Music Inspired Boy Senior Pictures | Joseph
Let’s be honest, most guys don’t exactly daydream about their senior photoshoot. But what if the whole thing felt more like shooting a rock band’s album cover than checking a box for senior year?
That’s exactly what Joseph’s boy senior pictures turned into — a creative, music-fueled afternoon in Huntington Beach and Newport Beach that captured his personality and passion in such a cool way.
Joseph and his parents booked their session early. Jennifer reached out in June, just after junior year, and by July we’d already connected on a consultation call and locked in his October session. And because they planned ahead, they get to enjoy their images long before yearbook deadlines roll around—which is one of my clients’ favorite perks of fall senior photos (in addition to the late summer-like weather, of course)!
During their consultation, they shared that Joseph plays both guitar and drums, and they were dreaming of “unique senior photos that reflect his passion for music.” We did some research and found the most incredible industrial space in Huntington Beach. It’s a 1920s-built artistic warehouse with the masculine, grunge-y, music forward feel that was perfect for what we were looking for. It was perfect — and it even came with a drum set!
(Studio spaces are a super fun way to bring a more editorial look to a session. Check out the pros and cons of indoor studio senior photos here!)
We started the shoot in the studio, where John, the studio host, set us up with speakers and we blasted Red Hot Chili Peppers radio while Joseph got comfortable in the space. For a lot of guy seniors — especially those who aren’t super sure what to expect — the first few minutes can feel a little uncertain. It’s natural to wonder things like, “How is this going to go?” “Are people going to be watching me?” “How long is it going to take?” “What kind of poses am I going to do?” “Is this going to feel awkward?” “Am I even going to like the photos?”
All of that is so, so normal…and it’s also the part I’m prepared for. As a photographer, I go into each session knowing that every client has a different level of comfort in front of the camera. It's MY job to read that and adjust my posing flow accordingly.
I always tell my clients: you couldn't mess this up if you tried! Even if you’ve never done a professional photoshoot before, you can count on a result you’ll love. And that’s not just because I care about lighting or gear or composition… a HUGE part of what makes boy senior pictures a success is the trust and comfortability between the subject and the photographer. Joseph leaned right into the process — open, trusting, and genuinely great to work with — and the results speak for themselves.
His mom had given him the best advice: "It's almost like...your favorite bands. Think of their album covers, their concert tour posters. That's what you want to embody in front of the camera. Almost like an alter ego!"
From there, it clicked. We kept the energy up, let him move around, and leaned into a few signature guy senior photo poses, including my favorite prompt I always give: "The Side Look." Works every time for effortless, powerful senior photos.
One of my favorite parts of the whole day happened up in the studio’s lofted drum set area. There wasn’t much light up there so we took some flash photos. As soon as he sat down and started playing, I was blown away. He wasn’t just tapping around for photos…This guy knows what he’s doing! I thought. It was such a cool moment watching his creativity come alive through music, the same way mine does through photography.
From there, we headed to Newport Beach for the second half of the session. Between the golden light and the contrast between the industrial and coastal settings, this was such a dynamic gallery. We were able to give Joseph a full range of boy senior pictures that felt editorial, creative, and 100% him.
If you’re someone who wants their senior session to reflect something more — your passion, your personality, your favorite places or music — let’s talk. We’ll find the right vibe, the right location, and create images that feel just as cool as the milestone memories we’re capturing.
