture and city streets.


Others picture themselves surrounded by trees, open fields, or standing beside the lake as the sun begins to set.


There isn’t one perfect location.


There’s simply the location that feels the most like you.


Together we’ll create a session that reflects your personality and celebrates this once-in-a-lifetime milestone.


A Note from Kim


One of my favorite parts of photographing seniors isn’t actually taking the pictures—it’s getting to know each student before the session ever begins.


I love hearing about your plans after graduation, the activities you’ve been involved in, your favorite places, and what makes you…you. Those conversations help me create a session that feels personal instead of posed.


Some seniors are quiet and reserved. Others are outgoing and full of energy. Some have known exactly what they want since freshman year, while others are still figuring out what comes next. Every one of those stories deserves to be celebrated.


When we plan your session together, my goal is to create more than a beautiful gallery. I want to capture your personality, your confidence, and this exciting season of life in a way that feels genuine.


Years from now, I hope these photographs remind you not only of what you looked like during your senior year, but also of who you were, the dreams you had, the excitement of what was ahead, and the people who supported you along the way.


It’s truly an honor to be a small part of such an important milestone, and I look forward to helping you create images you’ll treasure for years to come.


Frequently Asked Questions


How far in advance should I book my senior session?


I recommend booking your senior session two to three months in advance, especially if you’re hoping for a fall date. Fall is one of the busiest seasons for senior portraits, and booking early gives you the best selection of dates and locations.


How many outfits should I bring?


For most sessions, I recommend bringing three to five outfits. This gives your gallery plenty of variety while allowing enough time to enjoy the session without feeling rushed.


Can we visit more than one location?


Absolutely! Many of my senior sessions include two nearby locations. We may begin in a downtown setting and finish at a nearby park, open field, or lakeside location during golden hour. It creates a beautiful variety of images while making the most of our time together.


What time of day is best for senior portraits?


My favorite time to photograph is during golden hour, the last hour before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering.


Sunrise sessions can also be beautiful. They’re cooler, quieter, and perfect for creating a peaceful, natural look.


What if it rains?


Texas weather can certainly keep us guessing! If rain is in the forecast, we’ll simply reschedule for the next available date that works for both of us. My goal is always to give you the best experience possible, and that includes photographing your session under the best lighting and weather conditions.


Can I bring my pet?


Absolutely! If your dog (or another well-behaved pet) is an important part of your life, I’d love to include them in a few photographs. Just let me know ahead of time so we can choose a pet-friendly location and plan accordingly.


What should I bring besides my outfits?


I recommend bringing comfortable shoes for walking between locations, water, a brush or comb, lip gloss for touch-ups, and any meaningful accessories you’d like to include in your photographs.


How long does a senior session last?


Most senior sessions last about one and a half to two hours, giving us plenty of time for outfit changes, exploring the location, and capturing a variety of natural, relaxed images.


Ready to Start Planning?


Senior year only happens once, and your portraits should be just as unique as you are.


Whether you envision downtown architecture, peaceful lakeside views, beautiful parks, or the warm glow of a Central Texas sunset, I’d love to help create a session that reflects your personality and tells your story.


If you’re ready to begin planning your senior portraits, I’d love to hear from you. Together we’ll choose the perfect location, the best light, and create images you’ll treasure for years to come.