Graduation portraits are some of my very favorite photo shoots. And with good reason! Capturing genuine human emotions is such a fun part of this job, and graduates are always so full of pride, hope, and joy. Over the last year, the Class of 2025 was no exception! These amazing young adults are ready to take on the world, and I’m so excited that I got to capture this chapter of their stories. As we all look forward to whatever the future holds, let’s take a look back and celebrate!

Graduation Portraits Your Way

The best thing about graduation portraits with me? You can make the experience as unique as your story! Take individual portraits, book a shoot with a group of your friends or roommates, or make a whole day of it with your whole tribe. The common thread? No matter what vision you have for your graduation portraits, we’ll work together to make it something you love. Read all about my grad session details here!

Graduation Portraits In Your Neck of the Woods

Even though I’m technically a Colorado photographer, I love to travel around the country… especially for graduation portraits! To my alma mater (Go Red Birds!) and beyond, I hit the road every spring to celebrate the graduates of several universities that I’ve come to know and love over the years. Interested in a session? Reach out and subscribe to my newsletter to be in-the-know for all my upcoming travel dates and locations.

Make the Most of Your Senior Year

Portraits go a lot farther than they used to. In addition to the traditional cap and gown shots your parents and grandparents will love to receive as gifts, your images can live forever online, be used for graduation gift thank you notes, resumes… even framed side-by-side with your future spouse as personalized wedding decor some day. All this to say? Investing in these photos is definitely worth the commitment. Check out some more of my ideas on how to use senior portraits here, and get ready to graduate in style!

Refer A Friend = Make Some Cash!

Did someone say cash? If you tell a friend about my services and they book, you’ll get $50 cash via PayPal or Venmo. You read that right! Refer five friends and all of them book? That’s $250 in your pocket. So if you love your graduation portraits, be sure to share your images, tag @sarnoldphoto, and tell your friends and fellow grads. Let’s remember these moments together!

I know… Senior pictures might be the last thing on your mind right now. Your graduate’s junior year just finished, afterall. But trust me when I say their senior year will be over before you know it! And with college applications and commitments, and plenty of senior-year events and awards headed your way, taking senior pictures is one of the few things you actually have flexibility in scheduling. So whether you’re headed into the Class of 2026 or you (or your student) are still a few years away, here are my top three reasons to plan on taking senior pictures over the summer.

1. Summer Weather/Summer Outfits for Senior Pictures

Two words: Golden Hour! It’s got a reputation for a reason, and those magical summer sunsets can produce some stunning shots. So why not take advantage of the sun-kissed skin of the season? Taking senior pictures in the summer lets you enjoy the comfort of warm temperatures during your shoot, which also means lighter outfits. Think breezy sundresses, signature tees, and bright colors. And speaking of colors, summer sessions for senior pictures also get the advantage of more diverse backgrounds like blooming flowers, lush greens or even weather-specific locations like beaches and lakes. Plus, with autumn taking over the wedding scene, you’ll likely have better luck with your photographer’s available dates!

2. Check Off Senior Pictures… Before the Busy

Scheduling your senior portrait session in the summer is so much easier for, well… scheduling! Without school, extracurriculars, sports, and other academic calendar activities to work around, a photo shoot is easy to schedule—and reschedule if you need! Session times are flexible, which means less stress for you. Like I said, there will be plenty of things filling your calendar senior year, from senior prom to senior carnival, senior breakfast and senior capping. And if your student is involved in sports, clubs, or committees, you’ll have even more on your plate heading into graduation! Cross this task off your list early. You can! This one is up to YOU to schedule, and getting it out of the way before the business helps to create a joy-filled, stress-free image gallery. 

3. Early Gallery Completion

While it might feel early, having senior pictures on hand at the start of the school year will be more useful than you think! Be ready for yearbook deadlines, prepared for senior night displays, and set for all those #SeniorSunday posts from the very start. Simple as it sounds, taking photos early means having pictures ready early, too! When the time comes for graduation party invitations, college announcements, thank you notes, etc., you’ll have a gallery full of stunning photos to use without worrying about fitting in a shoot, getting images back in time to design and print before sending out invitations in time for them to arrive, etc. Take the worry out of it—Take your senior pictures over the summer!

Why Take Senior Pictures with Sarah Arnold Photography? 

I believe in a world where you are only a senior once, celebrating these moments undeniably matters. By focusing on the significance of this pivotal time in seniors’ lives, I work to freeze these moments and make them last forever! Simply put, it’s my goal to create images that won’t let you forget this special time in your life. You deserve an unforgettable experience — one that culminates in stunning, timeless photos that will make your heart swell! 

With three different Senior Portrait Packages to choose from, you’re sure to find the services that best meet your needs and your budget. And with an added family session option, you can take full advantage of the summer light/styling and make the most of your time in front of the lens! 

Want to know more? Check out the details of each package, what’s included, FAQs and more HERE.