Soulful Senior

Capturing senior portraits is more than just snapping photos. It’s about telling a story, revealing personality, and creating memories that last a lifetime. I came across a post in Best of Olympia, of a mom looking for a photographer for senior photos for her son so I commented my information with photos of a recent session I did downtown at Old School Pizzeria and Legends Arcade. She ended up contacting me saying her son wanted to work with me because my photos felt more soulful, it struck a chord. That moment, sitting by a new river spot (yes, checking my email) with my mom collecting rocks, made me realize how much this craft means to me.

This session took place in some of my favorite spots around Olympia, blending nostalgia, art, and music into a unique experience.

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Starting the Day at Old School Pizzeria

We began at Old School Pizzeria, a place that holds a lot of memories for me. The warm, inviting atmosphere and the colorful, retro vibe set the perfect tone. The senior brought his guitar, hoping to capture some shots with it, which added a personal touch to the session.

Old School is known for staying open late but unfortunately, Rainy Day Records, another planned location, was closed by the time we arrived. This was a reminder to always double-check closing times, especially downtown where many shops close early.

Despite the change in plans, Kai enjoyed Old School’s vibrant walls and pinball machines.

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Exploring Downtown Olympia’s Alleyways

From Old School, we moved to the alley adjacent to 4th Avenue. This area has some of the best murals, graffiti, and textured walls that tell stories of the city’s culture.

I felt like I was revisiting a part of my own youth. I grew up passing by these walls, and now they were the backdrop for someone else’s story 15 years later. The guitar stayed close, tying the images together with a sense of rhythm and soul.

When Kai slipped on his awesome battle jacket (vest) and I was framing up the shot, I recognized one of his patches. A Fall Out Boy patch, a band I listened to in high school and saw twice in my 20s.

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Sunset at Percival Landing

We made it to Percival Landing, where the session was rewarded with a stunning sunset. The sky painted shades of orange and purple.

We took advantage of the boardwalk’s open space and natural light. The last image before heading back to Old School and our cars, reminded me of a stage, so I framed the shot to highlight that feeling. It was a fitting end to a day filled with, art, and personal expression.

Shooting in my hometown adds a layer of connection to every photo. It’s not just about the places but the memories and emotions tied to them.

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What Makes a Senior Session Soulful?

This session reminded me that soulful photography comes from more than technique. It comes from listening, understanding, and connecting with the person in front of the camera. Here are some takeaways from this experience:

• Personal elements matter: The guitar wasn’t just a prop, it was part of his identity.

• Locations tell stories: Choosing spots with meaning adds depth to the images.

• Flexibility is key: Plans change, but creativity fills the gaps.

• Local roots enrich the shoot: Familiar places bring comfort and authenticity.