Gilbert Senior Photos | Venue at The Grove | Ella

Ella came in with a disclaimer: "I'm not photogenic." I hear this all the time and it is almost never true. In her case, absolutely not true.

She’s definitely more of a jeans-over-dresses kind of person, very laid-back, very “girl next door.” Honestly, that’s the kind of energy that photographs the best. She started off a little reserved, just feeling things out, which is completely normal. Most people don’t walk into a session instantly comfortable. But as we moved around The Grove and the light started to soften, she loosened up.

And once that shift happens, everything changes…the moment where it stops feeling like “taking pictures” and just feels like hanging out for a bit.

The Venue at the Grove at sunset does a lot of the heavy lifting on its own. The light gets warm and soft and it just flatters everything. It was a great match for Ella's laid back energy. Ella is heading into criminal justice studies after graduation, which felt very on brand for her. She had this calm, grounded presence that made her easy to work with and fun to photograph. I had a great time with her.

Sessions like this are a good reminder that being “photogenic” isn’t something you either have or don’t. It’s just about getting comfortable enough to be yourself.

Tips for Senior Sessions

Give it a minute
You don’t have to feel comfortable right away. If you feel awkward in front of a camera at the start, that's fine. Most people do. Just give it 20 minutes and it almost always turns around.

Wear what feels like you
If you’re a jeans person, wear jeans. You’ll look more like yourself, and that always translates better in photos. Your session will always feel more natural when you are comfortable in what you have on.

Trust the process
You don’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job. You just show up!

Still looking for your senior photographer? I'd love to be yours. Spots for 2026 are filling up so reach out soon and Let’s chat →

Check out more senior sessions on the blog.