How to Create a Session That Actually Feels Like You



If you've ever found yourself scrolling Pinterest at 11 PM saving senior photo ideas, outfit inspiration, flower bouquets, boots, dresses, and dreamy locations... you're not alone.


One of the first things I ask my seniors to do is create a Pinterest board.

Not because we're going to copy someone else's session.


But because your Pinterest board tells a story.

Maybe you're pinning wildflower fields and flowing dresses.

Maybe you're saving western-inspired outfits with boots and turquoise jewelry.

Maybe you're drawn to moody, alternative portraits with dark tones and vintage vibes.

Maybe your board is full of city lights, denim, rooftop views, and that effortlessly cool look.

Every pin helps us discover what feels like you.

Use Pinterest as Inspiration, Not a Copy Machine



One of the biggest mistakes seniors make is trying to recreate someone else's entire session.

The truth?

What looks amazing on someone else may not fit your personality, style, or vision.

Instead, I love using Pinterest as a starting point.

Maybe you saved:

  • A gorgeous outfit combination
  • A flower arrangement you love
  • A cool pose
  • A color palette
  • A unique prop
  • A location idea
  • A mood or aesthetic

We take those pieces and build something completely personal around them.

Your gallery should feel inspired, not copied.

Senior girl holding a bouquet of flowers while wearing a blue dress during an outdoor senior photography session.

Build a Theme Around What You Love



One of the easiest ways to make your senior photos stand out is by choosing a theme or aesthetic that feels authentic to you.

Western Inspired

Western sessions work perfectly in Abilene,TX

Think:

  • Boots
  • Denim
  • Horses
  • Wildflowers
  • Rustic fences
  • Open fields
  • Turquoise jewelry
  • Vintage trucks

The result feels timeless, stylish, and uniquely Texas.


High school senior in a blue dress and cowboy boots walking through a field at golden hour in Abilene, Texas.
Senior girl playing a colorful guitar in a field at sunset during a western-themed senior portrait session.
High school senior wearing a cowboy hat and boots while holding a colorful guitar during a western-inspired senior photo session in Abilene,

Boho & Romantic



If you're drawn to soft colors and dreamy details, a boho-inspired session might be perfect.

Think:

  • Flowing dresses
  • Flower bouquets
  • Soft textures
  • Golden sunsets
  • Natural movement
  • Open fields

These sessions photograph beautifully during golden hour and create a soft, feminine feel.

High school senior holding a colorful bouquet while wearing a pink dress in a field at sunset.
Senior girl in a flowing pink dress standing in an open field during a golden hour senior photography session in Abilene, Texas.
Colorful bouquet of flowers used as a prop for a creative senior photo session.

Alternative & Moody



Not every senior wants bright and airy photos and that's okay.

Some seniors are drawn to:

  • Darker tones
  • Vintage clothing
  • Downtown locations
  • Cinematic lighting
  • Edgy fashion
  • Creative concepts

Your session should reflect your personality, not someone else's expectations.


Senior girl  in a black lace dress standing in front of a bookshelf during a moody editorial portrait session.
Senior girl in a black lace dress standing in front of a bookshelf during a moody editorial portrait session.
Senior girl reading a book beside a sunlit window in a cozy vintage-inspired room.

Fashion Forward



Love clothes?

Let's lean into it.

Multiple outfits, statement pieces, trendy accessories, city locations, and editorial-inspired posing can make your session feel like it belongs in a magazine.


Senior girl posing in a black dress during a studio senior photography session in Abilene, Texas.

Don't Forget the Details



Sometimes the smallest details become the most memorable images.

Consider bringing:

  • Fresh flowers
  • Books
  • A guitar
  • Sports equipment
  • Cowboy hats
  • College gear
  • Film cameras
  • Records
  • A favorite jacket
  • Meaningful jewelry

The best props aren't random.

They're personal.

High school senior sitting outdoors with her dog during a natural light senior portrait session.
Senior girl in a light blue dress holding a bouquet of flowers in a wildflower field at sunset.
Senior girl sitting outdoors with Dr Pepper crates during a senior photo session in Abilene, Texas.

Outfit Ideas That Photograph Beautifully



When planning outfits, focus on pieces that make you feel confident.

Some favorites include:

  • Long dresses with movement
  • Denim and boots
  • Neutral colors
  • Soft florals
  • Layered jewelry
  • Textured fabrics
  • Statement sleeves
  • Vintage-inspired pieces

The goal isn't to wear what's trending.

The goal is to wear something you'll still love years from now.


Trust the Planning Process



One thing I hear all the time is:

"I love these ideas, but I have no clue how to put everything together."

That's exactly why I help guide every senior through the planning process. ( read more here)

From Pinterest boards and outfit selections to locations, color palettes, and styling ideas, we'll create a session that feels cohesive and true to you.

You don't have to figure it out alone.


The Best Senior Photos Tell Your Story

At the end of the day, the photos you'll treasure most aren't the ones that perfectly match a Pinterest pin.

They're the ones that capture who you are during this exciting season of life.

Use Pinterest to gather inspiration.

Save the outfits.

Save the flowers.

Save the locations.

Save the ideas that make you excited.

Then let's create something that's completely your own!


Because your senior year deserves more than a copy of someone else's story.

Your Senior Year Deserves More Than Ordinary Photos



Senior year is filled with moments that feel big and moments you don't realize you'll miss until they're gone.

The late-night drives. The friendships. The excitement of what's next. The version of yourself you're becoming.

Your senior photos should capture all of it!

Not just how you looked, but who you were during this once-in-a-lifetime season.


So save the Pinterest pins. Dream up the outfits. Screenshot the ideas that make you excited. Bring the boots, the flowers, the books, the guitar, the college sweatshirt, or whatever feels most like you.


Then let's create something unforgettable.

If you're a Class of 2027 senior in Abilene, Texas, and you're ready for a fully guided senior experience designed around your personality and style, I'd love to help bring your vision to life.


Explore senior sessions and start planning your experience here: Senior Experiance

FAQ

 

Do you help with planning?

Absolutely! From Pinterest inspiration to outfit and locations guidance in Abilene, TX recommendations, I'm here to help every step of the way.

Where do you photograph senior sessions?

I photograph seniors throughout Abilene, Buffalo Gap, Fort Phantom, and surrounding Abilene, Texas locations.

When should I book senior pictures?

Most seniors book 2–3 months in advance, to allow for buying new outfits and planning all the details.

What if I'm nervous about being in front of the camera?

You're not alone. Most seniors feel this way at first. My goal is to make the experience relaxed and fun so you can focus on enjoying the moment instead of worrying about the camera.