Ideas for Outdoor Senior Pictures
If you haven’t noticed, Arizona has some beautiful locations for senior pictures in the East Valley. One of my Class of 2020 graduates is Marissa from from Red Mountain High School. She competed in both high school and club dive, and I just got an update from her about life since graduation. She is currently studying nursing at at Colorado Mesa University!
I just finished my first semester of nursing school and I’m loving it! I’m about to start my second semester of nursing school and my sixth semester of college at CMU. I’m loving my life and can’t wait to be a nurse!
You’ll be able to tell from her pictures, but Marissa is just oozing with personality…giggles, serious, smiles, dancing, goofy, she does it all and is absolutely beautiful!
Wearing Hats for Senior Portraits
I’m a hat lover, not necessarily for myself every day, but for senior portraits? Definitely! But you’d be surprised how many girls are so against wearing hats for their session, and Marissa was no different. I’m really not sure why because not only does it give you additional looks, it’s a fun way to bring extra fashion and variety to your senior pictures! Sometimes you wear the hat, sometimes you carry it, and sometimes it just sits next you. Despite saying that she did not like hats, Marissa ended up loving many of her final images with hats. Can you blame her? Both the cute off-the-shoulder outfit and hat are from the exclusive Style Closet, which is available for all my clients.
Confetti and Glitter
My senior girls LOVE pulling out the glitter for senior pictures! But glitter is messy, so confetti is a much better option. We always place plastic on the ground to make cleanup easier too. Can we talk about this great senior picture location though? It is actually just off the side of the road, but it really makes for a beautiful desert background.
Pro Tip: Lay plastic on the ground when using confetti to make clean up easier. And please, NEVER just leave confetti on the ground!!
Bring the Balloons
Balloons are definitely trending with graduates, whether it’s your age or your graduating class! Many of them are turning 18 and choose to bring mylar balloons while others choose to bring balloons that match their graduating class year. Keeping the balloons straight can be a challenge though, so we made sure to tape them together.
Pro Tip: Use shipping tape in a loop to keep the balloons from spinning. Consider holding the balloons, like Marissa did, for another look too!
Senior Pictures at Night
One of the newest additions to our sessions is the ability to shoot after dark. Our senior portrait sessions used to finish around sunset, but now if you choose an After Dark session we’ll continue shooting and get some gorgeous night time shots to add to your gallery! Below you’ll see two of my favorite hats, both available to borrow from my Style Closet. Sometimes she’s wearing it, other times sometimes she’s carrying it, and both work beautifully.
Ideas for Unique Senior Pictures
- Bring hats or borrow some from the Style Closet
- Senior pictures at night give you a whole new look
- Use balloons to celebrate a birthday or graduation
I love the idea of hats! You can do so much with them, even when you’re not wearing them! Love the balloons too!
Right?!?! Love hats so much, and I have way too many, but I can’t help myself!
Cool post. I love how you used examples not just words to go with each idea. Great work to boot.
Thanks Samantha! I try so hard to explain what I’m thinking so hopefully my clients will understand.
YES! Night photos! SO often night photos are overlooked! Colorful lights make such a great backdrop! Love ’em!
Thanks Mette! We have so much fun at night with our senior picutres!
Hats are always a favorite of mine! Great suggestions for senior girls to think about!
Thanks Brandi! I always bring hats even if they tell me not to!
Love all the ideas and tips that you have! Great night shots, and I’m a hat lover as well!
Ha ha, looks like we have a huge group of hat lovers around here! But they’re so fun, how can you not love them!
Great way to showcase hats!!
Thank you Amanda!
I can see why you are the Red Mountain Mesa AZ senior portrait photographer to choose! I love these ideas that you have shared!
Thanks Jeanine! I’m glad you found these ideas helpful!
Oh Michelle, these hat photos are stunning! I hope lots of young people search for the best Red Mountain Mesa AZ senior portrait photographer and see these ideas. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for your kind words! I’ve had quite a few graduates from Red Mountain High School this year! Great group of teenagers, so I hope I get more!
You give the best ideas for outdoor senior pictures in Mesa. I love that you’re in touch with your past senior clients and check in on how they are doing. Such a special bond!
Jodi, thanks so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it!
Omg these are great! I lived in Arizona for a small amount of time and I can so agree that they do have some great locations to shoot! Adding hats are a favorite of mine as well and seniors love them after they see how it added to their overall look!
I didn’t know you used to live here, Shunta! Maybe you recognized some of these pretty locations for senior pictures!
Night photography is one of my favorites and can really make a senior pop off the backdrop unlike any other and hats are a must at every session, I have quite a few in my client closet just for this reason! I so wish I lived in Arizona, I am dying to do a shoot in Sedona one of these days!
Ohhhh, when we come here let me know and we’ll go play!! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
What a gorgeous senior session that shows off her true self. Your Pro-Tips were so helpful! Stunning senior photos as always!
Thanks so much Jody! Your sweet comments make me smile! 🙂