Why Schedule Senior Photos the Summer - Cumberland, MD

Reasons to book in the summer

1. Beat the Rush: The fall season is often the busiest time for senior photographers, as many students try to squeeze in their photo sessions between school, sports, and other activities. By booking your shoot during the summer, you'll have a wider selection of available dates and times, ensuring you get the ideal time slot that works best for you.



2. Stress-Free Experience: Your senior year is filled with academic demands, college applications, extracurricular activities, and social events like homecoming and prom. Scheduling your senior photos during the summer allows you to enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free experience without the added pressure of juggling schoolwork and other commitments.




3. Flexibility with Locations: Summer offers a wider range of location options for your senior portraits. You can take advantage of beautiful outdoor settings, such as parks, beaches, or urban backdrops, without worrying about the weather constraints or limited daylight hours that come with fall and winter seasons.





4. Sports and Activity Schedules: If you're involved in fall sports, clubs, or other activities, your schedule can quickly become packed once the school year starts. By having your senior photos taken during the summer, you won't have to worry about coordinating your shoot around practice schedules, games, or meetings.






5. Capture the Summer Vibe: Summer is a time of carefree fun and celebration, making it the perfect backdrop for your senior portraits. You can incorporate vibrant colors, summer fashion trends, and an overall relaxed and joyful atmosphere into your photo session.








6. Ample Time for Editing and Printing: By scheduling your senior photos during the summer, you'll have plenty of time to review and select your favorite images, and work with the photographer on any necessary editing or retouching. This ensures that you'll have your final prints and products ready well before the hustle and bustle of the school year begins.








Don't miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories and capture this milestone moment in an stress-free and enjoyable way. Book your senior photo shoot during the summer before your senior year, and enjoy a seamless and unforgettable experience. Senior Photography Located in Cumberland, MD

Best Props for Senior Photos in Western Maryland

1. 📚✨ Calling all bookworms! Bring your favorite novels to your senior session. Whether it's a well-loved paperback or a leather-bound classic, let's capture your love for literature. Stack them, hold them, or recreate a cozy reading nook - the possibilities are endless! Pro tip: Choose books with interesting covers or titles that reflect your personality. #SeniorYear #BookishBeauty

2. 🎸🎭 Athletes, artists, musicians - show off your passions! Instruments, sports gear, art supplies - these props tell your unique story. Imagine a shot with you in your team jersey, holding your MVP trophy. Or picture yourself at your easel, paintbrush in hand. These images will be a testament to your high school journey.

3. 🧢🏅 Achievements speak volumes! Honor cords, trophies, medals - let's showcase your hard work. These mementos make for powerful, meaningful shots. Drape yourself in your achievements or create a striking visual with all your accolades. These photos will remind you of your determination and success for years to come.

🐾💕 Fur babies welcome! Your pets are family too. Bring them along for some heartwarming shots that truly represent you. Whether it's your loyal dog, curious cat, or even your bearded dragon, pets add a personal touch to your senior portraits. Plus, they often help you relax and show your genuine smile!

5. 🧥👗 Fashion lovers, this one's for you! That statement jacket, those killer shoes - bring outfits that scream 'you'. Let's create a lookbook you'll treasure forever. Mix and match to show different facets of your style. From casual cool to glam, we'll capture every side of your fashion sense. Don't forget accessories - they can make or break an outfit!

6. 🎨🖌️ DIY enthusiasts, showcase your creations! Handmade jewelry, paintings, or crafts add a personal touch to your photos. Let's celebrate your creativity! Imagine a shot of you wearing your hand-knitted scarf or holding your latest pottery piece. These photos will be a beautiful reminder of your artistic journey.

🎮🕹️ Gamers, level up your senior pics! Bring your console, favorite game, or even cosplay outfit. Let's create some epic gaming-inspired shots! We could capture you mid-game, surrounded by your gaming setup, or dressed as your favorite character. These unique photos will stand out and truly represent your passion.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️ Family heirlooms tell a story. That special necklace from grandma or dad's vintage camera can add depth and meaning to your photos. These items connect generations and add a touching element to your senior portraits. Let's incorporate these precious items in a way that honors your family history while celebrating your future.

Remember, these aren't just digital files - they're memories waiting to be displayed in your home. Ask us about our stunning print options to bring these special moments to life. From canvas wraps to custom albums, we have the perfect way to showcase your senior year. Don't let these cherished images stay hidden on your phone!

Cumberland, Maryland Senior Photography | Katie

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I had the pleasure of meeting Katie after I met and photographed her older brother for his senior photos. She was a delight to work with, absolutely kind and also beautiful! It was also a gorgeous day.

We visited the sunflower patch for a few amazing images. Used wildflowers to make a bouquet.

As I do with most of my sessions, I incorporated lots of movement...walking toward me, twirling around, etc. I love what I do and I will make your senior portraits special with different posing and prompts!

Covid really put a damper on Katie’s senior year at Allegany High. She was supposed to play soccer but that wasn’t doable with pandemic. Her daily life used to consist of school, practices, and games; now it’s Netflix and social media.

When she graduates, she’s looking forward to playing soccer in college, a sport she’s played for 12 years (and softball for 10, and basketball for 8! She’s a sporty young woman, that’s for sure!)

How cool are her sports attire?! That letterman jacket is to die for!

Dream big! Hard work pays off!
— Julie Wilhelm

Congrats, Katie, Class of 2021!

Cumberland, MD Senior Portraits | Emily S.

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What a wonder, Emily was! I had an absolute blast with this 2021 senior! After she graduates in May from Allegany High, she plans on attending college to study theatre and musical theatre and vocal performance; eventually she wants to transfer to a performing arts school!

Look at this sweet young woman! It’s a good thing I had my long lens cause she aimed for me when I joked with her to try to splash me! ! But that’s okay, it made for a great shot.

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She loves to sing, dance, act, play guitar, and piano! She’s a very well rounded girl who plays parts in musicals and also sings in choir. I love how versatile she is!

Four our second location, I took Emily to my outdoor studio location where I have an old porch swing and a smaller tree swing for use! Here is where we squeezed in a couple best friend shots as well with her bestie, Karlee!

Our third location was a wide open field! The property owner came out during our session and gave us a couple large sunflowers to use in this session! I am so glad she did! The sunflower added a nice bit of color. Emily is a huge music fan and oh so talented! She brought along her guitar. She also sings! What an amazing voice. Her mom found an old time microphone to use in the field for a few singing photos!

Although it’s been hard with the loss of her senior musical, Emily has enjoyed distance learning and feels that the teachers have a better understanding and lenience given everything going on.

Believe in yourself; be resilient, even when things don’t go as you’ve planned.
— Daphne Synder
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I had the pleasure of photographing Emily a couple more times. We did an amazing fall shoot at Casselman Bridge in Garrett County and a winter shoot in Allegany County. Both sessions were just fabulous! Be sure to check them out!

Emily now helps me out from time to time as my assistant on other senior sessions! She also captures behind the scenes video too!

Senior Portrait Session near Cumberland, MD | Juliette

It was a beautiful summer day for Juliette’s session (helloooooo golden hour!). Not only was it a beautiful summer day, but I had a beautiful gorgeous senior with a perfect smile! Not to mention her clothing choices were spot on.

Juliette attends Fort Hill High School and will be graduating in May. She plans on attending West Virginia University to become a labor and delivery nurse. How special is that?!

Our session began in a grassy field with Queen Anne’s Lace around her. Her yellow dress with the lace jacket was perfect for this setting. We found a few yellow flowers and created a wildflower bouquet for her!

I love how open and free Juliette was during our session. She really was within her element and didn’t seem to have any shyness in front of the camera!

Of course we headed to the creek where her burgundy dress was perfect among the flowers and water!

Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up on your goals in life.
— Laurie Wilson
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Congratulations, Juliette, Class of 2021!

Western Maryland Senior Portraits | Mark

I just have to start out with that this was an amazing session! It took place on the Mark’s family’s property! This Fort Hill High School student is graduating in May of this year and I know he can’t wait. He plans to attend Frostburg to pursue the graphic arts.

As you can tell, Mark is quite the sports player and loves to play soccer! He also plays the violin and loves to swim.

As we wandered the property, Mark’s mom, Devina, told me stories about childhood events that happened there.

The hike to get to these massive boulders was like an obstacle course. Devina kept encouraging me and telling me it wasn’t too far but it felt like she was just trying to keep me motivated. She didn’t have to try though, as soon as I saw where were headed, I was in love all over again! I’m always up for a little adventure!

Although Mark was initially quiet, he was the absolute sweetest and was ready to try any pose I suggested. Thanks for being a willing participant, Mark!

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Put God first and everything else will fall into place.
— Devina Greise
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I’m obsessed with this tree!

Congratulations, Mark and best of luck in your future endeavors!

Downtown Cumberland, MD Senior Portrait Session | Chloe

Chloe is a 2021 Senior graduating from Fort Hill High school in May. She’ll be attending college to study business in the fall.

Chloe’s session began in Downtown, Cumberland. We ventured through the streets and found several great locations for photos.

I’m a sucker for reflections! I just love the way Chloe looks with this pose!

We also found an amazing alley for several cool shots before moving on with a SHOPPING CART!

Yeah you read (and see that) right! A SHOPPING CART! We had a ball with this unplanned prop. She got in it for several of her portraits and then I had her push it down the alley and jump on the back of it!

After our Downtown blast of fun, we went to the second location for some creek photos! It was quite cool outside but that didn’t stop this awesome 2021 senior from getting in the water! I absolutely LOVE these shots.

Dream big & never give up.
— Stacey Smith

Cumberland Maryland Senior Portraits | Nathan

Nathan is a senior at Frankfort High School. During out session, he seemed at ease with the company of the outdoors and I lucked out and got a smile or two in his portraits! (Trust me parents, I’ll make your kids smile and laugh!)

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After high school, Nathan has no plans to immediately go to college but he will be joining the Marines! I think that is incredibly admirable and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

When Nathan was 5 years old, his dream was to be an FBI Agent when he grew up. He could still be an FBI Agent if he wanted too; I have no doubt that he is more than capable of succeeding in whatever he decides to do after the Marines!

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Nathan also played football for six years!

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Trying to get this Frankfort High senior to open up was a bit of a challenge, but I found out that he loves to hunt, fish, and work outside in the yard - which explains why his favorite part of his senior session was the different views of nature!

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Don’t be in a hurry to grow up and don’t rush your life. Enjoy your youth, friends, and family.
— Jennifer Ward
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Although no parent can choose just one favorite memory of their child, Jennifer said that when Nathan was about 18 months old, he would be standing in the kitchen on a chair washing dishes next to her. He always had to be close to her! I think that is absolutely adorable and their bond is amazing.

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One of the things I love most about my senior sessions is getting even the quiet shy types to open up to me. This is my passion and being able to connect with my clients is important to me!

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I also LOVE to be able to travel all over Western Maryland to find locations that not only speak to me but mesh perfectly with my seniors. If you’re looking for a senior portrait session that screams YOU, let’s talk! I’ll find the perfect place!

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Cumberland, Maryland Senior Portraits | Chloe

Chloe’s session was absolutely perfect! She is so stunning and we had an amazing day with beautiful light and scenery! This sweet, kind, and gorgeous senior is excited to be graduating in May 2021.

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We started our session in Goldenrod Field. I usually coordinate with my clients about what to wear but Chloe did such an amazing job picking her outfits!

On her way to Frostburg State University to study veterinary medicine, this 2021 senior will be graduating from Mountain Ridge High School in May!

Just LOOK at that backlight among those golden fields! Absolutely breathtaking!

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While I got to know Chloe, I also got to know her mother and during that time I learned that her favorite memory of Chloe is her first trip to the beach and how much she loved the ocean and playing in the sand. She may have been little but she never wanted to leave the beach and took her naps lounging under the beach umbrella! I love that!

As if you couldn’t tell from our session so far, Chloe is an outdoorsy girl always ready for an adventure! And not only that, she loves to do makeup and hair or go shopping; but most of all Chloe loves hanging out with her friends and family! Isn’t she just the cutest?

Despite the excitement of graduating, it has been a hard year not having interactions with her friends. Not only that but Chloe couldn’t attend school functions and missed having face to face experiences with her teachers. When things return to normal, she’s very much looking forward to spending time her friends and being able to participate in an actual classroom. I can honestly say, we all can’t wait to get back to normal, Chloe!

Our second location took place in Evitts Creek and let me tell you what, I was so excited when she said she’d be willing to get in the water! I love when clients trust my direction and my eye for creativity!

Always be true to yourself and never give up on all that you hope to achieve and desire in your lifetime.
— Lisa Robison
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We had such a great time during Chloe’s session. She was able to express herself and the perfect day with the perfect scenery just added to the beauty of this momentous occasion.

It is important to me as a senior portrait photographer to get to know my clients and help them relax during their session with me. I’m glad I was able to make Chloe feel at ease during her time with me and I can’t wait to hear about the grand things she does in the future! Congratulations, Chloe, Class of 2021!