Ideas for Outdoor Senior Portraits by the Water | Chandler Professional Photographer

Smiles for Miles: Unique Photo Ideas for Outgoing Clients

A graduate from Casteel High School in Queen Creek, Arizona, Bryn has plenty of memories to keepsake—all while she’s making exciting plans for what’s right around the corner. She’s a swimmer, so right off the bat, she was excited about getting some great shots in her team suit. With the lovely waves in her long hair, I just had to add some waves of my own to the pic to complement her entire look. You’ll notice this theme throughout her shoot, however: Nothing can beat her thousand-watt smile!

A Gazillion Looks, One Amazing Personality

When I tell clients to bring several changes of clothes and outfit options to their photo shoots, I’m serious. Lots of times, they don’t know exactly what will photograph well or look good on them for pictures, so I’m always there to help out. But let me tell you, Bryn knew exactly what worked for her—and she had a wide range of styles to prove it!

From athletic swimmer to feminine and relaxed by the waterside, Bryn pulled off every single look she went for! These photos of her by the water’s edge capture her carefree and laid-back personality, adding a softer tone to her portrait collection.

Notice her selective choice in accessories. She’s barefoot and chose a single necklace and dangly earrings to offset the flowy white dress. This effectively made her the star of the show—exactly as it should be!

Edgy Style & Cozy Comfort

Did I tell you this girl can pull of any look?! This girl can pull off ANY look! I was holding my breath to see what she’d pull out of her fashion collection next.

She looked cozy-comfy in a fluffy pink pullover (courtesy of the Style Closet) , and then she turned on a dime and rocked an edgy nighttime-under-the-lights look in dark denim paired with a leather jacket. Notice she’s still all smiles, even during the slightly-sassy over-the-shoulder jacket toss?

I try to mix up clients’ serious faces with their smiling faces, but with Bryn, it was natural for her to smile in all of her shots. Serious just didn’t look right on her, so we decided together to go with what suited her personality and style. And this beautiful girl ended up with an entire collection of photos that simply look like “her.” That makes my professional photographer heart happy.

Prom Night Memories

During one of her outfit changes, this lovely girl pulled out one of the most gorgeous prom dresses I’ve ever seen. Its striking navy blue color was accentuated by layers of ruffles and an embellished bodice—all of which brought attention to her glowing face and hair. Of course, a bokeh-style photo sequence was in order, and I allowed the twinkling nighttime lights to gently fade into the background, ensuring the focus was on Bryn.

Prom is one of the most impactful high school memories for many grads, and even though Covid may have taken its toll on many over the past couple of years, creative clients and photographers have found fun ways to work together to ensure this special moment still gets captured as a memory. And once again…parking lot for the win! I bet you wouldn’t have guessed that!

Into the Sunset

A toss of the graduation cap is a must for most grads, and for positive, future-focused Bryn we made this moment happen—along with some photos to make sure the memory lasts forever. She walked right into a gorgeous sunset as she tossed her cap high to celebrate her accomplishment.

Described as bubbly and friendly by those who know her best, Bryn says that in her free time, she usually chooses to read a good book, watch movies, or hang out with friends. She loves to go on walks, and she plays the piano. A lover of rom com and Marvel, you might also find her cozying up in front of the TV with a chocolatey snack and her favorite movie.

Life Update

I reached out to Bryn to see what she was up to these days, since she has returned from her mission. Here’s her update:

After I got home from my mission to Perú, I moved up to Provo, UT. I did a few semesters and then took a little break, so I’m just working full time right now. I’ll be going to UVU in the fall and I’m thinking I’ll major in Spanish. I’m training for a triathlon which has been really fun! I’ve been able to meet a lot of really cool people and make some awesome life long friends! It hasn’t been too long since I graduated but it has been a roller coaster to say the least! I’m excited to see what the next little bit has in store!

Bryn Anderson

I always love hearing from my seniors, even years after graduation. It’s so fun to hear about all their experiences, travels, and college adventures. And I know Bryn will just keep going!

Hey Seniors…

We’ve just opened the calendar for graduating Class of 2025! It’s never too early to start planning for your senior photoshoot! Keep following the blog to get tons of great ideas, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest with the latest and greatest ideas for your senior pictures!

You only get to do this once, so let’s make it count! If you get stuck or need opinions just reach out to me…I have enough ideas for both of us, I promise! Ready to get started? Contact me and we’ll get you on the calendar, or download the FREE Senior Client Welcome Guide for answers to many common questions.