There’s something special about photographing someone you love, especially when the setting is a place that holds family history. I recently had the privilege of doing a senior photo shoot for my daughter, Elizabeth, down at our old family farm in Tennessee—and it turned out to be one of the most rewarding sessions I’ve done in a while.
The rustic landscape gave us plenty of character to work with—an old green dump truck, creeks, porches, and soft evening sunlight. We took a wide variety of shots, and in this post I want to share a few tips that helped make the session a success. Whether you’re a photographer, a parent, or someone looking for ideas for your own senior portraits, I hope this gives you a few ideas.
Start with a Great Setting
We’re lucky to live near our old family farm, which offers all kinds of great backdrops. Barns, trucks, trees, and wide open space—it’s all there. The setting itself helps create an authentic, grounded feel. When you’re planning a shoot like this, look for a location that adds texture to the photos without overpowering the subject.
Make the Most of Natural Light
This shoot took place in the late afternoon, when the light was soft and golden. It was perfect for highlighting details—like sunlight catching in Elizabeth’s hair. You don’t need fancy equipment to take great photos; just pay attention to the light and time of day. Golden hour is your friend.
Use Shallow Depth of Field
I’m a big fan of natural depth of field. I shoot in a way that keeps the subject crisp while gently blurring the background. It gives the image depth and a professional look without needing much post-processing. That said, I’ll occasionally enhance the effect digitally if needed—but when I can, I prefer to capture it in-camera.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Editing
We processed a few of the images with different effects—some high contrast, some with a softer tone, and even a few monochromatic or selective color looks. One photo was processed so everything was black and white except for Elizabeth, which gave it a cool, slightly surreal look. Another had a sepia-like tone with a vignette effect around the edges. It’s okay to try a few different looks during editing. Let the personality of the photo guide you.
Capture Real Moments
Some of the best shots weren’t posed. In one image, Elizabeth wasn’t quite ready for me to snap the photo, but the result was a beautiful, candid moment. Don’t wait for everything to be “just right.” Sometimes the imperfect moments are the most real and expressive.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the goal of a photo shoot like this is to reflect the personality of the person you’re photographing. Elizabeth loved her photos, and that’s what matters most. The rustic setting, the natural light, and the variety of expressions and styles helped us create a set of portraits that really represent her.
If you’re planning a senior photo session—or any kind of portrait work—don’t underestimate the power of a meaningful location and simple, honest photography. And if you need a hand with a shoot like this, I’d be happy to help. You can reach me at info@workmedia.net or visit workmedia.net to learn more.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories and tips from the field.