While some graduating seniors look forward to having senior portraits made, others try to avoid it and secretly hope their mom will forget the session is booked. However, no matter their feelings about having senior portrait taken, one thing is the same: they love including personal mementos. Perhaps it’s because they think the camera won’t be focused solely on them. They can relax a bit. The pressure is off. That’s partially true, but I know it’s because those special items have brought them comfort, solace, and possibly recognition at some point in their lives. Even though graduates are excited and ready for the new adventures awaiting them, they know this season of life is ending. Bringing special items to their session will ensure those fond memories and accomplishments will be captured for all times. I encourage my clients to bring such things with them to a session because I love to hear their stories and because I know genuine smiles and emotions will be revealed through the lens. In this blog post, I’ve highlighted ten ways my seniors have personalized their sessions. I hope you enjoy reading about their great ideas as much as I enjoyed photographing them!

1. Souvenirs

   This is a great way to document your travels and share your adventures with those who couldn’t travel with you. Josh brought a suitcase full of souvenirs from his travels overseas to his senior session. I enjoyed watching him carefully arrange them while he told me about each one.

2. Musical Instruments

Many hours of lessons and practice are documented when you bring your instrument to your session. Alisa loves her violin almost as much as she loves classical literature, so photographing her violin amongst her favorite authors was the perfect setting. While a drum set may not be as easy to transport to a session as violin, the effort is totally worth it. Spencer’s passion for all things musical made for a fun photo shoot where his talents were on full display.

3. Books

Harper Lee once stated, “The book to read is not the one that thinks for you, but the one which makes you think.” Rachel is a recent college graduate who definitely wanted a photograph with a textbook that made her think for many, many hours. Knowing her happy place is being surrounded by books, Megan chose her favorite bookstore as the location for her senior session.

4. Toys

Whether it’s a cuddly stuffed animal, a model car, or a train set from childhood, toys add a fun dimension to your senior session. Maybe you enjoy the challenge of mastering the yo-yo or the Rubik’s cube…action shots are always a hit.

5. Pets

The love and connection between Alana and her beloved German Shepherd, Sunny, was absolutely heart warming. Sunny knew the purpose of this time at the park and showed up ready to pose. I like to make sure we have a helper come along for when the pet is tired of posing and ready to chase a squirrel or take a nap. A little extra planning is required for these sessions, but so worth it in the end.

6. Details

Focusing on a special piece of jewelry such as a class ring or an heirloom watch is a simple way to personalize your session.

7. Awards

Medals, trophies, certificates, diplomas…the list of awards can include anything you see as a recognition of achievement in your life. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished in this season. You may not always have the space or desire to display your awards, but you’ll always have a picture to look back upon with gratitude.

8. Sentimental Clothing

Represent your team colors, school spirit or a club membership to show your individuality. Wardrobe changes are an easy way to memorialize items that will probably end up in the attic. A framed image will be a lasting reminder of the memories and dedication you put into your school activities.

9. A Journal

For some seniors, journaling has been an important priority in their lives. Allow the camera to catch a glimpse into these private moments where you inscribed feelings, goals, and dreams on your journey toward adulthood.

10. Signature Items

Are you known for your love of coffee, your style of fashion, a hobby, a special interest, etc….? Bring “it” (or something that represents “it”) to your session. Haliegh’s eclectic fashion sense, Amy’s love of coffee, and Joel’s humorous inclusion of a pineapple definitely set their sessions apart!

I know there’s an endless number of possibilities to help personalize your senior session, but maybe one of these sparked an idea for your own session. I’d love to hear other ways to personalize a senior session. Feel free to share your ideas by leaving a comment below.