High School Senior & Family Portrait Session in Summit, NJ

It was such a pleasure to work with this family in their gorgeous Summit, NJ, home. They hadn’t had family portraits done in six years and wanted some updated pieces to hang on the walls. Their children are now 10, 14, 18, and 21, so it was the perfect time to take both family and senior portraits before sending their secondborn off to college.

I spent quite a bit of time speaking with mom to learn a bit about each child — what makes them unique, what she loves about them, and what stage of life they are in now. This allowed me to really personalize each family member’s portrait and document their distinct personalities.

Planning a Senior & Family Session in Summit, NJ

When families reach out for senior portraits, the focus often goes beyond one child — it becomes an opportunity to document your entire family at a meaningful moment in time.

This family wanted photos that felt authentic, natural, and true to them. The father loved the idea of their home being the background for their portraits. They had moved in fairly recently, and it was absolutely beautiful — the perfect setting to tell their family’s story.

We conducted a planning appointment in their home so I could see the available spaces and tour the gardens in the backyard. That visit helped me understand the light, the colors, and the emotional tone of their home — so I could design portraits that would feel timeless on their walls.

Indoor Portraits: Elegant and Personalized

We settled on more formal portraits inside the home using a beautiful leather couch. I wasn’t able to photograph the couch in its normal position because where I wanted to stand was blocked by an immovable piano. Thinking quickly, I repositioned the couch to allow for a better angle while still showcasing their elegant living space.

I used studio light for a more punchy, dimensional look — one that I knew would convert beautifully to black and white. The results were refined and classic, a perfect complement to the home’s architecture and style.

Outdoor Portraits: Relaxed and Natural

We also created a second set of portraits outside in the family’s gardens. The tall grasses and evening light provided the perfect backdrop for portraits that felt warm and relaxed. After the formal indoor portraits, the gentlemen changed into more casual outfits for their individual images.

I wanted these photos to focus on each child, the siblings’ relationships, and the loving bond between the parents and children. During our planning appointment, I had noticed a lovely pebble path beside the house — and it became one of my favorite spots for sibling portraits. The mix of architecture and nature gave us a variety of looks without ever leaving their property.

Why Families Love Outdoor Senior Sessions in Union County

Outdoor senior sessions are about more than one perfect photo — they capture connection and personality in a relaxed way. Whether your senior is heading off to college or just entering their last year of high school, this type of session celebrates who they are right now.

Families across Union County and Essex County often choose outdoor portraits because they blend beauty, variety, and meaning — documenting this season of life before everything changes.

Designing the Finished Portraits

After the portraits were finished, we all fell in love with a black-and-white image of the kids together on the couch — sweet, fun, and beautifully unposed. I worked with mom to find the perfect place in their immaculate home to display it.

We decided on the large, inviting family room — the heart of their home, where they spend the most time together. I installed their portrait right before they were about to host their company holiday party. They were so excited to show off their new artwork, and it made me so happy knowing it would be the centerpiece of their space.

Thinking About Senior Portraits for Your Teen?

If you’re deciding between a relaxed outdoor session or a more polished studio session, I recently shared a guide that compares both options — including an Oak Knoll senior portrait session in Union County.

Studio and Outdoor Senior Portraits in New Jersey

It explains when outdoor sessions are ideal, what makes studio portraits timeless, and how to choose the right setting for your senior’s personality and style.

Ready to Plan Your Senior Session?

Whether you’re preparing for a milestone like graduation or simply want to capture your family together before the next chapter begins, I’d love to help you create portraits that feel personal, joyful, and enduring.

Schedule a quick consultation to start planning your session — we’ll talk about location options, wardrobe, and how to create images that celebrate your senior and your family as a whole.

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