A few times, I've been approached by a mom who needs to book a senior session for her child (or in this case, children) for graduation announcements and all that fun stuff.  But then she'll also say that it's been a long time since they've had family portraits done and that she'd like to get a few photos with everyone in them. 

I'm sure that other photographers may disagree with my approach to this, but I am 100% OK with combining a senior session with a family session.  I charge a set fee for a one-hour photo session for up to 6 people, so it is really up to the client on how they would like me to prioritize that hour. I always do individual shots of each child at a family portrait session, so it is pretty easy to combine the two types of photo sessions. 

Combining sessions might not be the best option for you if your senior is very shy and maybe might take a while to relax at a session, allowing me to get natural images. But that wasn't the case for Sarah and Jacob.  It also might not be best if your other children are very young toddlers and may need extra time for getting family shots.  But Eli was just old enough to be pretty easy to work with, so this was an excellent option for their family. I feel that we easily got enough photos for the twin's senior portrait needs, and also the typical family sessions shots. 

Beth had let me know that she had these adorable shirts that she wanted to get a photo of the kids in at the beginning of the session. So we planned to get these in first and then let them change for the family session. Aren't these just so cute?  

Two all done and one just getting started.Beth had let me know that she had these adorable shirts that she wanted to get a photo of the kids in at the beginning of the session. So we planned to get these in first and then let them change for the family session. Aren't these just so cute?   Sarah & Jacob are headed to Belmont in the FallThis made me a little jealous that my girls aren't twins, because what a relief it must be for a mom to know that at least they are together. Senior Photo of SarahI adore photographing toddlers, but have to say that I do enjoy photographing seniors as well. It's nice to be able to work with clients who will sit in just the right spot in the pretty light and give me time to compose the shot exactly the way I want. Twin FunI have photographed a lot of younger sets of twins, but this was my first time with seniors. These two were so much fun together. They had me laughing for much of the session. Family HugI love getting photographs of families together shot from above. It doesn't always work out, but when it does, I just think it is such a fun perspective. Dandelion FunDandelions are my thing, if you haven't noticed. Eli was totally game in helping me get some dandelion wishes photos. This one had me wearing the wishes. 😂 Family Hug!I prefer a good family hug to a perfectly posed photo any day. So much love. ❤️ Love that face!But the unpredictability of young children is still my passion. I mean that face...I love it. Lovely Spring LocationI am really loving Preservation Park as a Portrait Session Location. These yellow wildflowers (some would say weeds) caught my eye. Hug but don't chokeOne of these days, I'll figure out how to ask young children to hug someone GENTLY. This happens every. single. time. LOL The perfect weatherI wish I could somehow bottle up the weather from this session and use it for every outdoor photo session. Including the familyAnother reason I love the idea of combining senior sessions with family sessions is being able to capture that beautiful connection between teens and their parents. Posing options for large age variationsOne of my considerations when planning for this session is trying to show connection with the obvious height differences between six year old Eli and the rest of the family. Having everyone kneel down to his level was a good option. Eli SandwichAnother way to get them on the same level to get close up shots was having Jacob pick up Eli. He was almost too big for this, but I love this shot of the siblings hugging. Adding Mom and Dad to the Family HugAnd I loved that "pose" so much that I asked mom and dad to join for a full family shot. So easy to photographI really couldn't have asked for a family to be easier to photograph. These guys were so easy to shoot. Not ready for thisSenior sessions make me a little more emotional than I ever thought they would. Particularly when I take photos of mothers and daughters together. I'm not ready for this. 💕 Combination Senior and Family Portrait Session in Thompson Station TN That dress!So gorgeous...especially with the blue sky. Combination Senior and Family Portrait Session in Thompson Station TN Combination Senior and Family Portrait Session in Thompson Station TN Combination Senior and Family Portrait Session in Thompson Station TN Mom & DadAt every family session, I try to get a photo of mom and dad alone. 😍

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