That Actually Feel Like You
Cleveland, Ohio – When you’re planning senior photo locations, especially in the Cleveland area, you’ve got so many different directions you can go. At our studio, everything we do is fully custom. We believe your senior session should be built around you, your student, their interests, their personality, not some pre-planned set of headshots.
Let’s be honest. It’s not that hard to get a headshot done. But everybody knows if you’re not having a good time, it’s going to show up on your face. That’s especially true for teenagers. Just ask your mom.
So if you really want images that reflect this time in your life, they need to reflect not just your interests, but something that genuinely brings you joy because it is going to show through photos.
How to Choose Senior Photo Locations
The process for us starts with getting to know the student and their family. We ask questions, we listen, and we try to find out what really matters to you. And sometimes, the things you don’t expect to be “photo-worthy” end up being the most interesting.
We’ve done senior sessions in some incredible and totally unexpected places. We’re talking about concepts based on Legos, art, Hogwarts, sports, recycling, and marine biology. If it’s something you love, there’s a way to pull it into your session.
And just because it’s a theme or topic doesn’t mean we’re going to go over the top or make it feel cheesy. For example, if you’re into marine biology, we’re not going to show up with a bunch of fish props. But we might look for senior photo locations in the Cleveland area that connect you to water, to nature, to the feeling that first sparked your interest. The goal is always to nod to the things that make you you, without turning it into a costume party.
Real Example: The Swim Team Session
Once we had a senior who had a strong connection to her swim team. We decided the location for her was at the pool where she practiced, with her coaches there. There wasn’t a full plan in place, we just knew it was a place that mattered to her, and we were going to have her swim.
We got a whole bunch of different images that she, loves but at one point, I had her mom and both coaches were throwing water behind her while we lit it just right. The final image looked like something straight out of a studio. Everyone was dying laughing, her mom said she was finally getting her aggression out. It was a blast. And the image? It’s pretty amazing. That’s the kind of magic that can happen when your senior photo location is meaningful to you.
A Few Things to Think About When Planning Your Senior Photo Locations
1. Weather and Timing Matter
Senior sessions are time-based. Not just because of school deadlines, though yes, you’ll want to keep those in mind. But also because we live in the Midwest, and Cleveland weather is…unpredictable.
Ideally, you’ll want to plan for the summer before senior year or the early fall of senior year. That gives us time to breathe, explore, and make the process slow-paced and fun. If you wait until spring, it can still work, but school deadlines are usually around February or March, so the clock’s ticking.
Winter shoots? They can totally be a vibe, but let’s be real, you have to either really love the cold or be down for an indoor session. Both are great, but they’ll narrow down your location options a bit.
2. Think About What You Love (Even if it Doesn’t Seem Photo Related)
Whatever it is, if it brings you joy, we want to hear about it. Maybe it doesn’t make sense to you as a photo concept, but that’s our job to figure out. That’s what we’re here for. You just show up as yourself, we’ll come up with the creative, crazy ideas.
This day should be a blast. Like, way too much fun. You should feel like the star of the show, but also like you’re just spending a really good day doing something you enjoy.
When students tell us they’re into a sport, we often just have them play their sport. Half the session is me dodging soccer balls or basketballs flying at our heads, but we’re all laughing, and that shows up in the photos every time.
3. What You Wear Matters
Now, this one usually gets a mix of reactions. Some students are like, “Yeah, duh,” and others are already groaning and rolling their eyes. But the truth is, your outfit makes a huge difference. You can have the perfect senior photo location, but if what you’re wearing doesn’t work for the setting or the style of the shoot, it’s going to impact the final images.
That’s why we help you through this part. You get a full style guide from us, and we walk through outfit choices with you. This isn’t a “figure it out on your own” situation. We want to make sure everything from your outfits to your locations is your vibe and one that feels cohesive and effortless.
So yes, even if a slouchy sweatshirt is your go-to every day (relatable), it might not photograph the way you’re hoping. And again, that’s where we come in to help you find the sweet spot between real and elevated.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, this is about creating something that feels right for you. Something you’re proud of. Something you’re excited to show your friends and your family and yeah, maybe even your future kids (who will definitely make fun of your outfit, but hopefully not the photos themselves).
We want you to walk away with images that capture who you are right now, in this moment. Something fun. Something personal. And something that makes your grandma cry while also looking amazing on your Instagram.
If your senior photo session isn’t one of the most fun experiences of your year, then something’s off. It’s supposed to be a celebration of you.
So if you’re looking for senior photo locations in the Cleveland area and want a session that’s built around what makes you shine, don’t hesitate to contact us. You can see more about how we became the best senior photographer in Cleveland here. We’d love to start a conversation with you about your senior photos!
