Quick-Take Graduation Photos: All the Fun in a Fraction of the Time
Senior year is a busy time—for students and parents! It’s easy to lose track with all the extra activities, and all too often time gets away from us. We’ve all experienced those “Yikes!” moments when we’re triple-booked and can’t seem to get through our to-do lists! Welcome the Quick Take session, which gives you an affordable option for senior portraits.
Sometimes, a 4-hour photo shoot isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, and that’s where flexibility comes in really handy! While many grads love spending hours glamming it up at a variety of locations, there are times when a quicker, single-location shoot is in order. Why? Maybe there are time constraints, or it could be simply that the client has a very specific look and style in mind which can be captured without a lot of wardrobe changes and moving around.
Whatever the reason, Quick Take sessions are just as fun and enjoyable as full-length sessions. You’ll still get the same fully retouched images with excellent attention to detail. They simply take less time.
Abby’s Quick Take Session
Abby’s session is the perfect example of how we were able to put together the perfect senior picture portrait package for her and her family—in a fraction of the time that’s usually spent on a shoot. Here’s what we did:
- The client meeting. Just like with every client, I prefer to get to know you before you step in front of the camera. Rather than meeting in person, we talk via Zoom, phone, or text to get you prepped for your senior pictures. This part is especially important if you know your clients want to shoot at a single location. If you’re not driving to multiple locations, it’s crucial to make sure your client loves the vibe of the photo shoot location.
- Wardrobe chat. Just like deciding on the location, Abby needed to narrow down her outfit choices. Since Quick Take sessions are more limited on time, usually one or two outfit changes are ideal. Luckily, Abby’s sense of fashion and casual style lent themselves perfectly to a shorter photo shoot. You’ll have just 2 looks, so then you can either choose 2 different outfits or 1 outfit plus your cap & gown.
- Hair and makeup rundown. No matter how long or short your photo shoot is, hair and makeup are essential to pulling off amazing senior pictures! With an entire “look” already in her mind’s eye, Abby was able to convey her waterside chic ideas to me, and I knew she’d show up with a pulled-together look that would shine in every photograph.
Senior Portraits by the Water
This girl knew exactly what she was looking for! With natural senior photos on her mind, the East Mesa location I use for these sessions was perfect! It was practically in our own backyards, and she already had a lovely dress and natural-style romper that fit into the scenery almost magically.

Beauty & Variety at Eastmark
Eastmark, near the border of East Mesa and Queen Creek, is a large community area that’s bursting at the seams with gorgeous park areas, winding scenic paths, and plenty of water settings. It’s perfect for all those reasons, and, because it’s so large and diverse, none of the photos I take there ever look the same!
Outfit Styling to Match the Scene
Abby styled her hair in loose waves and chose natural makeup for a look that complemented the location as well as her personality. She showed up for her shoot with her nails freshly done and just enough accessories to pop, but not take any of the attention off her gorgeous face. Talk about pulling it all together like a pro!

Casual sandals completed the look, but of course, we had to grab a couple of pics with bare feet, too.
Of course we had to get some cap and gown photos to commemorate Abby’s major achievement. A graduate from Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, Arizona, Abby is just getting started on carving our her future, and her excitement showed as she proudly displayed her grad tassel along with a winning smile of accomplishment.

True to the Quick Take session format, we were finished with her shoot in about 20 minutes, and Abby ended up with gorgeous senior photos to show off and share with friends and family. It was the portrait package she’d planned with the look she was going for, and it barely crunched their schedule! And don’t worry if you love more than 5 pictures…you can add additional digital images like Abby did, to include your cap & gown!
Do you have big ideas for your senior pictures? Is your schedule already jam-packed with senior year activities and antics? Feel like there’s NO WAY to cram one more thing into your busy schedule? Understandable! After having two of my own kiddos graduate from high school, I get it.
If you’re busy or if you simply just know what you want, a Quick Take photo shoot may be the right thing for you! Be sure to reach out for more information to get on the schedule.
I love these natural senior photos and the fact you were able to get so many gorgeous images in 30 minutes is amazing! I’m sure your time crunched clients will really appreciate this option!
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Brandi! Seniors can have very busy schedules, so this is a very popular option for senior pictures now!
Love your Natural Senior Pictures for Campo Verde High School Seniors! These Quick Take Sessions are a great idea and I can see you still fully meet your clients needs and wants. Abby looks fabulous! Love your Chandler senior portraits!
Hi Jeanine, I really appreciate you taking a moment to comment on these shorter senior portrait sessions. Most people want all the bells and whistles, but these Quick Takes are very popular as graduation gets closer!
You outlined this as such a perfect example of getting a quick easy and great senior session done in such a great time frame. I am loving her in that brown dress for her first part of the shoot! She looks great in all her outfits. With such busy schedules this is a great way to go if needed.
I love these shorter sessions…it means I get to serve more families and meet more seniors! Thanks so much for commenting Shunta!