Senior year is such a big deal. And if you’re the parent of a high school senior, you already know that the to-do list for this year is no joke! Senior portraits are one of those things that feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time, especially when you start looking around at all the options and wondering, “How do I even know who to choose?”
I’m also a mom who went through senior year twice with my own daughters, so I know exactly what it feels like to be on your side of this experience. Here’s the thing: not all senior portrait photographers are created equal. And since these portraits are the images you will display in your home and cherish for the rest of your life, it is worth taking a few minutes to know what to look for.
1. Experience You Can Trust
Senior portrait photography is its own specialty. It is very different from wedding photography, newborn photography, or family photography. You want someone who understands how to work with teenagers, how to draw out their real personality, and how to make them feel genuinely comfortable in front of a camera.
Look for a photographer who has been doing this for a long time and who keeps learning. I am an active member of Professional Photographers of America, Professional Photographers of Ohio, and Professional Photographers of Northeast Ohio. I attend workshops, conventions, and classes every year to stay current with the latest techniques, technology, and industry best practices. I also draw on my 20+ years as a professional educator to empathize and communicate with my seniors.
This year, I was honored to be named a Top 50 Elite Photographer to Follow by Senior Inspire Magazine, which is a national recognition. I have also been published in Senior Muse, Senior Luxe, Inspiring Teen Magazine, and Senior Inspire. When experience meets ongoing education and passion, your senior gets the very best.
2. A Real Process (Not Just “Show Up and Smile”)
The best senior portrait experiences do not happen by accident. They are planned. Look for a photographer who has a clear, organized process that takes the stress off of you and your senior.
My process includes a pre-session consultation where we plan every detail together: locations, wardrobe, props, timing, and your senior’s vision. By the time the session day arrives, everyone knows exactly what to expect. Nothing is left to chance.
And after the session, we come together for a Reveal Session where you see your portraits for the first time and we design your products together. From the very first contact to your final order, you should always feel guided, informed, and supported.
3. A Personalized Experience
This is CRUCIAL!
Your senior is not like every other senior. Their portraits should not look like every other senior’s portraits either. Look for a photographer who takes the time to really get to know your child and tailors the session to who they actually are.
Whether your senior is a varsity athlete who wants stadium shots, a dancer who loves the drama of a stage, a horse lover who wants to be on the farm, or someone who wants a classic and elegant look at a beautiful vineyard or historic castle, I build every session around what makes your senior uniquely them.
4. Communication and Transparency
A great photographer will make sure you always know what is happening, what to expect, and what things cost.
No surprises. No confusion. Just clear, friendly communication the whole way through. I send contracts and invoices digitally, communicate every step of the process in advance, and am always available to answer your questions.
5. Quality Products That Last
Your portraits deserve to be more than just digital files living on a phone. Look for a photographer who offers a full range of quality products and who guides you through the design process with their expertise.
I specialize in custom-designed albums, canvas gallery wraps, wall art, and graduation announcements. I stand behind every single order with 100% satisfaction quality control. These are heirlooms, and they are treated that way.
“Laura is absolutely incredible! From start to finish, she gave clear direction, shared amazing ideas, and created pure magic. We are still blown away by our daughter’s senior picture experience and couldn’t recommend Laura enough.”
— Sallie, Mom of Senior Natalie at Louisville HS