Character | Naperville Senior Photographer

There is something I love about senior sessions that mix different looks and locations because it gives seniors a chance to show different sides of who they are. One outfit. One location. One vibe. That is fine too. But when we can build variety into a session? I am always here for it. Being a Naperville senior photographer, I can pull locations from all over the western side of Chicago. For this senior session, we mixed a little urban feel with some fall color, and it worked so well together.

We started with cleaner architectural lines and city textures. Concrete columns, leading lines, and a simple outfit choice that felt relaxed and natural. I say this all the time, but less can absolutely be more. A great smile and confidence will always matter more than trying too hard.

Then we switched it up. to more attitude and color. One thing I always encourage is bringing options that feel like YOU. Not what Pinterest says. Not what Instagram says. You. The colorful wall gave us something completely different. More personality. More energy. A totally different feel without changing who she was.

 

When we go with an urban setting, there are lots of options. Brick walls are everywhere, but I love this particular wall with the inset which makes for a great frame within the picture.

 

While the setting does matter and helps tell a story or show a personality, I want my senior pictures to be about the senior. When you get down to it, its the face that matters most.

 

I know we live in Illinois and our weather likes to keep us guessing, but when autumn decides to cooperate, it is hard to beat. Soft color. Warm light. That dreamy look where everything feels calm and a little cinematic. This senior wanted the best of both worlds – a cool, edgy urban setting, but also something that showed off the beautiful fall colors.

Senior year is weird. Exciting. Busy. A little emotional. It is this strange season where teenagers are standing right in between childhood and whatever comes next. Senior portraits are about more than yearbook pictures. They are documenting who someone is right now. I want seniors to leave their session feeling good. Comfortable. Seen. Like themselves. The pictures matter, obviously. But how people feel during the experience matters too.

And when we can create both? That is the sweet spot.