High School Seniors!
Where are you, high school seniors? I know it’s not even 2025 yet, but it’s time to book your spring SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSION!
I’ve photographed a few high school seniors each year for the past 3-4 years, and I’ve really enjoyed working with them. So, this past spring, I set a goal: To photograph 6 seniors in the months of March & April. And I did it!
I had the privilege of photographing SIX awesome high school seniors! There were three students from Rocklin High (one mom told another mom who told another - I’m so grateful!)), one from Whitney High, one from Antelope High and one from McClatchy High. And in the process of photographing all those seniors, I absolutely fell in love with senior photography!
Getting to spend time with each teen, one-on-one (and typically, their mom, too!) was super special. During the hour and a half we’re together, we moved from spot to spot, taking pictures and chatting. I’m the type who loves chatting one-on-one with people (that’s the introvert in me), and I also love variety, so I’m finding that senior sessions are a great fit for me.
And because senior sessions are a little longer than my family sessions, there’s plenty of time for 3+ outfit changes.
Speaking of outfits, senior often ask: What should I wear? I advise you to bring 3-4 outfits, plus your cap and gown, if it’s available. The photos above illustrate some outfit possibilities. In general, it’s best to bring one casual outfit, one or two dressier outfits, a college shirt/sweatshirt (if applicable), and then your cap + gown.
What are you thinking you want to wear at your senior session?!
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By the way, the first set of photos of Katelyn were taken at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm (Lincoln/Auburn area, $50 fee to shoot there), and the second set of Tyler were taken in Old Town Auburn. Both great locations, but with very different looks.
The C Family | A Rose Session
I loved photographing this sweet family of four on the Iowa Hill Bridge in Colfax!
As I drove over to this location, it was sprinkling on my car. But I had been tracking the weather forecasts for several days, and I was praying that they were spot on, and that it would stop raining before the session. And wouldn’t you know…the rain stopped right before 4:00 pm!! So thankful we didn’t have to reschedule this session. (Side note: Clients often ask, What happens if it rains? Great question! If the forecast is calling for rain, we’ll have to reschedule. But if it’s going to be cloudy or sunny, the session is on!)
I thought these images illustrate mom life vs. dad life. I know I’m generalizing here, and this is not always the case, but sometimes. Am I right?!
I love this particular location because we can take pictures on the bridge AND by the river.
And on this particular day in November, the tree leaves were showing off!
C Family | Mini Session
I was SO lucky to get to photograph these three beautiful sisters during their family’s fall mini session at the Iowa Hill Bridge in Colfax!
J Family
I loved meeting this sweet family from Lincoln and taking photos of them in the Auburn area. Mom wanted some fall color, and thankfully, this spot had some beautiful yellow leaves. These four are moving out-of-state shortly, and I wish them all the best in their new adventures in Idaho!
A Family | A Rose Session
This beautiful family has been coming to me for photos for the past three years. Generally, I see them for a mini Christmas session, so I have just 20 minutes with them. But this year, they opted for the Rose package instead. That meant I had 45 minutes with them! I’m SO glad we had that extra time together to capture the love they have for one another.
Two sweet sisters!
I even had time to pull out my blanket and let the oldest daughter run underneath it - several times! The blanket “game” is always a favorite with littles, and I delight in seeing all of their big smiles! Next year, sister can join in on the fun!
I also loved that we had time for a few photos of just mom and dad.
There’s something about Daddies and their daughters snuggling that gets me every time.
What a wonderful fall family photo session at Coyote Pond Park in Lincoln! I can’t wait to photograph this beautiful family again next fall.
M Family | Rocklin
This sweet family drove an hour and a half to their photo session atop a hill in Rocklin! It was such a pleasure to finally meet this family of four.
As you can see, the little girl brought her special stuffed bunny rabbit with her, and we captured them together right before we wrapped up our session.
With young kids, I try to incorporate as much movement as possible. We play games, walk and holding hands, climb trees, run under blankets - you get the idea. The more I can get the kids (and adults) to move and interact with one another, the more FUN they’ll have! And as you can see, this family was all about FUN!
This little guy liked to hide behind the tree and pop out!
And he loved cuddling with his mom.
It was such an enjoyable session with the M family!
Tori | Class of 2024
Oh, Miss Tori was so much fun to photograph! As you’ll see from some of the pictures below, Tori loved hamming it up for the camera - and her mom who was standing nearby. Her goofy facial expressions and antics had me laughing throughout her photo session.
I’m a fan of glasses (I wear them, too!), and these spectacles look lovely on Tori.
When seniors are wearing glasses, I often ask if they want a few photos without them. Some do and some do not. And I get it, because without my glasses, I look really different. Plus, I’m practically blind without them! If the senior wants to wear their glasses in every shot, I try to shoot slightly above them or below them to reduce glass glare. And if that doesn’t work, there’s always Photoshop to the rescue.
During her session, Tori was easygoing and up for trying any pose ideas I threw out like this one…play with your hair!
I can’t take any credit for this one; this was ALL Tori! Haha!
And this was all Tori, too! I think Tori and her mom were making faces at each other. Haha!
I’m a fan of these throwing cap shots! But you should know that it’s never a one-and-done type thing. Generally, the senior throws her cap up in the air at least 3-5 times. That way, she can practice the movement a few times - since usually she’s never done it before!
Love this close-up of Tori!
Tori graduated from Rocklin High School and is now attending the University of Colorado. Here’s wishing her the absolute best in college and beyond!
Audrey | 8th grade grad photos
Meet Audrey, who is heading to high school this month! She, along with her friend, Rylee, posed for 8th grade grad photos in April at Griffith Quarry in Penryn. (Click here to see photos of Rylee.)
I love that Audrey and Rylee wanted to take a few photos together, too!
Let me know: Would you be interested in 8th grade grad mini-sessions next spring? Comment here or email me at jennieharlessphotography@gmail.com.
Rylee | 8th grade grad photos
In the spring, I had a prospective client email me asking if I could do a mini-session and take eighth grade graduation photos. I didn’t have any mini sessions coming up, but I sent her my photography package information and availability. I mentioned that if she found a second family who wanted pictures, they could split the package - time and cost. A week later, she emailed me saying there was another mom who wanted grad pictures, too.
We had a fun session with the two eighth grade girls and their moms out at Griffith Quarry in Penryn. Here’s a look at eighth grader Rylee! I’ll share pictures of Audrey, the second 8th grader, in a future post.
Let me know: Would you be interested in 8th grade grad mini-sessions next spring? Comment below or email me at jennieharlessphotography@gmail.com.
Tyler | Class of 2024
Wow, I can hardly believe it. This boy - er, young man - is all grown up!
It’s been an amazing thing to watch Tyler grow and mature - from birth to graduation and many special moments in between.
Tyler is truly one of the kindest young men I know, helping others and generously giving of his time and talent. (And I’m not just saying that because he’s our Godson!)
A total rockstar academically, Tyler, earned the title of Salutatorian for the Class of 2024 at Antelope High School.
Seriously, it’s wild when your friends’ children graduate from high school and go off into the world.
I felt honored to capture photographs of Tyler during this exciting time in his life. And I wish him all the best as he heads to college this fall.
Want to view photos from a recent senior girl session tin Old Town Auburn? Click here.
Mia | Class of 2024
I loved capturing photos of this sweet Rocklin High senior at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in late April!
Mia was so easygoing and open to taking pictures with a variety of backdrops - like these bright yellow flowers that just happened to be blooming around the farm’s front pond.
Mia also brought a bouquet of flowers with her! And she was up for climbing into the canoe - not something every senior is comfortable doing. Doesn’t she look so beautiful out there on the water?!
As an aside, I LOVE when seniors bring props with them to their session because they add personality and flair to the images, but also from a practical perspective, they give my clients something to do with their hands.
This is something brand NEW at the lavender farm - a SWING! So fun for high school seniors and young kiddos alike.
I feel SO grateful that I got to take Mia’s senior photos! What a beautiful young woman she is, both inside and out, and I wish her all the best as she heads to college.
Spring Mini Session | Horton Iris Garden
This past spring, I chose a new-to-me location for spring minis: Horton Iris Garden in Loomis! The garden was in full bloom in May, making it the perfect spot to photograph this sweet family and three others.
These two siblings were the cutest together, tickling one another and giggling. Such a fun spring mini session!
Katherine | Class of 2024
I met this lovely high school senior and her mom on a beautiful April evening in the town of Auburn. We started out near the Auburn Courthouse and then made our way around Old Town Auburn before finishing the session in Downtown Auburn.
How LUCKY were we?! These beautiful flowers were in FULL bloom!
As a McClatchy High School senior, Katherine donned a red gown and cap.
I love that Katherine selected this blue blouse because it brings out the blue in her eyes - and works so well with her nail color.
Most of the seniors I photograph, I’ve never met before our session together. So, in order to get to know each student before their session, I email out a short questionnaire. From Katherine’s questionnaire responses, I learned that she LOVES to read. Katherine asked if it might be possible to take photographs in front of or inside a bookstore. And I thought, YES, let’s do it!
Winston Smith Books was closed that day, but we captured some fun photos in front of the bookstore.
And just down from the bookstore is this really cool artsy spot with a wall mural and colorful umbrellas. So, of course, we had to take a few photos there as well. It was a fun way to wrap up this delightful senior session in Auburn!
Morgan | Class of 2024
This was my first high school SENIOR session of the year, and Morgan, her mom, and I had fun out at Bywater Hollow Lavender Farm in Lincoln. Even though it was early spring (mid-March), we got lucky and some of the trees were already blooming - like the one above with the purple buds. (Help me out, plant people, what kind of tree is that?)
As you can see, Morgan brought her clarinet with her to her senior session. I love, love, love that she brought her instrument with her.
In this post, I want to talk all about PROPS! (By the way, I don’t often include black and white images in senior galleries, but I was dying to see what this one would look like!)
You might not know this, but I’m a big fan of seniors bringing a few props to their session! Why? Because props help tell each senior’s unique story. Props often showcase a students’ interests or hobbies. I know some of you might be thinking, But I don’t play an instrument!
What about a sport? Morgan is a tennis player at Rocklin High School, so she changed into her tennis outfit and posed with a racket and ball.
Now I get it. You may not be musically-inclined. You might not be athletic. But here are some other fun PROP ideas!
Love flowers like I do? Bring a small bouquet of flowers with you!
Accessories can make your photos more interesting and provide more variety in your gallery. Bring your favorite hat (e.g. floppy hat, baseball cap, cowboy hat) or jacket (e.g. letter jacket) to your session.
Do you like to read? Bring along four or five of your favorite books.
Do you like to take pictures? Bring your camera along. (I’ll take a picture of you taking a picture of me! Ha! Seriously, I did this for one senior a few years ago, and it was the cutest picture!)
How about a favorite four-legged friend? Whether it’s your dog, cat, bunny or horse, let’s find a way to photograph the two of you together.
Do you adore your car or truck? Let’s chat about how we can include your vehicle in your session.
Are you active in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts? Bring your uniform with you - or at least your sash or vest with all of the badges/patches you’ve earned!
Do you already know where you are going to college? Bring along your college t-shirt or sweatshirt.
Other ideas include: Balloons, confetti or poppers(depending on the location), a sentimental item, or the tools of the trade (for your future career).
Have a different prop idea? I’m all ears!
Congratulations, Morgan, on your graduation from high school!
Family Session on the North Fork of the American River
One of my favorite things to do, outside of photographing clients, is to scout out new locations for my photo sessions. I learn about new locations from photographer friends and browsing the internet. But sometimes, I happen to be out with my family and stumble across a special spot.
That’s what happened last summer. My family and I were hiking down near this bridge outside of Colfax. We walked across the bridge and over the river, and I thought, “Hey, this might be a decent spot for family photos or senior sessions.”
Fast forward to late November, I met up with this family to take pictures there. It was chilly, but they were smart and stopped for Starbuck’s coffee and hot cocoa beforehand.
We took pictures on the bridge and down near the river, too.
I’ve photographed this family a few times before, and I always look forward to getting them in front of my lens!
The kids are getting older and taller - thankfully, I brought my trusty stool, so I could be slightly taller than them. And the weather is getting warmer and it stays lighter later, which I love. I can’t wait for more family and senior sessions this spring!
Austin | Class of 2024
I know most senior boys are not thrilled to have their senior pictures taken.
I would guess, the majority of them, do it because they want to make their mom happy.
I can’t say for sure if that was the case with this young man, but his mom was there at his session and she was very happy!
Austin was a joy to photograph; he’s easygoing and kind and was open to taking photos in a number of different locations around Old Town Auburn.
That’s one thing I love about shooting in Auburn - many unique photo spots within walking distance. It’s perfect for seniors wanting an urban look for their photos.
Austin’s mom wanted to do his photo session in the fall, which worked out great, except that his cap, gown, and tassel were not yet available. Luckily, he was able to borrow his sister’s cap and gown. (Don’t look too closely at the year on the tassel, okay?! wink)
I have two MORE spots in April for Class of 2024 seniors! Click on the “Contact” button or email me at jennieharlessphotography@gmail.com to discuss dates and locations.
The K Family
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this awesome family for 7+ years! These girls are growing up so fast, and it’s fun to check in and chat a bit each year while snapping away.
And this Mama recommended me to her sister (btw, that’s the biggest compliment ever for a photographer!), and I had fun capturing photos of her family. Stay tuned…a future blog post will highlight that fun photo session!
Fall Minis | The J Family
I just love this sweet family!
Fun fact: Mom Jenn and I played soccer together and attended the same high school years ago.
It’s such a pleasure photographing these three every fall! Each year, I chose a different location for fall minis (mainly because I have SO many families who come and see me every fall). In 2023, fall minis were held at the Bear River day use area in Colfax.
Want to get in on my Fall Minis this coming October? Subscribe to my quarterly newsletter (I only send 4 emails a year, promise!) or reach out to me via email at jennieharlessphotography@gmail.com
2023
Photo by Behnam Norouzi on Unsplash
As 2023 comes to a close, I thought I’d share this round-up of 23 “things” that have helped me, taught me something and/or brought me joy in 2023. And by “things,” I mean everything from websites to TV shows to books, and of course, experiences with my loved ones - all of which I’m really thankful for. It’s quite a mishmash, but you’ll learn a little about me by reading through it - and maybe you’ll find something that you’re interested in trying.
1.Vegan Recipes (free)
As a new vegan/vegetarian, I’m constantly on the hunt for healthy and delicious recipes. I’ve found a number of yummy recipes at Cookie and Kate.
2. Epoch Times (paid)
This is now my go-to news source! I bought a subscription about 6 months ago, and I’m happy I did. I love that the articles are delivered via email throughout the week, and if I don’t have time to read the article, I have the option to listen to the article.
3. Putting Me Together (free)
I was finding it difficult to know what to put together in terms of outfits - clothing, jewelry and shoes. Then, I read a blog post written by Audrey of Putting Me Together, and I’ve been following her advice ever since. She writes frequent blog posts on her website, but also has paid content, too.
4. Wit & Wisdom Jeans ($44 and up)
One of the biggest takeaways from Putting Me Together has been to buy high quality jeans (I live in jeans!) like the Wit & Wisdom brand. Those of you who know me well, know that I’m pretty frugal when it comes to clothing. But if you buy Wit & Wisdom jeans during Nordstrom’s anniversary sale in July, they are significantly less expensive.
5. Improved Health Strength Training Videos on YouTube (free)
I’ve been doing cardio and yoga workouts for a number of years, but recently I was reading about the importance of strength training for those of us who are over 40. For the past eight weeks, I’ve been doing 30-minute strength training workouts on YouTube (@improvedhealth), and I’ve noticed a big difference in my upper body strength.
6. All Creatures Great and Small (free)
I watch very little television, but over the years, I’ve been known to get hooked on a PBS show every now and then. On the recommendation of my librarian friend, I checked out Season 1 of All Creatures Great and Small, and then Brian and I proceeded to watch all three seasons in 2023. Now, I’m looking forward to the premiere of Season 4, which airs on January 7.
7. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza game ($9.99)
This one is for my kids, ages 8 and 11, who adore this new-to-us silly card game. To be honest, it’s not my favorite card game, but seeing my kids laughing and enjoying themselves is the best.
8. Our Winter Garden (cost varies)
My husband has the green thumb in our family, and he’s the one who takes charge of the summer garden. When I asked him about doing a winter garden this year, he said, “Go for it!” so I did. Now, I want to keep it real here - the squirrels and I are battling it out and they are winning for the most part, having eaten all of my lettuce plants! But there are a few broccoli and cauliflower plants that are thriving and so I’m celebrating those little successes - and continuing to spray all natural “squirrel mace” around my plants every chance I get.
9. Mini Gifts (cost varies)
I’ve always loved miniatures, thanks to my Mom, and this year, I decided to shower a few friends and family members with miniature items from Etsy. I sent this amethyst pocket angel to my aunt who was battling brain cancer and these smiling yellow suns to my sister-in-law who needed a bit of “sun” in her life.
10. Photographer’s Edit ($0.24/image)
While I looooooove taking photographs of high school seniors and families, I don’t enjoy the editing process much. Enter Photographer’s Edit, a company started by a photographer, who will color correct my images and return them to me for final polishing in 3-4 days.
11. Thank You Messages and Handwritten Notes
This year, I tried to be even more diligent about thanking people for their kind words, for their help, and for their thoughtful gifts - whether it was for me, our kids, or our whole family. Sometimes the thank yous happen via messenger or by email, but I prefer to send a handwritten note. Really, though, just speaking your gratitude is the most important thing.
12. Bullet Journaling ($10-$20)
I’m new to bullet journaling, but not new to journaling. In fact, I’ve journaled for years and have stacks of notebooks to show for it. My problem is that I can’t find something when I’m looking for it. The creator of bullet journaling gets this, and thus, gets me! I started my first bullet (dot) journal last month, and just having an index in the front and page numbers on every page has made a world of difference. I’m currently reading this book from the library to learn more.
13. Creating a Trust (cost varies)
After years of procrastination, my husband and I finally met with an advisor last month who is helping us create a trust. We got off the 2-hour call, and all I could think was “Man, that was a lot of adulting for one day!” {smile}
14. Dry Bar Comedy on YouTube (free)
When I need a little pick-me-up, I watch one of my favorite Dry Bar comedians like Jose Sarduy.
15. Mancala with my Daughter (free)
I love playing Mancala with my daughter. I remember watching my mom play Mancala with my niece, and now I get to play with my 8-year-old.
16. My Portuguese Ancestors (paid)
Learning more about my Portuguese ancestors has been one of the most exciting and satisfying things I’ve done this year. Ancestry.com helped a ton, as did assistance from a genealogist whose family is also from the Azores.
17. Emails and FaceTime Calls (free)
You should know that I’m not the type who enjoys talking on the phone; I’m much rather text or email - or talk in person one-on-one. This year, I enjoyed emailing with friends who’ve moved out of state and FaceTime calls with my two best friends from high school.
18. Hiking (free)
I’ve always loved to hike, and in 2023, I set out to find a few hiking buddies! I connected with two moms who I walked with once or twice a week after dropping the kids off at school. Now, months later, I look forward to our time on the trails together.
19. I Feel Good About…(free)
A practice I began in early 2023, this has to be one of my favorite ways to end the day. Really, it can be done any time of the day, and though it’s simple, it’s very powerful! Before bed, I jot down three things I feel good about. It can be anything, big or small. As I filled up page after page, I would often reread what I wrote the day before and the day before that. And just like that, I would feel better about myself and my life.
20. Photographing More High School Seniors ($99)
I love photographing high school seniors, and before every session, I re-watch Amy + Jordan’s on-location senior session videos! Love their teaching style with specific tips for boys and for girls!
21. The Family Board Meeting by Jim Sheils ($14.99)
This book is a quick read (check it out from the library if you can or buy the ebook for $4.99 here) and contains some great ideas for how to connect with each of your children, one-on-one.
22. Costco Runs (cost varies)
My husband and I noticed we were spending quite a bit at Costco last year. Can you relate?! So, instead of making the 30-minute drive to Costco once or twice a month, we now order everything online. You know things like paper towels and toilet paper and peanut butter and syrup - and best of all, no impulse buys! And as long as we spend $75, shipping is free.
23. Playing Pickleball with my Son
Noah and I have played pickleball half a dozen times at local parks, and we both love it! We don’t play by the official rules; right now, we’re just enjoying hitting the ball back and forth. But each time we play, I come away feeling more connected to him and thankful for this one-on-one time.
Things I’m Looking Forward to in 2024
Trying out some Minimalist Baker recipes (Thanks to my SIL for the recommendation!)
Reading How Not to Age by Dr. Michael Greger (on the library’s waiting list)
Possibly purchasing a used 35mm lens to take video
Cooking with my new non-stick Farberware cookware (Merry Christmas to me!)
Traveling internationally with my family (Destination to be determined.)
Your turn: What were your favorites of 2023? And what are you most looking forward to in 2024?
Fall Mini Session | Bear River
In October, I held fall mini sessions at the Bear River in Colfax. This family joined me last year for minis, and it was so much fun to see how much this little one and her big brother have grown since last November. That’s one of my favorite parts about minis - I get to see many of the same families each fall!
A BIG thank you to all the families who joined me this year for fall minis and red truck minis. I truly appreciate you stepping in front of my lens year after year and supporting my small business,
Right now, I’m up to my eyeballs in images - editing pictures from the six red truck minis as well as several full sessions!
I better get back to Photoshop now, but I will post more pictures soon.
P.S. Speaking of Photoshop…sometimes with little ones, a head swap or two is necessary. Two of these images have a head swap in them. Can you spot them?