A Parent’s Ultimate Guide to Successful Boston Senior Photos

Let’s face it—Boston senior portraits are nothing like they used to be. No stiff poses, no awkward studio setups, and definitely no outdated JCPenney backdrops (RIP, by the way). Today’s senior photos are all about capturing your teen’s personality—their style, their vibe, and their energy as they step into adulthood. Whether they’re envisioning an urban vibe in downtown Boston or something more relaxed in the suburbs, I’m here to make your child’s senior pictures experience fun, stress-free, and totally unique—for both of you!

Chat with your son or daughter about what they want out of senior pictures

Its a totally different world than what you had when you had your senior pictures done.  Gone are the days of the cookie cutter portraits with a grey backdrop done in the school gym.  JCPenney, peace out.  

Today’s senior portraits are about celebrating the individual.  Capturing the essence of the high school senior as they transition from a child into adulthood which comes with a TON of options from backdrops to downtown Boston vibes; from a field in the burbs to a sports field in your hometown.  

But with that comes a lot of options, perhaps a lot of anxiety.  I am here to help you figure out what works best for you & your senior when it comes to senior photos in Boston and the surrounding towns!  

Choosing the Right Boston Senior Photographer

Let’s be honest, teenagers in 2025 know what they want.  They are all over the socials.  They see the influences and know the trends.  So make sure the photographer you choose is a senior photographer,  who is up on today’s trends and gets how to pose a senior.  Its not the same as a family photography session.

You want to make sure you match the vibe of your photographer.  If you like color, movement and fun energy, I am your GIRL!  

There is a photographer for everyone, but as a Boston senior photographer, I like to meet my clients where they are at.  I offer three types of sessions as well as many add-ons that can meet the needs of today’s seniors.  

Don’t fight, COMPROMISE! 

I remember being a teenager, full of my own opinions and let’s be honest, many of them were vastly different from what my parents thought were right.  It doesn’t have to be a fight when it comes to senior photos.  With my packages, you can both get what you want!

From multiple outfits to multiple locations – There is a package that is right for you AND your senior who may be on a completely different page when it comes to what you want.  

Know your school’s deadline

This is KEY.  In my hometown, the senior photos need to be into the yearbook by mid-October.  I think that is about the timing of most of our surrounding towns.  Know that many photographers book quickly for the fall so be in touch with them early! Maybe you these aren’t for the yearbook and that doesn’t really matter, but its always good to know!   

Timing is everything

The end of junior year, summer-time and senior year is BUSY.  High school students are BUSY with school, activities, college applications, sports  – everything is competing for their attention.  So its super important to schedule your senior’s photos well in advance and know when they have a gap in their schedule.  If they play a fall sport, book in the spring of their junior year or in the early summer.  If they don’t, you can wait until the early fall!  But as I mentioned above, keep in mind those yearbook deadlines and know that most senior photographers schedules are booked by the summer, so get on their calendars early.

Make the Boston senior photo session an experience!

Depending on what your child may be doing next year, times they may be changing.  So take this opportunity to turn senior photos into an experience and a memory you can share.  Book a spa day the day before.  Treat them to hair and make up!  Maybe a nice lunch or dinner after!  Or keep it simple – an ice cream date after the session.  Those are the moments your senior will remember as an extra special part of their Boston senior picture experience.  

Parents at the Session

Truth bomb:  I let the senior decide if they want mom (or dad, but typically mom) at the session. Sometimes moms are there with us every step of the way, holding my leaf blower or fan!  Sometimes they don’t even show up at all.  Or sometimes they come and wait in the car and just pop out at the end. But let the senior decide what they want.  

Here are my tips if you DO come to the session

1. You are there as a supporter and a cheerleader:  Try not to nitpick or demand that your senior does something a certain way; the senior might shut down and not want to take photos at all. Even worse, they might do more of what you’re telling them not to do.  If you’re going to be there, come as the biggest hype team they’ve ever seen. This will often bring a laugh or two in addition to the positive attitude we are striving for.
2. Give suggestions not directions:  While I value your input and suggestions wholeheartedly, I’d like to emphasize the importance of offering ideas rather than directives when it comes to posing and location choices. This collaborative approach allows for a more fluid and creative process, ensuring that your senior’s unique personality shines through in the final images.

Let’s Chat BEFORE your senior photos

To me, this is the most valuable part of senior session and what I hope you and your senior will come to me for.  I love getting to really dig into what your hopes are from a session.  And then talking location and styling.  I have an entire guide I share with you after you have booked dedicated to this but truly getting to know you before the session makes our sessions flooooowwwww!  

After the Session

I promise not to drop you like a bad habit the minute we walk out of the session.  We can work together on a custom album, print selection, graduation cards.  In the spring, I offer cap and gown sessions and college reveals.  Maybe you want to capture the last summer before your senior heads off to college as a family.  I love keeping in touch with my seniors as they move onto college!  Clients are like family to me!

Are you ready to book senior photos in Boston?

At the end of the day, senior pictures are more than just a rite of passage—they’re a time capsule of who your teen is right now. So, let’s make it an experience they’ll actually want to remember (instead of cringing at in 10 years). Grab a spot before my calendar fills up faster than a teenager’s weekend plans! I would love to chat with you!