How to Pose High School Seniors

Senior pictures are a rite of passage. They represent the conclusion of an era and are photos that parents, grandparents and other family members want to display proudly in their homes and wallets. For photographs seen by so many people, you certainly want them to make an impact! BP4U collaborated with amazing portrait photographer Ashley Nacke to give you all the ins and outs of senior portrait photos.

Using Props for Senior Portraits

Ashley Nacke, whose style is always fresh, says that the key to standing out as a photographer is to always strive for unique and different photographs. One way you can do that is with standout props. Some props she’s used in the past include old cars, vintage bikes, one-of-a-kind furniture — even animals!

Tip: Have your senior show you her outfits and props before you plan the photo shoot.

Once you know what he or she is wearing and bringing, you can choose the perfect spot to take pictures. For example, Ashley chose this green field with a fiery red tree background to match the pink bench and outfit this senior said she was going to wear.

For photos with animals, such as the senior portrait below, ask the senior to engage with her pet as she would on any other day. Capturing the genuine connection between the subject and pet makes for a truly remarkable photograph.

More Tips for Senior Portrait Photography:

  1. Start a senior rep or referral program. Having others tell of your glory will definitely help with sales. In other words: word of mouth is one of your best ways to garner business.
  2. The senior doesn’t always have to look into the camera. Ashley says having your subject look away gives the photograph a more editorial feel.
  3. Ask the senior to tell you about him or herself and choose your on-location shoots from there. For example, a brunette looks gorgeous against a golden field while a tree-lined street befits someone who loves vintage.

Learn anything from this post? Then the knowledge you’ll gain from Ashley Nacke’s Senior Tell All Guide will prove invaluable. Click here for more information and to buy.

Topics covered: 


  • How to stand
  • How to sit
  • Hand placement
  • Feet placement
  • Dealing with the parents
  • How to find the best locations
  • How to make them look hot
  • Camera/Lighting/Editing Techniques

Also includes posing cards so you can take these tips on the go!