Fun Ideas for Urban Senior Pictures in Phoenix | Arizona Photographer

Ideas for Your Senior Pictures

From hippie to chic, glamour to grunge, this girl has it all!!  Mercy and I met just after she finished her junior year at Red Mountain High School. She was one of my models for a fun photo shoot in Downtown Gilbert, so I knew she’d have a ton of great ideas! The best part is that she’s not afraid to just go for it…she’s in 100% no matter what I ask her to do! The result? Awesome senior pictures that truly show off her crazy fun and carefree personality!

Graduation pictures with personality

So yeah, cap & gown graduation pictures can be boring.  Yeah, we shot a few of the standard cap & gown pictures…but this, this here, shows Mercy’s personality so much better!  And it wasn’t posed or planned, we were in between shots and she was just being goofy. But as a professional photographer my job is to always be ready to catch just the right moment and it quickly because one of my favorite graduation pictures ever!

Style Closet Accessories and Props

I’ve had a Style Closet for years, but one of my favorite props is this antique phone.Luckily Mercy loves it as much as I do, so it was definitely on her “must have” list for senior pictures!  Another fun accessory from the Style Closet is this headband that can be used as many different accessories!  

Notice that choker?  It’s the same accessory as we used with the antique phone and dress images above, but used differently for this amazing close up!  All of these were taken near Heritage Square, which is a really great location for senior pictures in Phoenix!

Talk about a versatile accessory!!!  It goes from a headband to a choker to a belt, and looks great no matter how you wear it!!! It worked great as a headband, belt, and choker for Mercy, but it also makes a cute bracelet or anklet too.

Bring Your Prom Dress for Senior Pictures

I love it when my girls bring prom or homecoming dresses!  This one here is a little more special because it was a $20 Goodwill dress that Mercy and her mom updated.  Isn’t it absolutely gorgeous?!?!

Handmade Floral Crown

I’ve mentioned how creative Mercy is, so it was no surprise when she came with this amazing floral crown and handmade dress! While the location wasn’t anything special, when I saw these flowers I knew they’d be perfect! So while everyone else headed on to the next location, Mercy and I stayed back for just a few more shots.

Often I match outfits to locations, but in this case, Mercy wanted a complete contrast. So while she was in her beautiful floral dress, we chose an urban background with lots of buildings.

Both of these images were taken within a few minutes of each other, but by varying my settings and lighting you’ll get completely different looks.

Variety is the Key to Amazing Senior Pictures

I don’t know how long Mercy’s session was, but it was a blast!!! When we go out on location, the experience is meant to be as amazing as the pictures! We’re making memories as well as capturing them, and hoping to bring a lot of variety to your session. Mercy easily went from one look to another with the help of our mobile changing room, giving her a wonderful gallery filled with variety!  In just a couple hours we went from the Rosson House to the parking structure to the streets of Phoenix and more! By choosing the Platinum Senior Portrait Session, we had plenty of time for outfit and location changes.

FREEDOM!!!

So this is one of my favorites, like all-time favorites ever!!!  I love Mercy’s free spirit!  When I told her to dance and let loose on the streets of Downtown Phoenix, she didn’t even hesitate!  The overalls, the colorful tie dye top, and the sunglasses coupled with the sun flare just scream summer, freedom, and probably not adulthood.  Which is just fine with me because adulting is overrated anyway! Doesn’t it just make you want to smile?!?!

Ideas for your senior pictures:

• Prom or homecoming outfits
• Sunglasses
• Wedges (LOVE her shoes!!!)
• Cap, gown, tassel, and diploma cover:  If you don’t have them, borrow them from someone who has already graduated!
• Simple clothing:  That basic dress lets us focus on her, not her clothing…even though she rocked it no matter what outfit she was wearing!

What not to bring:

Anxiety!!! Seriously, try not to be nervous!  I’ll take care of the posing and technical stuff, and you just be your amazing self!  While some of my suggestions may seem strange, there is always logic behind the craziness, and the results can be truly amazing! If something doesn’t work, no worries! We’ll just try something else!

Want to see more sessions in Downtown Phoenix?

I don’t blame you! It’s a great location with so many options, make sure to check out these photo shoots too!

Prescott’s Senior Pictures at Herberger Theater
Tally’s Senior Portrait Session in Downtown Phoenix