Here's to 2026 and 20 Ways to Make Your Senior Portraits Unforgettable

20 Ways to Make Your Senior Photos Unforgettable in 2026

Senior photos should feel like you—not rushed, not generic, and definitely not outdated. Here’s how I make every senior session stand out:

1. Start with a personalized consultation

2. Choose locations that reflect your personality (urban, nature, or classic)

3. Incorporate meaningful outfits and layers

4. Plan multiple outfit changes, of course dependent on length of the session.😊

5. Use natural posing for confident, relaxed images

6. Focus on authentic expressions—not forced smiles

7. Include movement for dynamic shots

8. Capture both close-ups and full-body portraits

9. Style sessions around your interests or passions

10. Schedule sessions for the best natural light

11. Select locations across Maryland, Virginia, or DC that feel iconic and reflect you!!!

12. Guide seniors step-by-step throughout the session

13. Create a fun, stress-free environment

14. Capture both modern and timeless looks

15. Use professional lighting when needed

16. Provide prep guidance

17. Edit images with a clean, natural finish

18. Deliver images optimized for print and social media

19. Highlight individuality—no two sessions look the same

20. Celebrate this milestone with intention and creativity

Senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—it deserves more than ordinary photos.

This is a list you can refer to and the questions you can ask, when considering whether a particular photographer will work for you and capture you in the most authentic way.

ASK QUESTIONS. LISTEN TO THE ANSWERS!!!

Serving Maryland, Virginia & Washington DC
Booking senior sessions for the Class of 2026

Save this post & reach out to book your session!

Sonia Greenaway Mickle is a senior photographer and portrait photographer based out of Fort Washington Maryland and Northern Virginia and serves the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Her goal is to bring out every senior’s personality in their images and she's dedicated to making sure that every senior session is unique and different so that you enjoy your images that reflect you and only you, know that you're special and valued, and experience a fun time. Sonia is now booking the Class of 2026 students for senior sessions, as well as family and portrait sessions.