Natural high school senior portraits are photography sessions designed to capture high school seniors in a relaxed, authentic, and candid way, often utilizing outdoor settings. These portraits focus on showcasing the senior’s personality and style in a way that feels genuine and effortless, rather than overly posed or staged.
For my recent senior session with Ella, who came down from Virginia, we chose natural settings in Pawleys Island, SC. Ella's natural beauty and personality really shine in her portraits and we had a blast creating them.
Key elements of natural high school senior portraits with Michele Coleman Photography include:
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Lighting: Michele uses both natural and artificial lighting during sessions. Sometimes professional lighting is needed to expose both the senior and the natural setting correctly and artistically.
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Outdoor Settings: Common locations include beaches, parks, forests, or urban environments with natural elements, like Pawleys Island, SC, where the beach, marshlands, and scenic views create a serene backdrop.
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Casual Poses: During a session with Michele, seniors are encouraged to move, laugh, and interact with their surroundings, resulting in more spontaneous and emotional captures. Of course there are still some "looking at the camera" poses too!
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Personalization: The setting, clothing, and props often reflect the senior’s personality, hobbies, or future aspirations, making the images feel more personal and meaningful. Michele likes to chat with the parent or senior before the session to determine the best location.
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Emotion and Expression: Natural senior portraits aim to capture real emotions—whether it’s joy, contemplation, or excitement about their upcoming graduation.