While some graduating seniors look forward to having senior portraits made, others try to avoid it and secretly hope their mom will forget the session is booked. However, no matter their feelings about having senior portrait taken, one thing is the same: they love including personal mementos. Perhaps it’s because they think the camera won’t be focused solely on them. They can relax a bit. The pressure is off. That’s partially true, but I know it’s because those special items have brought them comfort, solace, and possibly recognition at some point in their lives. Even though graduates are excited and ready for the new adventures awaiting them, they know this season of life is ending. Bringing special items to their session will ensure those fond memories and accomplishments will be captured for all times. I encourage my clients to bring such things with them to a session because I love to hear their stories and because I know genuine smiles and emotions will be revealed through the lens. In this blog post, I’ve highlighted ten ways my seniors have personalized their sessions. I hope you enjoy reading about their great ideas as much as I enjoyed photographing them!

various personal details like trinkets, nesting dolls, world globe, DBU college banner arranged as a memory for highschool senior pictures

Souvenirs
This is a great way to document your travels and share your adventures with those who couldn’t travel with you. Josh brought a suitcase full of souvenirs from his travels overseas to his senior session. I enjoyed watching him carefully arrange them while he told me about each one.

young man in jeans and blue button down posing for senior pictures at Fort Worth stockyards smiling and also reading some of his favorite books

2. Musical Instruments

Many hours of lessons and practice are documented when you bring your instrument to your session. Alisa loves her violin almost as much as she loves classical literature, so photographing her violin amongst her favorite authors was the perfect setting. While a drum set may not be as easy to transport to a session as violin, the effort is totally worth it. Spencer’s passion for all things musical made for a fun photo shoot where his talents were on full display.

young woman playing a violin standing in front of vintage books at Fort Worth Texas posing for senior portraits with DeAndra Jarboe Photography

young man posing for senior picture wearing a blue cardigan and tie playing a trap drum set and a second image wearing casual close and a beanie holding an electric keyboard

3. Books

Harper Lee once stated, “The book to read is not the one that thinks for you, but the one which makes you think.” Rachel is a recent college graduate who definitely wanted a photograph with a textbook that made her think for many, many hours. Knowing her happy place is being surrounded by books, Megan chose her favorite bookstore as the location for her senior session.

young woman sitting on. rock on the North Texas Campus in Denton holding a neuroscience book smiling at the camera posing for senior pictures

young woman standing in front of a book case peeking over her favorite novel smiling at the camera posing for senior pictures

4. Toys

Whether it’s a cuddly stuffed animal, a model car, or a train set from childhood, toys add a fun dimension to your senior session. Maybe you enjoy the challenge of mastering the yo-yo or the Rubik’s cube…action shots are always a hit.

young man playing with a yo-yo and a young girl hugging her white stuffed polar bear posing for senior pictures with DeAndra Jarboe Photography

young man wearing turquoise t-shirt sitting next to a toy tank and book on battles posing for senior pictures at bear creek park Keller texas

young man wearing white print button down and beanie playing with a rubics cube posing for senior pictures with DeAndra Jarboe Photography

5. Pets

The love and connection between Alana and her beloved German Shepherd, Sunny, was absolutely heart warming. Sunny knew the purpose of this time at the park and showed up ready to pose. I like to make sure we have a helper come along for when the pet is tired of posing and ready to chase a squirrel or take a nap. A little extra planning is required for these sessions, but so worth it in the end.

young woman wearing sleeveless brown top posing her German shepherd posing for professional portraits in Roanoke Texas

6. Details

Focusing on a special piece of jewelry such as a class ring or an heirloom watch is a simple way to personalize your session.

close up image of boy holding football wearing a highschool class ring posing for senior pictures with DeAndra Jarboe Photography

7. Awards

Medals, trophies, certificates, diplomas…the list of awards can include anything you see as a recognition of achievement in your life. Be proud of what you’ve accomplished in this season. You may not always have the space or desire to display your awards, but you’ll always have a picture to look back upon with gratitude.

8. Sentimental Clothing

Represent your team colors, school spirit or a club membership to show your individuality. Wardrobe changes are an easy way to memorialize items that will probably end up in the attic. A framed image will be a lasting reminder of the memories and dedication you put into your school activities.

close up image of boy holding football wearing a highschool class ring and another boy wearing a civil patrol uniform standing on a bridge posing for senior pictures with DeAndra Jarboe Photography

9. A Journal

For some seniors, journaling has been an important priority in their lives. Allow the camera to catch a glimpse into these private moments where you inscribed feelings, goals, and dreams on your journey toward adulthood.

10. Signature Items

Are you known for your love of coffee, your style of fashion, a hobby, a special interest, etc….? Bring “it” (or something that represents “it”) to your session. Haliegh’s eclectic fashion sense, Amy’s love of coffee, and Joel’s humorous inclusion of a pineapple definitely set their sessions apart!

a young man wearing bright casual clothes sitting on the steps of a jungle gym at a park in Grapevine Texas holding a fresh pineapple posing for senior pictures

I know there’s an endless number of possibilities to help personalize your senior session, but maybe one of these sparked an idea for your own session. I’d love to hear other ways to personalize a senior session. Feel free to share your ideas by leaving a comment below. Contact me HERE for more information about my Senior Photography sessions, packages and more details.