09/30/2025
🚨 Senior Portrait Survival Guide 🚨
After 40+ years behind the camera, I’ve seen every senior portrait trend that should’ve been left in the attic with your Mom's bell-bottoms.
I remember the double exposure? Nothing says “Class of ’85” like a floating ghost version of yourself lurking in the background. Or the white pillars and marble bench setup, because all seniors clearly spend weekends in Ancient Rome. And who could forget the black velvet background—perfect if you were auditioning for Dracula.
Now we’ve got digital backgrounds (suddenly you’re a basketball player in the midst of an explosion), tilted horizons (why does it look like you’re sliding off the planet?), and the poses. Oh, the poses. Hands on head like you forgot tomorrow's first. Calculus test. Lying seductively in a hayfield in that new sundress like hay fever is your brand and tick bites are your favorite. Ball gowns in the ocean, because apparently prom is underwater this year. (The example is not my photo. I hope they were just having fun.)
Here’s my philosophy: I want to capture the real you. The laugh your friends know. The personality that survived 13 years of cafeteria food. The kid your family actually recognizes—not the moody Instagram influencer version of yourself staring into the distance like you just lost your horse.
If you *are* an influencer or aspiring model, then, by all means, bring the ocean gown and fog machine. Otherwise? Keep it real. Because 20 years from now, you want your kids to say, “That is so you, Mom/Dad!” Not, “Why are you posing like he damsel in distress in an old movie on railroad tracks?”
Here are my Top 5 Senior Portrait Poses to Never Speak of Again:
1. “Oops, I left the oven on” hand-to-forehead.
2. “Come hither, but also I’m itchy” grass lounge.
3. “This $300 gown is totally ocean-safe” mermaid cosplay.
4. “My future is tilted, but whatever” horizon slant.
5. “Check out this pic of the sun” making it impossible to see me
📸 This post brought to you by The Society for the Prevention of Tilted Horizons. I've been keeping seniors upright since 1981.
The leaves are falling! Let's get your session booked today! PM me or email [email protected].
