Tips to Achieve Authentic Senior Photos

It’s sessions like this that remind me why I love capturing authentic senior photos. I’ve known this senior and her family for years, and watching her grow into herself has been such a full-circle moment. She used to shy away from the camera—and here she was, fully embracing it, confident and unapologetically herself. The coolest part? Every detail of her session was her idea. The outfits, the horse (hers!), her uncle’s vintage truck—it was all her. Nothing about this shoot was forced or overly styled. It was completely authentic, and that’s exactly what made it special.

As a Pittsburgh senior photographer who specializes in creating authentic senior photos and natural portraits, sessions like this are the reason I do what I do. If you’re heading into your senior year and want your photos to actually feel like you, here are a few tips to make that happen:

1. Think Beyond the Trendy Backdrops

Don’t get me wrong—I love a gorgeous field of flowers or a clean urban wall as much as anyone. But the best senior photos aren’t about fitting into someone else’s aesthetic. They’re about capturing your personality, your style, and this chapter of your life. Whether it’s your family farm, your favorite hangout spot, or somewhere unexpected—if it means something to you, it will show in the photos.

2. Bring Your World Into the Senior Session

One of the most powerful ways to personalize your session is by incorporating meaningful elements. That could be a pet, a car, a musical instrument, your favorite book—whatever feels like part of your world. In this case, her horse was non-negotiable, and it brought such a beautiful, grounding energy to the shoot. Her uncle’s old pickup truck? Perfectly imperfect. These aren’t just props—they’re pieces of her story.

3. Dress Authentically You, Not the Trends

Pinterest is great for inspiration, but your senior session should reflect your personal style—not just what’s trending. Choose outfits that you feel comfortable and confident in. Whether that’s a flowy dress, jeans and boots, or something completely unexpected, it should feel like you. In this session, every outfit choice made sense for the location, the light, and—most importantly—her.

4. Be Involved in the Senior Session Planning

The more input you give, the more personal your session becomes. I always encourage seniors to share location ideas, mood boards, outfit inspiration, and even music they’d like to play during the shoot. The more we collaborate, the better the final product feels.

5. to get the most Authentic Senior Photos….

trust the Process (and Your Photographer!)

As much as planning matters, sometimes the best moments happen unplanned. A good photographer will guide you when needed, but they’ll also know when to step back and let the moment unfold. Trust matters—this is exactly why I love working with families year after year. With time, a level of comfort and ease develops that you just can’t manufacture in a quick, one-off mini session.

A Few Words on Long-Term Client Relationships

When you find a photographer who gets you—and who you genuinely enjoy working with—it’s such a gift. There’s a trust that builds over time, which makes every session that much more relaxed and meaningful. That’s why I rarely offer mini sessions. I don’t want to rush your story into a 20-minute window. I want time to capture you—your real moments, your laughter, your quiet in-betweens.

This family is a perfect example. I’ve photographed them through childhood and now senior sessions. Every shoot feels more effortless, more real, and more connected because of the relationship we’ve built.

Let’s Create Something That Feels Like You

If you’re looking for a senior photography experience that’s laid-back, thoughtful, and completely centered around your unique story, I’d love to chat. I specialize in natural senior photography throughout Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas, and I truly believe your photos should reflect who you are—not just what you wore or where you stood.

Let’s talk locations, styling, pets, trucks—whatever makes you you. Together, we’ll create authentic senior photos that are real, timeless, and completely unforgettable…. Contact me for more Information!

Thanks for reading. xo, Taryn