Amber’s Senior Session at Her Family Ranch | April Wetzig Photography Feature
We started Amber’s senior session in the studio, totally out of her comfort zone, but you’d never know it from the photos. She brought her A-game, her confidence, and maybe a little bit of nervous laughter (which, honestly, photographs beautifully). Once we warmed up, she was killing it in front of the camera.
Then it was off to her family ranch with wide open fields, golden light, and her dogs running wild. It couldn’t have been more her. We wrapped things up at an old house that was her great-grandmother’s, a place full of stories and nostalgia, where the evening light faded faster than we expected. So naturally, I broke out my trusty OCF because when the sun says goodbye, I say “challenge accepted.”
The whole shoot was this perfect mix of heartfelt and hilarious, just like Amber.
Gear Used
I used my canon r6 markII with my trusty (sometimes dusty) 50mm 1.2. It lets in the most magical light. I finished off the session using my ProPhoto OCF.
Why Connecting with Your Senior Before the Session Changes Everything
Let’s be honest… senior pictures are kind of a big deal. They’re not just “smile and look at the camera” moments. They’re the photos that will live on in mom’s house forever. (You know the ones. They’ll be framed right by the front door for all eternity.)
But here’s the truth: the best senior pictures don’t just happen by accident. They happen when we connect. That’s why I always do a pre-session chat and send out a fun little questionnaire. It’s my way of getting to know what makes your senior tick, what they love, what makes them laugh, and what makes them roll their eyes (because, yes, we all know that look).
Once I know their vibe, we can build a session that feels 100% them. Maybe it’s golden sunlight in the pasture, maybe it’s downtown studio vibes, maybe it’s barefoot in a field with the music blasting and dogs! Whatever fits their story. When seniors feel seen and comfortable, that’s when the magic happens.
The consultation isn’t just about outfits and locations, it’s about helping your senior relax, trust the process, and have fun. Because if they’re laughing, I promise I’m probably laughing too (and maybe tripping over my camera bag while doing it).
3 Must-Have Questions to Ask Your Senior Before a Photoshoot (I have a senior questionnaire I send out)
What’s your dream photoshoot vibe?
Are we going for moody and cinematic, light and airy, or full-on “main character energy”? Knowing their style helps everything from location to lighting feel right.
What makes you feel most confident?
Maybe it’s a certain outfit, a song, or a hairstyle. Confidence shines through the lens, and if they feel good, the photos will show it.
What’s one thing you don’t want?
This is just as important as the fun stuff! Some seniors don’t love close-ups, others hate sitting poses, and that’s totally okay. We skip what doesn’t fit and focus on what does.
When you ask the right questions and take the time to connect, senior photos turn from “just another photoshoot” into something that feels like a celebration.
HMUA | Whitney Kelly
📍 Where to Find April
You can see more of April’s stunning senior work here:
🎥 TikTok: @aprilwetzig
📸 Instagram: @aprilwetzigphotography
🌟 Be Featured Next!
Be sure to follow @seniorstyleguide for daily inspiration, contest announcements, and community features! We’re always on the lookout for creative senior sessions that push boundaries and inspire our community — submit your work and you might be next!
👉 Click here to submit your session!
🛍️ Shop Senior Style Guide
Looking to grow your senior photography business?
Check out the tools, presets, and educational resources our community loves — from posing guides to Lightroom presets that make your images pop!
xoxo,
Vickie