Working with Halie for her senior session in Boulder, CO reminded me why I love photographing teens. There’s something special about capturing this milestone moment in their lives. The key to a successful senior session isn’t just great lighting or a stunning location—it’s helping your senior feel comfortable and confident. When they’re relaxed, their personality shines through naturally. Throughout our shoot, I focused on senior posing that actually works to put Halie at ease while creating images that felt authentic to who she is.
My Go-To Senior Posing That Actually Works
Movement is your best friend when posing seniors. I always start sessions with simple prompts like walking, playing with hair, or gentle swaying. These actions help break the ice and create natural expressions. Demonstrating poses works better than just describing them—most people learn better when they can see what you want. Give clear direction for hand placement too. Whether it’s holding a prop, resting on a hip, or touching their necklace, purposeful hand positioning prevents that awkward what-do-I-do-with-my-hands moment. Shooting from a 45-degree angle adds dimension and flatters almost everyone. Keep your encouragement genuine throughout the session. Simple comments like “perfect” or “love that smile” go a long way in building confidence.
What Doesn’t Work (And What to Do Instead)
Avoid being too vague with your directions. “Act natural” doesn’t help anyone—instead try something like “walk toward me like you’re meeting friends for coffee.” Don’t overwhelm them with too many adjustments at once, and focus on one element at a time. Skip the outdated, stiff poses unless your senior gravitates toward them naturally. Vary where they’re looking to add emotional depth to your shots. Most importantly, pay attention to their comfort level and adjust accordingly. When seniors feel confident, it shows in every image. These techniques helped make our Boulder session feel effortless and fun, resulting in photos that truly captured Halie’s personality.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT MY PHOTOGRAPHY, PLEASE CONTACT ME TODAY TO START A CONVERSATION! I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Find resources and view more beautiful families + moments over on the blog!
Why Automating Your Workflow Is a Game-Changer for Family Photographers
Alexander’s Outdoor Senior Session | Fort Collins, CO
The Importance of Pricing: Setting and Justifying Your Rates | A Newborn Session in Colorado
+ COMMENTS
add a comment