Dreaming Out Loud…In Vibrant Color & Elegant Style
Senior year does not have to look traditional to be worth celebrating in a big way.
Rae’s senior portraits were the perfect example. As a Primavera Online High School graduate, she had her own timeline, her own style, and a whole list of creative ideas she wanted to bring to life. Instead of doing one basic cap and gown session, we planned senior pictures that felt bold, colorful, glam, and completely Rae.

From a ’50s-inspired diner shoot to water portraits, stylish outfits, a sports car, nighttime city lights, and photos with her mom, Rae’s senior session was proof that online high school grads can have the full senior portrait experience — and then some.
Senior Pictures Both Teens and Parents Can Get Excited About
You know parents and teens always show up in my office in complete agreement about senior pictures, right? KIDDING! Most of the time, there is compromise and give and take so that everyone ends up happy with the outcome. It’s perfectly normal, because moms and dads see their grads as the kiddos who used to dump dry cereal over their heads on Saturday mornings; while teens see themselves as young adults ready to burst onto a scene of adventure and freedom. (There’s a bit of a dichotomy we have to overcome!)
If I didn’t tell you, you probably wouldn’t even notice, but in Rae’s diner pics, she’s wearing braces. In her second session, she’s not. Wait, what?! First of all, you don’t notice because this girl would be gorgeous wearing a paper sack! But she and Mom had a different perspective on the timing of her photos. That’s because Rae absolutely loved her braces and wanted to remember how she looked in them. And Mom was super excited to capture photos of Rae after her braces came off. We just did both!
That’s the thing about working one-on-one with your senior photographer. We can talk through the ideas, the timing, the outfits, the locations, and the little details that matter to both Mom and senior. Whether your teen is graduating from Primavera Online High School, a traditional school, a charter school, or another online program, the goal is the same: senior pictures that feel like them and still give you the milestone portraits you’ll treasure.
Glam Senior Pictures in the Great Outdoors
For her second photo shoot, Rae glammed things up! This time, we took things outside, and after donning a light pink chiffon gown with a sequined bodice, Rae dipped her toes in the water. There’s something absolutely beautiful about the combination of glam contrasted with the natural beauty of a running stream. For Rae, this setting captured her laid-back, carefree style and her gorgeous laugh.

Outfits, Props, and Personal Style
When I say this girl has an eye for outfits and looks that really work together, I mean it! Rae had outfit after outfit that she expertly pulled together to work with her hair and make-up, and she pulled off every single one.
For online high school seniors, outfits and locations can help tell the story when there isn’t one specific campus or school setting that defines the experience. Rae’s session had variety without feeling random because every look connected back to her personality, her confidence, and the creative style she wanted for her senior pictures.
With a few fun props and her down-to-the-last-detail hair and nails, she went from dreamy waterside splashes to seriously sassy and classy, pairing her serious look with a casual lean on a sports car. Notice how we paired the different shades of green! Even though they’re not the same, they work well together and serve Rae’s bold style well. Of course, sunglasses were a must for this supercharged photo.

Gorgeous in Green
Nighttime photos were a must for Rae—especially after I saw the way she rocked this emerald green dress. As the sun went down, I was able to pull in the twinkling background lights, which added even more atmosphere. Rae’s selection of nude, strappy heels, glamorous up-do, and a single gold-toned necklace let all the focus fall on her fabulous wardrobe choice and her beautiful expressions.

Going Casual for the Wrap-Up
There’s no look this girl can’t pull off! From glam and dressy to casual and modern in denim, Rae’s fashion game is always on point. At the end of the evening, she rocked faded and ripped denim with a cropped hoodie to show off her laid-back urban style.

When you’ve got style, personality, and confidence to match, you’re already photo-shoot ready! It was a joy to work with Rae and her family, and I can’t wait to hear what Rae does after graduation.
Celebrating the Primavera Graduate Behind the Photos
She says her greatest accomplishment is graduating early. She’s planning to study to become a midwife, and trust me, it will happen. This is a determined, smart, and motivated young lady. She loves singing, reading, writing, and taking pictures. A self-confessed dreamer, Rae is loving, kind, and blunt—and looking forward to a bright future.
Her advice for incoming freshmen is to never let anyone else determine who you are or what you can be. Rae is wise beyond her years, funnier than you’d believe, and gorgeous inside and out! She is on her way to doing great things.
Yes, Mom Can Be Part of the Senior Session
Between hair touchups and outfit changes, we captured a combination of looks Rae was going for. But there’s one person we couldn’t have done it without! The moral support (and laugh-inducing encouragement) of her mom—were invaluable, so of course, Rae’s final portrait package included a photo of mom and daughter enjoying a candid moment together.
I love it when parents want to participate in senior picture photo shoots! Why? Because even though most parents decline at first, it ends up being a favorite photo! Mom and Dad, you’re welcome and encouraged to tag along during our adventures! You guys are great moral support, plus your kiddos usually love it when you help them with wardrobe changes and things like emergency lip gloss applications.
Interested in seeing what your senior session could look like? Go watch Rae’s senior video!

Let’s Plan Your Primavera Online High School Senior Pictures
Hey, Mom! Got a Primavera Online High School senior and not sure where to start? Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered!
Whether your teen wants glam outfits, cap and gown portraits, water photos, city lights, a favorite car, or something totally different, we’ll plan a senior session that feels fun, polished, and completely customized around who they are.
Ready to get started? The Senior Client Welcome Guide for session details, pricing options, and everything you need to start planning senior pictures your teen will love.
Keep the Ideas Coming…
Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite locations, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!
Got a few more tabs open? Hey, me too! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:
→ What to Wear for Senior Pictures
→ Best Places to Take Senior Pictures in Arizona
→ Book Your Senior Portrait Session
10 Responses
I really like your willingness to do multiple shoots to capture both a parents ideas and also the seniors. You also bring up some good points as to why you it is important to hire a professional photographer and communicate your vision with them.
Hey Keith! Thanks for your comments! I always remind my parents that I want everyone to be happy so I shoot the ones I know Mom will love, but also take the edgy shots that the senior wants too!
I love this girl’s glam style for her senior photos! And that last image of her and her mama is so precious! That is one mom will cherish forever!
Can you believe Mom didn’t want me to take that photo? And yes, of course it is one of her favorites! Love it when I can get mom and dad in the picture too!
It is always a good idea for mom to jump in a picture!
Hey Brandi! I know this was an old post, but it’s definitely a good reminder!
I love this girls happiness, and laughter- and her ability to enjoy both sessions! you are 100% right, I never noticed the braces, but I am so proud of a teenager willing to love all the stages she is in- what an amazing role model! I can tell by her energy that the world is her Oyster, and she will make her dreams come true! Such amazing senior photos to capture this time in her life- and for mom too!
I love her, and her whole family! I love it when my seniors book early because I really get to them well over the course of their senior year!
This senior photo shoot is stunning! You can feel her spunk and her mama’s love so vividly in these photos. That glam in the green is stunning, they all are but WOW!
Jody, your kind words mean a lot to me! Thanks so much for taking the time to read about Rae.