Are Simple Senior Portraits Still A Thing?

Have you searched “ideas for high school senior pictures”? It’s an entertaining few hours!

I thought I was being creative, 24 years ago, when I insisted my brother take me to Patoka Lake and set a kitchen dining chair in the water why I posed in a blue floral maxi dress and looked off into the sunset. Everyone else was doing white backgrounds with a big block “99” on the floor. (Clean white was the response to paint-splattered canvas backdrops a decade earlier- usually with a stepladder in the scene).

Then came photoshop, and people seemed to think it was a fine idea to put “fire” on baseball bats and random sports equipment…ah, fun times.

I do love to be creative. But I’m not a shock-and-awe type creative. I love classic, timeless styles. I’m so happy to see a return for classic, nicely-lit senior portraits in the last few years. I think some teens are tired of the same brick walls and same outdoor locations, and they are leaning into more subtle, timeless looks.

If that’s your preference, I invite you to come view the studio and see if something here works for you. I also shoot on location- but I bring lights, so we still have a polished, professional look. Call me- let’s chat. Even if you decide not to book, you may get some ideas!

The classic white wall- it’s back!

Close up senior pictures of girls are timeless.

A simple, real pose- made interesting by different textures, warm skin tones and a smile.

Outside in the studio courtyard. Classic black and white- and what really makes this photo is all the texture. There may be no color, but see the concrete wall, the denim/lace shirt, the plants in the background, the ringlets, the hat…? All contribute.

Another classic close-up. Nothing is overly loud. It’s sweet and simple.

Senior Boy Photoshoot: Class of 2022

Why should you have senior pictures taken?

  1. You deserve it!

  2. It’s fun!

  3. You will use these pictures more than you think. Announcements, grad slideshows, social media, applications, resumes, even LinkedIn. Calotype will make sure to cover all the requirements so you get the most use from these senior photos.

  4. You are interesting- whether you think it or not. Getting your face, your bone structure, your eyes, etc. into the right lighting can make a world of difference in how you see yourself.

Look over these senior pictures in Springfield. (I can shoot in any location, not everything needs to be in our studio). These were taken on a fall afternoon, just walking around downtown. What would you like to do for your senior photoshoot?

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black and white trendy picture of senior boy pushing the hair back from his eyes
high school senior boy photoshoot, leaning against his car
high school senior boy photoshoot, leaning against his car and looking directly at camera
black and white photo of a high school senior guy leaning on his car
trendy photo of a high school senior boy in his car for senior pictures
senior boy walking up stairs in downtown Springfield for a senior photoshoot
black and white photo of a senior boy, centered, leaning on a bike rack in downtown Springfield MO for senior photos
smiling senior boy leaning against wall for senior pictures
horizontal pictures of serious hs school senior boy sitting on a fountain, looking directly at camera

Girl Senior Pictures/Class of 2021

Looking for fall senior pictures? I can do both outdoor and studio senior portraits, especially on a beautiful fall day in the Ozarks.

**NOTE: My subject may be smiling in these senior pictures, but the first time we met she was NOT happy. Scroll to the end to see. **

Her outdoor senior portraits were taken in a parking lot near the studio; by the creek that runs through Morse Park to the northeast of the studio; and beside the courthouse in the square across from Calotype. I chose the locations based on her clothing colors.

Her mom’s favorites were the last images- in the studio on the olive plaster wall. Which ones do you like? Feel free to email me and comment!

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Because you scrolled to then end so diligently- here is the first image from the first time I photographed this young lady. I took these in 2007 when her mom brought her to the studio for a spring portrait special. She may not look excited to be there, but thirteen years later… I know her mama’s glad she made time for professional photography.

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High School Senior Girl Outside With Horse

For this class of 2021 senior girl, I went to her farm for the portrait session. Three outfits- the prom dress with her horse, jeans and a sweater, then a similar sweater but with a color change to better match the surroundings. These were photographed at 9 AM in the middle of October. Do you like the idea of pets in senior portraits? Your comments are always welcome- feel free to email me.

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