Think Outside the Box for Unique Graduation Photos in Mesa, AZ

One of the best things that can happen to a professional photographer is to have an ultra-talented and well-rounded client walk through the door. Even better than that is a client who’s energetic and excited about helping create a senior portrait package that will stand apart from the rest!

When I met Danny and started talking through all his talents and skills—all of which I wanted to capture in his senior pictures—I knew we’d be going for a full-on experience and getting creative with our locations and poses. Between sports, music, and other extracurricular interests, I’m not sure where Danny finds time in the day to even sleep or grab a bowl of Cheerios!

Game, Set, Match

A competitive tennis player and proud Mountain View Toro, Danny skillfully represented his team…so of course we had to get some great action shots of him on the court!

Sporting his school colors and with racket in hand, he put on his game face for some fantastic photos. We got several fun poses with him looking directly toward the camera, but you won’t want to miss that in-action showstopper on the bottom left of this collage just after he hits the ball. It’s definitely a favorite!

A Date to Remember

If you know me, you know I’m always on the lookout for new and original ways to highlight my clients and their talents in senior pictures. When this tennis ball idea popped into my head, I had to make sure we captured it perfectly!

Thanks to years of practice and the magic of photography—plus plenty of talent from Danny—we pulled together this image of him tossing “2021” tennis balls into the air with his racket. Talk about celebrating your sport AND your graduation!

Into the Sunset

No matter what you do after graduation, you’ll never forget all the things you did that led up to that momentous occasion when you finally got to toss that cap into the air and walk across the stage. Danny has been a very busy guy over the past few years, and I wanted to make sure his senior pictures highlighted all his talents and interests.

Best Foot Forward

We chose a late afternoon to highlight Danny’s love of sporty cars and purring engines. He looks perfectly comfortable leaning against this white Dodge Charger with the glow of the setting sun over the mountains in the background, and his casual black denim, untucked shirt, and dark sunglasses add to the relaxed vibe.

I follow one of my own rules here by giving him something to do with his hands so that he never has to fidget or look nervous. And it works out perfectly! His crossed arms add to the carefree feel of this photograph, making it look like he’s ready to cruise off into the sunset.

Safety Note: I take every safety precaution I can for my clients. If you look closely at the license plate on the car in the photo above, you’ll notice I’ve replaced identifying plate information with a super fun “Class of 2021” plate. Not only does this add a nod to the graduation year, it keeps anyone who may see this photo from being able to find further information about the client.

Middle-of-the-Road Hangout

It’s true, my clients and I find some unusual hangouts for graduation photos, but don’t worry. It’s all done safely, and I promise when we’re playing in the road, there are no cars in site!

Plus, there’s something pretty special about this portrait of Danny with a favorite sports car—alone with the open road and ready to head out toward the future! Our timing turned out to be just right as we captured the sun going down over the blacktop at the perfect moment.

After Dark & Under the Lights

Danny is one of those clients who looks great whether he’s going for a casual look or a dressed-up look. And since there was no way to choose between the two, we went for both!

This close-up image of Danny in a ball cap really focuses in on his features. As the evening lights fade behind him, his light-colored eyes become the center of attention. With curls that gently flop under the brim of his hat, he looks every bit the part of the All-American, sports-loving kid as he makes eye contact with the camera. This shot is a great one that’s sure to make grandmas and grandpas happy!

Dressed to the Nines

Taking things up a notch, Danny changed into a dress shirt and accessorized with a red tie and a dapper black hat. He’s looking off to the side in this shot, poised to tip his hat to passersby—and his slight smile and raised brow offer a hint of dashing flirtation and character to the portrait.

Musically Inclined

This young man has loads of talent, and once we’d moved on from daytime sports and hobbies, it was time to dive into his musical ambitions. Now it’s time to wrap your head around the fact that Danny can play piano, violin, AND sing like a professional!

When I originally spoke to Danny and his mom, they mentioned incorporating some photos to commemorate his love of music. From that initial conversation, I can honestly say I did not grasp the extent of his talent!

When we arrived at his home, Danny emerged in full concert attire and proceeded to put on a performance that would awe many professionals!

Can he play? Yes! Can he sing? Most definitely! Can he do everything he sets his mind to? Clearly!

College & Mission Bound

Danny plans to attend a summer session at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, after which he’ll head out for an LDS mission. In the future, he hopes to have a career as a scientific researcher.

When clients know where they’re headed for college or future adventures, it’s always fun to capture photos of them in t-shirts or with signs that tell everyone what they’re up to. It’s a great way to share what you’ve decided for the future with friends and loved ones—plus, it’s a fun way to record memories of those exciting milestones.

You’re heading out to do great things, Danny! Can’t wait to see where you end up next!