Senior year portraits will be here before you know it....


For the Class of 2027, the time to book your senior yearbook portrait sessions is coming up quickly. Senior portraits are some of my favorite photo sessions. They are not only part of the legacy that high school seniors leave behind as they move onwards, but a wonderful opportunity to capture both formal portraits and images that spotlight your Senior's individual interests, personality, and hobbies. Lisa West Photography's laid-back approach creates a comfortable space for your Senior to shine: photographing your senior in locations that are special to them in fun and relaxing atmosphere. It is so important to create timeless and joyful pictures that won't lose their appeal.

 

Lisa West Photography (LWP) pricing includes session fee, delivered images in high resolution (300ppi), a $50 print credit (because beautiful images belong outside your phone), and submission of your chosen image to the yearbook. Additionally, Lisa West Photography offers cap and gown mini-sessions and discounted pricing on creating yearbook dedication pages for any LWP seniors. It is our goal to make this exciting experience as seamless and stress-free for you as possible!



A few things to consider as you plan for your senior portraits:

1.         Timing- Most senior portrait sessions occur from July through mid-November. Think about what colors you would like in the backdrop of your images and use that to drive the timing of your photo session. If you want wildflowers and bright greens of summer, you should book July-Sept (earlier for bolder greens, purples and yellows). If you prefer bright, bold autumnal colors (reds, yellows and oranges), then October should be your target date. If you want subtle, earthy autumnal colors, then you would book late October-mid November. Since mother nature does throw curveballs, these are just helpful estimates of the times that should work best for you.  ** Important- find out your school's deadline for yearbook portrait submission and book 3-4 weeks prior. Deadlines vary greatly from school to school; for example in 2025 Concord Carlisle High School was end of October, Weston High School was Dec 31st, Wayland High School was November 3rd, and Lincoln Sudbury High School was Feb 15th. 2026 yearbook deadlines should be posted in the summer but these are good guidelines to keep in mind for your school.**


2.         Location- The Metrowest area of Massachusetts has an abundance of beautiful photo locations and Lisa West Photography has been fortunate to photograph seniors and families at many of them. Review my portfolios and see if any of the locations speak to you. If you or your senior has a location that is meaningful to them, that is a great location to include in your senior shoot! New location suggestions are always welcome. Additionally, senior photography sessions in Boston as well as on select North Shore beaches (Wingaersheek and Good Harbor) is also available.. This year, a limited number of sessions during August on Cape Cod will be offered. Please contact me soon if you want to book a golden hour session on the Cape.


3.         Session type-  2 standard sessions are offered for high school seniors- an affordable 20- minute petite session and a 60-minute full portrait session- to fit any family's needs. The petite session includes 1 outfit and 12 high resolution downloads. The full session includes senior portraits, family photos, multiple outfits, and the high-resolution downloads of all edited, delivered images (typically 35+ images). Another popular option is senior portraits with your friends! A group of friends helping each other get ready, pose and give encouragement is a fun way to kick off senior year! These are custom sessions as the duration and price is dependent on the number of seniors. Please contact me directly and we can discuss the best date/time for your group session. 


4.         Prepare for your session- Approximately 3 weeks before the session, I will send you a questionnaire. This helps me get to know you, your vision for the session, any must have photos, and anything you prefer to avoid. During this planning time, we will discuss and choose your location, and I can answer any questions that you may have. This preparation time is incredibly helpful to ensure you get the images you are hoping for.


5.         Outfits & accessories & personal prep- The outfit is a vital part of your senior portrait. Choose colors that compliment (but don't compete with) your background. If you are doing multiple outfits, I would suggest one dressier outfit and one more casual. Layers and accessories are always nice and help give a finished look. If you have a hobby, sport or activity that is important, incorporate that into some of your photos!  A lacrosse stick, basketball, flute, guitar, sports jerseys, scout vest, and more all help to tell your story. If family will also be joining the photos, it is helpful for their outfits to compliment the Senior. Book your haircut and highlights a week before your shoot, so it has time to settle in. Lastly, if you're tanning before for your shoot, be mindful of your tan lines and what your outfit's neckline will be. Tan at least a few days in advance to avoid any unexpected redness in your photos. As a general rule, no big prep or changes the day before the photo shoot (hair, tans, waxing, etc). A friendly reminder, if you have inspiration photos, please provide those ahead of time so they can be incorporated into your session.


6. Day of the shoot- On the day of your shoot, you want to feel your best. Come to your shoot hydrated, well fed and rested! Bring a water bottle (especially on hot days), a hairbrush for adjustments, make up for touch-ups, a small mirror and a backup shirt. Pack some blotting papers and powder if your skin tends to get shiny, especially on hot days. Use some hair product to hold down flyaways and bring it with you to the shoot to reapply, as needed. Avoid wearing sunscreen on your shoot day as it can shine & cast white in your photos. During your photo session, I will provide posing suggestions and feedback as we go! I will also have a pop up tent available so you privately change your outfits on location. If you bring your family or friends to the shoot, we will do your solo portraits and also have your support folks pop in photos as well. Most of all, we will have fun!


7.         After the shoot- After our photo session, your images will be lightly edited for color, exposure, etc. You will receive your finalized photos via my professional gallery system within 3 weeks, however typically the turn around is sooner.  The gallery system allows you to create a “favorite” list, download your photos, and can be shared with your family and friends. If you wish to purchase prints and wall art, you can easily use the professional print lab associated with your gallery. *Full Senior sessions include a $50 print credit from your gallery.* Please email your selected image for your yearbook photo, along with your school's yearbook specifications (image sizing and ratio), and it will be submitted your yearbook image directly to your school.



8.         Other senior year photos & yearbook dedications to consider- Your senior year is filled with milestones and events to be remembered. I offer assistance with the creation of yearbook dedication pages, Cap & Gown mini-sessions with your friends, pre-prom photos and graduation party photos! 

 

If you want to discuss your family's senior photography needs, please contact me! I would love to be a part of documenting this important milestone for your senior and your family! My calendar is now open through November and you may book at any time at: https://www.lisawestphotography.com/book-your-session . Popular weekend dates do book early but I am always happy to work with a family to find a time that works with our schedules.

xo- Lisa


  • Lisa West Photography provides services in Sudbury, MA; Concord, MA; Framingham, MA; Stow, MA; Natick, MA; Wayland, MA; Hudson, MA; Weston, MA; Carlisle, MA; Lincoln, MA; Boxborough, MA; Acton, MA; Boston, MA and other communities in the Massachusetts area. Wingaersheek Beach, Good Harbor Beach and Cape Cod sessions available on select dates.


High school senior wearing a flowing white dress stands in the ocean waves with a lighthouse visible in the background during yearbook photo
A high school senior in a black t-shirt posing casually against a brick wall outdoors during yearbook portraits in Sudbury, MA.
High school senior in white top and jeans poses in a colorful wildflower field with purple and yellow blooms in Lincoln, MA.
High school senior in a white polo shirt and jeans sits casually on a stone wall with lush green trees in the background in Lincoln, MA.
High school senior in bright blue smocked sundress poses by waterfront with the Boston skyline in the background at yearbook photo session.
A high school senior in a floral sundress poses outdoors in a wooded setting with dappled sunlight filtering through the trees in Sudbury.
High school senior poses with a golden retriever dog with autumn foliage in background in Concord, MA for high school yearbook portraits.
High school senior in a pink floral sundress poses outdoors in a field of purple wildflowers on a sunny summer day during yearbook portraits
High school senior in a white top and light denim jeans poses outdoors during golden hour with sunlit scenery at Gibbet Hill in Groton, MA
High school senior in white dress sits on a large gray rock surrounded by wildflowers and greenery in a summer meadow during yearbook photos
High school senior in blue top and jeans poses outdoors in an lush Italianate garden during yearbook portraits in Lincoln, MA
High school senior in a navy polka dot shirt sits casually on a tree stump in an autumn setting with golden foliage at Grist Mill in Sudbury
High school senior in a flowing white dress sits gracefully on coastal rocks during yearbook photoshoot Wingaersheek Beach- Gloucester, MA
High school senior in a blue floral shirt & khaki pants sits on a stone ledge in a garden setting in a yearbook photo session in Sudbury, MA
High school senior poses in a brown shirt and jeans sitting on the ground in natural lighting by a red barn at Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA.