Ellie’s Summer Senior Session: Senior Portrait Ideas + Inspiration

Ellie and I had SO much fun doing her senior session in Springfield over the summer! Check out this post if you want fun senior portrait ideas + more!

 

 

Ellie’s senior session

 

This cutie had her senior shoot on her BIRTHDAY! I couldn’t even handle how amazing it all was and how dreamy the light was! We got the most magical sunset ever! 

 

 

Ellie, you’re the sweetest and most beautiful ever, I’m SOOOO beyond happy I got to take your senior photos! 

 

Why choose summertime for your senior photos?

 

Not sure what season to pick for your photos?! Summer is easily the most popular!! It’s full of golden nights, perfect weather, wildflowers, and tall golden grass!

 

 

• Golden summer light

 

This is an obvious one – I seriously will neer get over the epic summer shoots I do when we get the dreamiest summer light ever! Golden hour during the summertime is the most magical time to shoot and will bring the softest lighting into your senior photos. 

 

 

The light hits differently at different types of locations, and you can’t always guarantee a sunny day – but bright sun is obviously much more likely in the summer than in the spring or fall seasons!!

 

• Warm weather

 

I mean you can’t ask for better weather than evenings in the summertime, can you?! Senior sessions on summer evenings are the best because it’s warm outside but isn’t hot – the sun is going down and the hottest part of the day is over. No sweating through your clothes like you might if your session is in the middle of a hot summer day!

 

 

• Wildflowers everywhere

 

This is a fave of mine – wildflowers are everywhere in the summertime in Oregon!! There are sunflowers and tons of little wildflowers all around. These can make your shoot feel so unique and whimsical no matter where you are!

 

 

• Tall golden grass

 

And finally, in the summertime you get beautiful tall golden grass! Especially at places like Smith Rock that are more of a desert environment. Tall golden wheat + grass fields are stunning for senior photos and make you look amazing when you slowly walk through them!

 

Summer senior portrait outfit inspiration + ideas

 

 

Now I want to give you some senior portrait outfit ideas if you’re struggling to decide what to wear!! I’ve got a whole Pinterest board of senior photo outfit inspo too, but wanted to give you a place to start + to help get you brainstorming. Here’s a list of the most common outfits my seniors wear that ALWAYS look bomb for photos!!

 

• Long/flowy dresses

 

 

Long, flowy dresses are alwayssss a good way to go if you want whimsical, summery senior photos. Especially if we’re shooting somewhere that has some wind, because the movement of long dresses adds a super pretty touch to photos! It’s also just fun twirling around in a long dress and makes you feel beautiful!

 

• Short dresses/rompers

 

 

If you want to go a little more casual, opt for a short dress or a romper! These are fun and playful, while still being a little dressed up. I love a good floral romper or patterned dress!

 

• Tees & blouses

 

 

If you’re more of a t-shirt and shorts kinda person, freaking wear that!! Pair some cute black denim shorts with a simple graphic/floral/patterned tee or blouse. Wear some sandals or flats and you’ll be good to go!

 

• Shorts & skirts

 

 

Bottoms are usually easier to figure out, since they won’t have as many patterns or designs that tops do (except skirts might!). Wear shorts or skirts that make you feel comfy + aren’t too tight or loose. This isn’t the time to try and squeeze yourself into something smaller – we want you to be able to move freely and feel amazing!!

 

• Patterns vs. solids

 

 

I LOVE patterns in senior photos! I always tell my seniors to keep patterns to a minimum because we don’t want them to be distracting in the photos, or clash with the background. Don’t wear any patterns that are too tiny because we won’t be able to see them in the photos!! Feel free to always ask me about patterns and for help with choosing what patterns will be good for your photos!

 

• Accessories

 

Accessories are such a fun way to spice up your photos! I love the idea of bringing your own accessories, flowers, blankets, hats, vintage trucks! Anything to make it YOU!

 

 

Here are some accessories you can bring along to your shoot to add some variety + personalize your photos:

• Hats (here’s a fun video showing off my seniors with their cute Gigi Pip hats!)
• Jewelry
• Blankets
• Flowers
• Jackets
• Other props/outfit pieces that are meaningful to you

 

Summer senior photo location ideas

 

Need help finding the perf location for your photos?! I got you!! Here are some places I love to take my seniors for adventurous, outdoor senior photos!

 

General location types

• Waterfalls

• Lavender fields

• Mountaintops

• Rivers

• Lakes

• Golden grass fields

Specific senior portrait locations in Oregon

• Smith Rock State Park/Bend

• Mary’s Peak

• Oregon Coast

• Sparks Lake

• Downtown Eugene

• Cottage Grove

• Dorris Ranch

A fun senior photo idea

 

 

A fun + unique senior photo idea: bring friends to your session!! It’s SO much fun getting senior photos taken with your best friends and to have them to look back on. I’m always obsessed with friend photos!!

 

 

Click here to check out a full senior gallery from a 2021 senior!