senior & Graduation portraiture

 

A graduating WVU senior in cap and gown walks down the sidewalk in Woodburn circle on WVU campus in Morgantown, WV
senior portrait of a young man in a white sweater, looking out over a river as the sun sets behind him

is such an exciting stage of life... let's capture the joy, the accomplishment, and the anticipation of what's to come with a senior portrait session that's tailored to your personality and hobbies!

 

Senior clients:

Looking for the senior questionnaire?


 

click here
closeup black and white portrait of a dark haired young woman in a gingham dress, smiling up at the camera
senior portrait of a young woman in a white dress, looking back over her shoulder and smiling at the camera, with a picket fence behind her
a young man with long curly hair, in a band tee and plaid shirt, poses with a wide stance on an old iron bridge in downtown Morgantown WV
image of a five-star client review from Google, praising Laura Priestley Photography's services
image of a five-star client review from Google, praising Laura Priestley Photography's services

Your senior photo session, your style...


I love getting to know my senior clients-- what you love, what you do, your favorites, passions and goals.


The more I get to know about you, the more seamless our session can be, as I put my knowledge of you to work creating gorgeous images that both you and your family will treasure.

 

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a senior student in a long black dress poses outside a historic building on High Street in downtown Morgantown, WV
artistic black and white senior portrait of a young woman's silhouette, sidelit by sunlight against a black background

FAQs from my seniors...

 

Can we shoot at more than one location?

Absolutely! Many of my seniors would like to have more than one setting for their images (often, urban + nature) and we can definitely make that happen.


How long does a senior session usually last?

Senior sessions typically take anywhere from 1-2 hours, depending on the number of locations and outfit changes you want, etc. My only focus during our session is creating a gallery full of beautiful images for you; so our only time constraint on a session is how much good light we have to work with (since most of my seniors prefer outdoor natural-light sessions.)


I'm dreaming of pictures at a landmark that's out of town... is that possible?

Yes! If pictures at the New River Gorge or Dolly Sods are what you want, we can make it happen-- just get in touch, and we'll draft the perfect senior session plan together.


I always feel nervous/awkward in front of the camera; help!

Of course you do– no worries, that's completely normal! We'll spend the first several minutes of your session just letting you get comfortable in front of the camera.

And you don't need to worry about how to pose, or what to do with your hands... figuring out what poses work best for your personality and figure is my job, and I'll guide you every step of the way.


Can I bring a my mom/cousin/friend along for fun?

Absolutely; bring your hype team! We'll even grab a shot of you together if we have extra time.


What should I wear for my session?

What I would most encourage you to do is be yourself for your session– and that includes your wardrobe. If you have a personal style that you love and feel comfortable in, then let's build your session around your style!


That being said, I know that figuring out what's going to look best in front of the camera can be challenging–and I am always more than happy to give direction and consult on potential outfits, to make sure all the elements of your session work together for perfect images. We will typically talk through your wardrobe during the session planning process, which is a fun part of the process.

 

Contact Me

Frequently asked questions from my senior students' parents:

closeup senior portrait of a young blonde woman in a green dress, with blurred trees and outdoor scenery in the background

How far in advance should I book my senior's session?


Schedules can get wild during senior year, and many of my clients book their session 6 months or more in advance-- particularly for peak seasons (spring and fall.) Scheduling in advance ensures your pick of prime dates, and gives us plenty of time to plan a session tailored to your senior's vision without being rushed or stressed.


If you're starting the process of planning, go ahead and get in touch with me–  I can provide guidance to help you choose the time of year, location and other factors that will be best for your family.


Advance planning aside–  if you've been meaning to schedule, but things got crazy and you're down to the wire– get in touch and let me help!

Taking care of my clients is priority #1, and I will do everything possible to get you booked.


My child is particularly shy or nervous in front of the camera...


I can't wait to meet them and work with them! Many people feel nervous in front of the camera, and I know that the teen years can be particularly tough in that regard.


I have a decade of directing photoshoots under my belt, and you can trust me to provide clear, gentle instruction on posing, expressions, and even small details like hand placement throughout the session; your senior won't have to worry about figuring out where to stand or what to do.


I know that everyone's personality and body is unique, too– so I take a very adaptive approach to posing during the session. What looks and feels comfortable and flattering for one person, doesn't work so well for another; I try out poses, and quickly shift gears as I learn what works best for each individual client.


Sessions with me are happy and easy-going (I've been told I have the personality of a golden retriever) – and over and over, I've heard my shy clients saying at the end of a session "wow, that was actually fun!"


How do I receive and choose photos after the session?


About two weeks after your session, I’ll send you an email link to a proofing gallery filled with all the beautifully edited, high-resolution "keeper" images from your session. You can browse from the comfort of  home on your own device, and select and purchase the digital images or print products you love.


If you prefer a hands-on approach, I offer complimentary in-person ordering sessions (subject to seasonal availability) to help you design prints, wall art, and more. Whichever route works best for you, I’ve designed my processes to be easy, zero-pressure and stress-free, ensuring you get exactly what you want.


Can we include props or activities that reflect my senior's hobbies?


Absolutely! Whether they’re an athlete, musician, artist, or have a unique hobby, I would love to integrate those parts of their personality into their session. Please let me know during the planning process of any special interests, so that I can plan the session accordingly.


Where do I find pricing information?


I want my pricing to be as transparent and understandable as possible.

Click below to review my pricing, and please get in touch with any questions!

pricing and packages
a senior student in a long black dress poses casually in the window of a downtown shop on High Street in Morgantown, Wv

How do I start booking a senior session?


You can begin by simply clicking the button below to go to my session inquiry form!

Or, if you prefer to send me a message directly, please feel free to email me at laura.m.priestley@gmail.com.


We'll discuss your preferences and vision, and I can answer any questions and guide you through choosing a package and date. I can't wait to hear from you, and to work with you and your graduate!

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black and white portrait of a young man in a rolling stones tee, leaning his arm against a colorful painted mural in downtown Morgantown, WV
a WVU school of law graduate student in a white dress poses for a portrait beside a long shelf of law books in the library
a young high school graduate with long blonde hair poses on a wood pier, looking down at the camera
closeup of a WVU graduate student in her blue cap and gown, smiling in front of Woodburn Hall on WVU's campus
black and white portrait of a young woman with dark hair in a boho top, seated on a set of old wooden stairs and looking away from the camer
portrait of a blonde high school student in a denim jacket, leaning one arm on a railing by the river and smiling at the camera
senior portrait of a smiling high school graduate with long brown hair in a white dress and sneakers, posing on an old iron bridge
a young high school senior in a blue shirt poses with a large colorful mural in the background
a young blonde woman in a blue top and white skirt poses and smiles for a portrait with sunlit golden leaves in the background
extreme closeup of a high school senior boy with curly light brown hair
senior portrait of a graduating student in her red cap and gown, standing on the high school football field and playing her flute
a blonde young woman leans against a tall black clock in downtown Morgantown, WV, and smiles for a picture
environmental portrait of a young woman with long blonde hair, standing and looking over a sunlit lake at sunset
a high school graduate in a black shirt and shorts poses for a portrait on a large rock with a river and waterfall in the background
vogue black and white portrait of a young woman on a park bench with the wind blowing her long wavy blonde hair
a senior boy in a black shirt and jeans lounges against a tall old window in a brick wall, in downtown Morgantown, WV
black and white senior portrait of a young woman with brown hair in a white dress, holding her flute and lying on a football field
a graduate student in a white dress leans against a white pillar and smiles
a happy high school student with long red hair and a plaid shirt lounges on the ground, surrounded by brightly colored autumn leaves
closeup black and white portrait of a dark haired young woman in a gingham dress, smiling up at the camera
environmental senior portrait of a young blonde woman in a long black dress leaning against an old red gate with a country road behind her
homeschool high school graduate in a navy cap and gown poses with arms crossed in front of a placid river with trees reflected in the water
redhaired senior student in a plaid shirt poses and smiles on a stump with sunlit trees, grass, and a pond in the background
environmental black and white portrait of a young woman walking away in the distance under an arch of trees, with light in the distance
A WVU graduate in a blue suit and red tie poses for a portrait in his graduation cap in Morgantown, WV
closeup portrait of a blonde high school student in a jean jacked, leaning against a brick wall and looking away from the camera
portrait of a young man in a black shirt and jeans, seated in empty stadium seating and looking into camera with a thoughtful expression
thoughtful black and white portrait of a young blonde woman in a black top, posing with hands behind her back and a pensive expression
a young woman in a green dress poses for a picture on a slatted bench , with an old brick bus depot in the background
portrait of a young red-haired woman in plaid lying on her back on the ground among fall leaves, looking up into the camera with a smile
A WVU graduate in a blue suit and red tie poses for a portrait with his graduation gown draped over his shoulder, looking back at the camera
a young woman with long red hair and a white jacket strolls with her hands in her pockets and beautiful autumn foliage behind.
a young high school graduate in black sits on a large rock in front of waterfalls at Valley Falls, WV
hazy, sun-drenched portrait of a blonde high school graduate standing in front of a river, looking back over her shoulder at the camera
a high school graduate in a maroon top and jeans strikes a stylish seated pose on a large rock with waterfalls, a river and trees behind
a dark haired high school student in a green dress leans against an old wooden window outside a log cabin and poses for a portrait
a young student in a red sweater and jeans sits curled up on a large fallen tree with a roaring river and waterfall in the background
a young blonde woman in a denim jacket leans her elbow against a railing and smiles at the camera in downtown Morgantown, WV
a law school graduate in her blue WVU cap and gown stands in front of the law school
senior portrait of a young woman in a white dress, looking back over her shoulder and smiling at the camera, with a picket fence behind her
a high school football player in a hoodie and jeans leans against a tree and poses with a football for a senior portrait in Fairmont, WV
a young graduate student in a skirt and blazer poses and smiles for a senior portrait with green leaves in the background
a high school student in a black top leans against a brick wall in an alley in downtown Morgantown, WV and looks solemnly at the camera
a graduate student in a white polo and khakis walks between stadium seats at the Hazel Ruby McQuain amphitheater in downtown Morgantown
black and white portrait of a dark haired student, lying on her belly on a bench with her chin propped up in her hands and smiling
a red haired senior student in a white jacket leans back against a wooden railing and laughs, with autumn leaves in the background
a WVU graduate student in a white dress poses for a senior portrait on a gray porch with white pillars in the background
A WVU graduate in a blue suit and red tie leans against a railing with the Monongalia River in the background in Morgantown, WV
a curly-haired student in a plaid shirt and jeans lounges against the railing of an old wooden and iron bridge in downtown Morgantown, WV
a high school graduate with long brown hair and a blue top walks toward the camera with a waterfall and large rocks behind her.
a high school student in a white dress and sneakers holds a blue and gold WVU flag while standing on the MHS football field
closeup black and white portrait of a high school boy with curly hair in a white hoodie, leaning against a tree with a river behind him
a blonde senior student in a green dress and jean jacket poses for a portrait amid empty stadium seating
a young woman with long red hair in a white jacket lies on her elbow amid fallen autumn leaves, with beautiful autumn scenery in background
a young graduate student in a white shirt and khakis poses for a portrait on a large rock with the Monongalia River in the background
a happy young woman in a red sweater sits in front of a roaring river and smiles into the camera
a WVU graduating student leans against a large white pillar while wearing her cap and gown
a young man with curly hair and a blue jacket sits on a large rock in front of a river, with waterfalls and trees in the background
a dark haired senior student in a purple dress leans against the wall of a log cabin and smiles at the camera for a closeup portrait
A WVU graduate student in a white lace dress poses with her decorated graduation cap on a set of stone stairs in Woodburn Circle
a curly haired boy in a plaid jacket and solemnt expression leans against the railing of an old wood and iron bridge in downtown Morgantown
a high school graduate in a white shirt poses for a senior portrait in front of white framed window in downtown Morgantown
a young woman with dark hair and a long purple prom dress poses on a large rock in the grass in front of a river, with trees behind
A WVU graduate in a blue suit and red tie poses for a portrait on the steps in Woodburn Circle in Morgantown, WV

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