The Ultimate Senior Portrait Guide for Columbus Seniors (Class of 2026)

Welcome to Senior Year — Let’s Make It Count

Senior year is finally here. This is the year you’ve been waiting for since freshman orientation. Friday night football games, prom, late spring nights with your best friends. And somewhere in the middle of all that, you need senior portraits.

I know what you’re thinking. Another thing to plan. Another thing on your list.

You may also be thinking, “Christy, it’s December. I missed the window. It’s too late for senior photos!!”

THINK AGAIN!! I will be shooting senior photos until April, right before graduation. Life gets CRAZY. Sometimes we get bulldozed by insane schedules or unforeseen circumstances, and booking senior photos gets pushed to the back burners because…. survival.

I LOVE being making my calendar available for last minute seniors. LET’S DO THIS.

No matter when you schedule your session, senior portraits don’t have to feel like a chore. They can actually be fun. And when they’re done right, you’ll have photos that make you feel proud every time you look at them.

This guide will help you plan your Columbus senior photos from start to finish. We’ll talk about what to wear, where to go, and how to feel relaxed in front of the camera. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Senior photos MATTER because this moment matters. You’re not a kid anymore. You’re not quite done growing yet either. You’re right in the middle, and that’s worth capturing.

Let’s make sure your photos look like you.

What Makes Great Senior Portraits (In Columbus + Westerville)

Great senior photos don’t look stiff or fake. They look like YOU on a really good day.

They show your personality. Your style. The way you laugh or the way you stand when you’re feeling confident. Good senior portraits capture this stage of your life, not some version of you that doesn’t exist.

I’m a Columbus family and senior photographer, and I’ve worked with a lot of students. Some are outgoing. Some are quiet. Some show up nervous, and some show up ready to pose. But every session has one thing in common: I want you to feel comfortable!

My job is to help you relax. We’ll chat about your favorite music or your plans after graduation. We’ll walk around. We’ll try different spots. I’ll give you simple cues, but I won’t ask you to do anything weird or forced. I’ll never make you do something you won’t feel comfortable with!

You can be bold and sporty. You can be soft and artistic. You can mix both. These should feel like YOUR photos, not something copied from someone else’s Instagram.

If you’re into theater, we’ll lean into that. If you’re an athlete, we’ll bring that energy. If you just want clean, simple portraits that your grandma will love, we can do that too.

Your unique vibe, your photos!

Outfits: The Easy Guide

What you wear matters, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here’s the truth. You don’t need to go buy a whole new wardrobe. You just need to wear clothes that feel like you and photograph well.

Neutrals work great. Think white, black, gray, tan, cream. They look clean and timeless. Bold colors work too, especially outdoors. Jewel tones like deep blue, burgundy, or forest green pop against green grass or fall leaves.

Here’s what to avoid:

• Tiny prints or busy patterns
• Neon colors that clash with nature
• Clothes that don’t fit right
• Anything you feel uncomfortable in

Bring two or three outfits. This gives you options and variety. Start with something casual, then switch to something dressier. Or go from bold to neutral. Outfit changes keep your gallery interesting.

Layers are your friend. A jacket, a cardigan, a flannel. They add movement and give us more to work with. Plus, you can take them on and off for different looks, which we’ll utilize a lot.

Quick tips from me:

• Bring a backup outfit in case you change your mind
• Wear clothes that make you feel great, not trends that feel forced
• Make sure everything is clean and wrinkle-free
• Avoid logos unless they mean something to you

Your outfits should match your location too. If we’re going somewhere urban, streetwear fits. If we’re going to a park, something softer works better.

Locations That Fit Your Style

Where you take your Columbus senior portraits makes a big difference. The location sets the mood. It tells part of your story.

Let me break down the most popular types of spots and what they bring to your photos.

Natural and green: Parks, fields, gardens, trails, riverbeds. These spots are soft and timeless. Great for golden hour light. Perfect if you want a calm, classic feel. Green backgrounds never go out of style.

Urban and edgy: Downtown Columbus has brick walls, murals, alleys, and metal textures. If you want something bold and modern, this is your vibe. Uptown Westerville also has great urban pockets with character, adding a vintage and sometimes quaint feel to the urban scene.

Clean and classic: Think campus buildings, white columns, stone pathways, or gardens with structure. These locations photograph beautifully and work for almost any style.

Click each photo below to see examples of the different types of locations!

Sunlight and timing matter. We’ll usually shoot an hour or two before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and flattering. Midday sun can be harsh and unflattering, so we generally avoid it.

When you’re choosing a location, think about what fits your personality. Do you want something quiet and peaceful? Or do you want energy and texture? We can mix both if you want variety.

I’ll help you decide. We’ll talk through your options during planning.

A Simple Step-by-Step Session Timeline

Let me walk you through what happens during a senior session. This will help you know what to expect.

Before the session: We’ll plan together. You’ll send me outfit ideas and we’ll talk about locations. I’ll answer your questions. You’ll know the plan before we even meet.

Day of the session: We meet at the first location. I’ll greet you, chat for a minute, and help you relax. No rush. We’re just hanging out and taking photos.

First shots: I’ll start with easy poses. Simple movement. Maybe walking, leaning, or just standing naturally. I’ll give you cues, but nothing complicated. This part warms you up.

Outfit change: After we get a good set of photos, you’ll change into your next outfit. We might move to a new spot too. This keeps things fresh.

Close of session: By the end, you’ll feel way more comfortable than you did at the start. We’ll finish with some fun shots. You’ll leave feeling confident.

Most sessions last about an hour. Sometimes a little longer if we’re having fun. But it flies by.

How Sessions Are Tailored to Each Senior

Every senior is different. Your session should reflect that.

Before we shoot, I listen. I will send you a questionnaire, in which ask about your hobbies, your plans, your style. What do you care about? What makes you feel like yourself?

Then we design the session around your personality.

Here are some examples:

Soft and romantic: Flowy dresses, natural light, dreamy backgrounds. Calm and timeless.

Sporty and bold: Athletic wear, strong poses, bright colors. Energy and movement.

Vintage and creative: Unique outfits, film-inspired tones, artistic locations. Something different.

Clean and bright: Classic outfits, simple backgrounds, natural smiles. Polished and timeless.

The goal is simple. I want you to feel seen. I want your photos to feel like you, not like a template.

When you look at your gallery, you should think, “Yeah, that’s me.”

Cap and Gown Sessions – Add On or Stand Alone!

Yes, I offer cap and gown sessions! I LOVE to capture this once in a lifetime moment in your cap and gown to help you remember this feeling of accomplishment forever. Usually photographed in the spring before graduation!

This session can be added to your senior session at a bundled/discounted rate, or you can choose to do this short session by itself for a slightly higher cost. Questions? Shoot me a message and we’ll chat!!

Tips From Your Photographer

Here are some quick tips to help your session go smoothly:

• Drink water the day before and the morning of your session
• Bring lip balm and blotting paper for shine
• Iron your clothes or steam them the night before
• Keep pockets empty so they don’t bulge
• Be yourself and trust me to guide you
• Relax and have fun

That’s it. Simple stuff that makes a big difference.

FAQ — Common Questions for Columbus Senior Photos

What’s the best season for senior pictures in Columbus? Fall and spring are the most popular. Fall gives you warm colors and crisp air. Spring gives you green grass and blooming flowers. Summer and winter work too.

How long does a session take? About an hour. Sometimes a little longer if we’re having a great time. You might hear me say “just one more” or “last one!” It’s almost never the last one. Trust me 🙂

How many outfits should I bring? Two or three. A few more are fine, but 2-3 is the sweet spot for variety without feeling rushed.

Can my parents come along? Yes! Parents are welcome. Some seniors like having them there, some don’t. Your choice!

What if I feel nervous? That’s normal. Most seniors feel nervous at first! I’ll help you relax. We’ll chat, walk a bit, and before you know it, you’ll forget the camera is there.

How long until I get my photos? About one to two weeks. I’ll edit them with care and send you a full gallery!

Keep This Moment Alive Forever — Albums + Heirlooms Designed Just for You

Senior year only happens once.

You’re going to scroll through your phone and see your photos. You will use one for the yearbook, and maybe one or two for your grad party invitation. You’ll post a few on Instagram. Maybe send some to friends. And that’s great!

But here’s what I know. Photos deserve to be held, not just scrolled past.

Printed albums let you flip through your senior year whenever you want. You can display them in your home. You can bring them to graduation parties. You can show them to your friends and family. Your mom will look at them often. Don’t ask me how I know!

These aren’t cheap drugstore prints. I design every album with detail, storytelling, and intention. Each page flows into the next. The layout makes sense. The quality lasts.

This is a legacy piece. Something you can show your own kids someday. Something that won’t disappear when your phone dies or your account gets hacked.

Beautiful. Tangible. Timeless.

Your photos deserve more than a screen!

Let’s Take Senior Photos That Are Unique, Beautiful, and Fully You

Senior year is flying by. You’ve got so much happening. But this is a moment worth pausing for.

Your senior photos should feel like you. They should make you proud. I want you to love them! And they should be easy and fun to create.

I would love to step into your world for an afternoon. Let’s take senior photos that are unique, beautiful, and fully you.

Book your session today. Let’s make this count!!

Drop me a quick message and I’ll help you start the process!