Stylish & Creative Senior Photos in Laguna | Sunnie
There’s something truly special about photographing seniors who radiate both confidence and creativity — and Sunnie is the perfect example of that. Originally from Texas, she knew she wanted to get some downtown shots (which is more common for senior photos where she’s from), but also wanted to add the pop that comes with taking her senior photos in Laguna on the beach!
Sunnie is a content creator herself and vlogged during her senior photo session — so Gen Z, in the best possible way (Check out her YouTube channel here!) But this time, she let me take the creative reins behind the camera. A level of trust which made all the difference in how her gallery turned out.
She was accompanied by her mom and grandma, which was so sweet and made the whole shoot that much more fun! One of my favorite moments happened as we were in downtown Laguna Beach, looking for a place to change into her next outfit. We have the changing tent, of course, but we were still looking for a spot that was somewhat private and safe from cars. After a few minutes of searching, her grandma chimed in with "we're from the country — we're not picky!" These three were my kind of gals: fun and up for anything!
Sunnie was so inspiring as a subject, and the creativity flowed throughout her session. We played with new pose ideas and locations, including a cove where I used to do “junior guards” as a kid. It’s a spot that brings back so many memories — plenty of hot summer days were joyfully spent here with my siblings and cousins. Our moms would set up on the sand while we went through (rather rigorous, mind you) lifeguard “training.” What was once a place to burn energy, practice water safety, and make carefree memories is now a backdrop where, as a photographer, I get to help my clients create new memories of their own. It’s a special feeling to look back on as I share this space with my clients, other photographers, and, yes…the occasional skim boarder.
One thing that elevated Sunnie’s senior photos in Laguna was her outfit selection. She followed my 3 T’s rule — trendy, timeless, and true to you — and it showed. Paired with her natural beauty, confidence, and laid-back personality, the session couldn’t have been more fun to photograph.
There’s nothing like the real deal professional cameras that photographers use, but I love to snap some fun behind the scenes as well during sessions! We played around with a few cameras at Sunnie’s session: an iPhone, a digital camera, and my Canon R5. We all know the star of the show, but experimenting with different cameras always adds a playful layer of creative fun to the experience.
Getting to document this chapter for Sunnie, alongside her mom and grandma, was such a reminder of how meaningful senior photos can be. Sure, we captured stylish outfits in dreamy locations, but this session was more than that. These senior photos in Laguna are a memory they’ll always share, and she and her family will be able to look back at her beautiful gallery for years to come!
