Top Trends in Senior Photography
The top trends in senior photography today center around minimalism, authenticity, and uniqueness. Naturally, the way teens view their world plays a major role in what’s popular for senior photo sessions. Here’s a breakdown of the senior photography trends I’m seeing for senior pictures in Fond du Lac, throughout Wisconsin, and beyond, including senior portrait ideas to consider and how these trends have evolved over my career as a professional senior photographer.
If you’re wondering what seniors want most in their senior photos today, these are the trends shaping modern senior photography.
Overall Vibe: Unique, Original, and Personal
High school students crave individuality now more than conformity. As such, they want their senior photos to not look like everyone else’s. In the past, photographers commonly used the same backgrounds, chairs, and themes (ahem, the high-key black and white portrait with wet hair… I guess I’m dating myself!). Today’s seniors want their photos to feel original, not like something they’re copying from someone else. My senior clients specifically ask me to help them come up with unique session ideas (and this is the fun part). They’re not having FOMO over something another senior at their school did for his or her photo session, because they are intentionally choosing locations or background themes that fit their vibe. This shift reflects a broader move toward senior portraits that feel personal and story-driven.
Teens are taking their own photos on a daily basis, so their senior photography session should be designed to be something a little out of the ordinary!
Editorial Concepts
One of the strongest trends I’m seeing in senior photography is the desire for an editorial or high-fashion look. Seniors are drawn to portraits that feel intentional and styled, using fashion-forward outfits, creative lighting techniques, and expressions that lean more serious or effortless. Editorial concepts are less about posing for the camera and more about conveying a message or sense of identity.
This shift has also led to an increased interest in studio portraits; not the traditional school picture day photo or corporate-style headshot, but rather images inspired by fashion magazines or Hollywood premieres. Utilizing the studio allows seniors to get photos that are undeniably professional.
Senior Photos with Movement and Emotion
This is big! One of the biggest changes in modern senior photography is how senior photos are meant to feel, not just how they look. Seniors are desiring less extremely stiff posing, and are leaning heavily towards finding a photographer who can get to know them and capture their natural essence in a candid way, in addition to also capturing some classic posed or directed photos. I get my seniors to walk, spin, and laugh during every session, and these photos end up being the most effortless and natural, letting their personalities shine. They love photos that make them appear “caught in the moment.” Incorporating movement and laughter also helps teens relax, which results in photos where they truly feel like themselves.
Meaningful Locations
Seniors and their families are increasingly looking for session locations that are meaningful to them. While some seniors want my input on where to go for their photos, I allow my clients the freedom to choose locations that are personal and familiar.
Many seniors choose locations that already play a role in their lives, such as family properties, favorite hangout spots, or places tied to favorite memories. Others are drawn to locations that reflect their personal style rather than a specific place. For some, that means urban textures like the buildings and alleyways in downtown Fond du Lac, while others prefer natural settings such as the beach at Kohler-Andrae State Park (just a short drive away). Those who love the look of water may even opt to wade into the west branch of the Fond du Lac River.
Choosing a setting that helps tell their story adds meaning beyond simply being a pretty background.
Showcasing Activities
Another major trend in modern senior photography is the desire to highlight hobbies, sports, and extracurricular activities. Seniors want their photos to reflect not just how they look, but how they spend their time.
A figure skater may want photos at the ice rink, an equestrian at the horse stable, or a hunter on Grandpa’s land. Seniors involved in theatre may choose the stage at the Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center, while a football player from St. Mary's Springs Academy might want photos taken on the field.
Rather than feeling staged, these details celebrate the dedication and identity seniors have built throughout their high school years.
Night Photography
An emerging trend I’m seeing more of (especially among seniors who love an editorial look) is night photography. While most senior sessions traditionally take place during daylight hours and wrap up around golden hour, more seniors are opting for dusk or nighttime sessions. Night photography allows for incorporating creative lighting techniques, dramatic contrast, and bold concepts.
These sessions require a more intentional approach to lighting, and careful planning to achieve the intended result. Because of this, night photography is typically offered by photographers with more experience using off-camera flash. I am one of the few photographers in Fond du Lac and the surrounding area to offer night sessions, as I love to play with light and fashion-forward concepts. I’ve seen interest grow for this as teens now want something that stands apart from traditional senior portraits.
Outfits: From Casual to Elevated
Seniors appreciate a mix of very casual, everyday looks and more elevated statement outfits. Senior photos mark a meaningful milestone, so many teens enjoy using part of their session as an opportunity to dress up or wear something outside of their typical routine, whether that’s a formal outfit, a fashion-forward look, or something with bold textures.
Planning multiple outfit changes allows for a well-rounded senior photo gallery with a range of images, from relaxed, to classic, to editorial styles. This variety gives seniors more options for sharing on social media while also providing parents with images that work for albums and wall art.
One of the most common questions seniors ask is what to wear for senior photos. This is why I always help my clients plan and coordinate their outfits ahead of time. This planning process before the session ensures each look complements the chosen locations, reflects the senior’s personality, and photographs well.
Makeup Trends for Senior Photography
Senior girls are sticking with minimal and natural makeup looks these days. As a photographer, I have to say that light-coverage makeup is typically better than completely bare skin, but minimal makeup is actually much better than heavy or thick foundation and stark contouring. Heavy makeup will not reflect light well, so it tends to create a very flat appearance on camera. It will look cakey and begin to crease in a way that is accentuated due to how professional cameras capture everything in sharp detail.
Most photographers, including myself, carefully retouch the final images using professional editing software, and this process actually provides more natural results when makeup is on the minimal side. We can more easily remove acne, smooth imperfections, and even out the skin tone when the skin texture is still visible. The software even allows us to accentuate the makeup, including adding some contour and even amplifying the look of eye makeup.
Using Props in Modern Senior Photography
Even the word “props” feels outdated in modern senior photography. Today’s seniors don’t want an overabundance of items in their photos, but there are a few meaningful exceptions.
Sports uniforms/gear, musical instruments, or items tied to a hobby are always a great choice for seniors who are actively involved in something.
One popular addition, especially among girls, is a bouquet of fresh flowers. Senior photos are a special milestone, similar to prom or even a wedding, so why not add in a fun pop of color? Flowers are easy to interact with and can even be tucked into a back pocket for a playful look.
While chairs or stools still appear occasionally, most seniors prefer to interact naturally with their environment instead. This can include sitting on ledges, standing in water, or leaning against a textured building. Simple chairs are fine as long as they’re not emphasized as the focal point. Gone are the days of oversized velvet couches dragged into a field!
Modern senior photography focuses far more on the senior themselves than on props or elaborate setups.
Timeless and Intentional Editing Styles for Senior Photos
Seniors are shying away from heavily edited images and trendy filters, but that doesn’t mean they want their photos to look unedited or amateur. Instead, they’re looking for clean, natural edits that enhance the image while still preserving realistic skin texture, true-to-life color, and authentic expressions. Modern seniors are leaning into body positivity and embracing their true selves, so their goal is for the photo to look like the best version of themselves instead of overly airbrushed or artificial.
Professional editing plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. Good retouching includes removing temporary blemishes like acne, evening out skin tone, and ensuring colors and lighting are consistent across the entire gallery; details that simply can’t be achieved with phone filters or quick presets. Seniors want their photos to feel polished, clearly showing that they hired a professional photographer, while maintaining a natural look.
Clean, intentional editing also ensures senior photos will age well. Rather than relying on filters and effects that may look dated in a few years, professional editing focuses on classic tones and natural contrast, allowing these images to remain meaningful and beautiful long after graduation. This approach gives seniors photos they feel confident sharing now, and providing families with artwork they’ll still love displaying for years to come.
Photo Products Seniors and Parents Want Today
What seniors and parents want to purchase has evolved during my time in the industry. Digital images have remained a preferred item, but more and more seniors are finding the value in a custom album from their session. Not only does the album contain a variety of photos, being able to choose the perfect cover style turns it into a true keepsake. While wallet-size photo prints used to be popular to hand out to friends (before social media), now these have evolved into a meaningful gift when mailed with graduation announcements or party invitations. Family members love putting these on their refrigerators! In addition, even the families who appreciate minimalism still love having one large statement print or canvas for their wall.
Ultimately, today’s senior photo products balance the convenience and sharing opportunities of digital, with meaningful printed keepsakes that families can enjoy long after.
The Biggest Takeaway…
Senior photography trends continue to evolve, but the focus remains on creating senior portraits that feel authentic, personal, and timeless. Modern senior photography prioritizes intentional choices throughout the process, resulting in images that reflect each senior’s individuality and stand the test of time. When senior sessions are planned with care, from location and styling to editing, the result is photography that truly reflects who seniors are during this meaningful season of life.