If there’s one thing I love about senior sessions, it’s how every story is completely different, and Ella’s is one I won’t forget anytime soon.
Ella lives in the Midwest, but during a family trip to Boston she totally fell in love with the city. The history, the charm, the energy… it just clicked. So when it came time for senior photos, her mom went all in and said, why not take these somewhere that feels extra special? Enter: Boston as the backdrop for Ella’s senior year send-off.
They found me on Instagram (proof that social media really can be magical), and from the very first messages I knew we were going to be a great fit. Ella was excited, her mom was pumped, and we were all on the same page about creating a session that felt fun, natural, and full of personality.
Like so many of my senior girls, Ella started the session by saying, “I’m not really sure what to do in front of the camera.” I always smile when I hear that… because nine times out of ten, those are the seniors who end up being absolute naturals. And Ella? Total natural. Within minutes she was relaxed, confident, and owning every shot like she’d been doing this for years.
Because we were shooting in the city, we opted for a sunrise session. Early alarms are never glamorous, but trust me they are so worth it. Sunrise gives us that dreamy, flattering light and quiet streets with minimal traffic and fewer people in the background. Boston in the early morning is calm, golden, and kind of magical… and it set the tone perfectly for Ella’s session.
We spent three hours exploring the city, bouncing from spot to spot, laughing, chatting, and yes… definitely getting our steps in that day. From iconic Boston architecture to tucked-away streets with just the right amount of character, every location added something different to her gallery. The variety we captured is one of my favorite parts of city sessions. You can get so many looks without ever feeling repetitive.
Ella’s session is also a perfect example of how important location can be for senior photos. Not everyone needs to hop on a plane or travel to another state for their session, and that’s totally okay. What matters most is choosing a place that feels meaningful and memorable to you. Maybe it’s your hometown, a favorite beach, a city you’ve always loved, or somewhere tied to a special memory. When a location has heart behind it, it shows in the photos every single time.
Ella didn’t just take senior photos in Boston… she captured a moment, a feeling, and a place that meant something to her. And that’s what senior photography is all about.
Love these!!! The early morning glow is my fave – these turned out perfect!