Props for Senior Pictures Provide a Physical Connection to Your Graduation

Your senior pics are a snapshot of you before you graduate high school. We want to capture everything that makes you who you are, like what makes your heart race, your dreams for the future, the fantastic person you are right now, and the even more fabulous version of yourself you're aiming to become.

We'll find the perfect spot and outfit that screams "you" from head to toe, toss in a couple of cool props, and boom – we've just elevated your senior photos to a new level. These props aren't just accessories; they're the spice, adding flavor to your visual narrative and making your pictures pop with personality.

The props you choose can be a creative outlet for self-expression, allowing you to showcase your individuality in a way that a traditional senior portrait might not capture. Whether it's a piece of artwork, clothing, or an accessory, props offer an opportunity to make a statement about who you are at this pivotal moment.

What's a Prop?

Props are tactile symbols that reflect your passions, hobbies, or future aspirations. Whether it's a musical instrument, sports equipment, academic awards, or even a cherished book, these items can convey a depth of character and tell a more comprehensive story about you. In addition to enhancing the overall aesthetic of the photos, props anchor your image, creating a narrative that goes beyond a simple senior photo.

To help you pick the perfect pieces, I've collected some of my favorite props from my senior sessions and added senior picture ideas from the web!

Celebratory Extras: 

Fun additions like confetti and balloons ensure everyone knows you're overjoyed for your upcoming graduation. Plus, they add a sense of whimsy and joy to your senior photos. 

However, I'm a professional photographer who firmly believes in the concept of "leave no trace." Therefore, we must clean up any celebratory items used for the photo shoot after we're done.

Confetti: I love a triumphant toss of confetti, but when preparing for the photo session, ensure it's large enough to pick up quickly and biodegradable in case we accidentally miss a piece.  

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Balloons: Balloons come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether as simple as your alma mater's colors or a full-on balloon display, I'm happy to include them. However, we won't release them into the air as part of your photoshoot. According to an August 2015 issue of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service article, "Birds, turtles and other animals commonly mistake balloons for food, which can harm or even kill them." We have to keep the critters safe.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Bubbles: Bubbles add light-hearted, child-like fun to your senior pictures. They also catch the light beautifully and can add dimension to the images. 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

High School Memorabilia:

Certain props shout high school: a letterman's jacket, a band uniform, or pom poms. If you were involved in extracurriculars, consider including items from those activities. 

Musical instruments: Whether in the high school band or orchestra or you rock out on Saturday nights in your garage, bring your instrument to your senior portrait session if music=life. 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Cap and Gown: Wear them. Toss them. You get the idea.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Sports Attire: For the jocks out there, sports are a huge part of high school. Let's make sure we include a tribute to all the hard hours you put in the gym. Feel free to bring uniforms, gear, or letterman's jackets.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

From Your Personal Life:

Your life is more than what happens Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Don't hesitate to incorporate some personal items into your senior session.

Pets: Ya got a scruffy dog, an iguana that sits on your shoulder, or fish in a bowl? If you love 'em, bring 'em, just bring a friend with a leash or a cage so your best bud stays safe during the rest of our session.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Books: The right book can change your life. Seriously. If you've read one, or many, that fit into that category, let's incorporate them into your session. I'm partial to Walt Whitman, Ross Gay, and Maya Angelou, but you do you.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Vehicles: In high school, I had a Kelly Green VM Rabbit (hand-painted by yours truly and my pops). It wasn't the coolest car in the parking lot, but I paid for it with the money I earned scooping ice cream at Baskin & Robbins. I loved that car. Plus, my best friend and I snuck it into the homecoming parade. We waved the British royal wave and acted like we were supposed to be there —memories, you know. If your car means something to you, drive it to the photo shoot, and we'll include it in your senior photos.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Parents & Friends: Who are the humans that helped you to the finish line? For most seniors, these are usually your parents or besties, but if your grandma stepped up huge, bring her instead. Feel free to grab a photo (or two) with them at the end of a session. (However, a senior photo session is not a family photo session, but 3-5 minutes at the end of a session is more than OK.) 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Art Supplies: A Matisse in the making? Bring along your palette and paints. We can get messy (or not). If photography is your thing, a camera is always a lovely addition. 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Cultural Goods: Do you want to wear a sari, Black Lives Matter T, or your favorite lederhosen? Let's make sure it's part of your senior photo session. 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Religious Items: Faith is essential to many seniors. Bring your Bible, Rosary, crucifix, Quran, Torah, or yarmulke. [We're open to all religions and know this is not an exhaustive list.]

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Beautiful Additions to Graduation Photos:

Imagine your senior portraits are a sundae; these little extras might be the cherry on top!

Flowers: Ah, one of my personal favorites. Flowers make everything more beautiful, don't they? Do you want something simple, like a bloom behind the ear, a single flower, or a gorgeous bouquet? Or do you want something extra, like jewelry, tattoos, crowns, or headbands made of flowers? Or a bunch of blooms stuffed in pockets, waistbands, or boots? 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Perfect Accessories: Do you have an accessory that you're known for? A hat you always wear? A jacket you designed? Or even a class ring. We can incorporate anything into your session.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Personalized Signs: Some moms love a sign. If you were the kid who had to hold a chalkboard sign in front of your doorstep every school year, take the thing out for one last hurrah, and let's make momma happy. 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Give People a Peek at Tomorrow

Your senior pictures can pay homage to the past and offer a glimpse into your prospects. If you have something exciting coming down the pike, let's illustrate it through imagery.

A Nod to Future Plans: Headed to the U and want to represent it with a t-shirt? Or are you going pre-med and want a photo with a lab coat? Or are you skipping college and going straight into the welding profession? If a prop can help tell your story, feel free to bring it.

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

World Map/Globe/Suitcase: Planning on a gap year to travel? Or are you headed overseas for school? Illustrate your plans for friends and family using props with a global theme. 

[Check out the Pins I’ve collected.]

Senior picture props can easily add personality to your photos, diversify your gallery, and document parts of your senior year. Ultimately, incorporating props into senior photo sessions results in a visually dynamic and personalized senior portrait and provides a tangible connection to the memories, achievements, and dreams that define your high school experience. These photos become cherished mementos that celebrate your unique viewpoint, making them more than just pictures but a reflection of a transformative and significant chapter in your life.