University of Illinois Arboretum Senior Portraits

Urbana, Illinois

Photographing a senior for the very first time always feels extra special… Especially when it is the first “senior” milestone for the family, too! Addissen is a Class of 2027 senior at Watseka Community High School, and her summer senior session was the beginning of what I hope will be a year full of beautiful memories for this sweet girl and her family. Her mom was understandably having a few feelings throughout the session as she watched her oldest daughter officially start the senior-year journey, and I can’t blame her. When your little girl is suddenly a senior, it hits a little differently!

As the oldest of four girls, Addissen has grown into such a wonderful role model for her younger sisters. She is the kind of big sister who leads by example, and it is easy to see how much she means to the girls who look up to her. She is also an active and important part of the Watseka Community High School volleyball and basketball teams, so between school, sports, and being the built-in role model at home, she has a pretty full plate. Her senior year is already shaping up to be a big one!

Addissen | Class of 2027

For her senior photos, Addissen chose the beautiful gardens surrounding the University of Illinois Arboretum and Japan House in Urbana. With all of the greenery, flowers, winding paths, and beautiful architecture, it gave us so many different backdrops to work with while still keeping the focus on her. We had originally planned her session for an earlier summer evening, but an extreme heat warning had other plans for us. Honestly, I think the reschedule worked out perfectly because when we finally got together, the weather could not have been better!

The breeze was heavenly, the humidity was actually bearable (a true Midwest summer miracle!), and the evening light was absolutely showing off for us. It was one of those summer evenings where you almost forget how hot the rest of the season has been. Addissen was able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience, and we captured the kind of natural, joyful images that feel like her.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for summer senior photos:

Don’t sweat it, literally! If the forecast looks like it is going to be hot, we can work with it! I always recommend bringing a little towel or tissues to dab away any shine or sweat between locations. We can build in little breaks when needed, too! You do not have to power through the heat for the sake of your photos.

Bring water. This one sounds obvious, but it is so easy to forget when you are focused on outfits, hair, makeup, and getting out the door! A cold water bottle is your best friend on a warm summer evening.

Pack a few makeup touch-ups. A little powder, lip color, concealer, or whatever you normally use for quick touch-ups can be helpful… Especially if we are spending lots of time outside! Your senior session is not a one-and-done photo opportunity. We will move around, laugh, walk, and have fun. A few little touch-ups can help you feel fresh throughout the session!

Choose outfits you can actually move in. You want to feel like yourself during your senior session. That means choosing outfits that let you walk, sit, twirl, and move comfortably. The goal is to look amazing and feel confident while you are doing it.

And most importantly, trust the process. You do not need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands. That is my job! Your job is simply to show up, have fun, and let me capture this season of your life.

Addissen, I am so excited that this was just the beginning! I cannot wait to keep photographing you throughout your senior year and watching all of the exciting moments ahead unfold. From volleyball and basketball to all of the little milestones that make senior year feel special, I know this is going to be such a fun year to document.

And Mom, I promise we will try to slow this season down just a little!

To see more senior photos like this University of Illinois Arboretum senior session, click here.

If you are a high school senior and looking for fun, adventurous, and timeless senior photos in the Chicagoland area or Central Illinois, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.