As a Denver senior photographer, I believe your portrait session should be a celebration of you—not just a standard photoshoot. While a gorgeous smile and the perfect Colorado golden hour light are essential, sometimes the most memorable photos are the ones that tell a deeper story.

That’s where props come in!

Think beyond the classic cap and gown. Props are any item that adds meaning, context, and a dash of personality to your images. They aren’t distractions; they’re storytelling tools. If you’re on the fence about incorporating them, let me share a personal story—and three powerful reasons—to bring a prop (or two!) to your session.

1. It Makes Your Photos Uniquely YOU

Your senior year is a milestone, but it’s also a point of arrival. It’s the culmination of 18 years of becoming the person you are today. Props are the perfect way to showcase that unique personality in a visual way.

Are you the creative soul? Imagine photos with your favorite sketchbook and charcoal pencils against the textured backdrop of Colorado’s red sandstone. The classically inclined musician? Bringing your violin or guitar instantly adds a layer of passion and dedication to your portraits. The athlete? Your worn-in softball glove or soccer ball isn’t just equipment; it’s a symbol of countless hours of practice, teamwork, and triumph.

These items move your photos from beautiful generic portraits to powerful representations of your individual story.

2. Preserving Your Legacy: The Power of Props in Denver Senior Photography

Let’s be real: in twenty years, you might not remember the name of your favorite book from senior year or the brand of your first skateboard. But a photograph can freeze that memory in time.

I brought my trumpet to my own senior photos. I’d played all through my small high school marching band and was so proud to have made it into my college marching band at Iowa State University—it was a huge part of my identity. Not only did I get a senior photo with my trumpet, but I also scheduled a photo session in my college marching band uniform with my trumpet during my senior year of college. Years later, when my boys were little, they stumbled across those pictures. They had no idea I’d ever played! They were full of questions about my clothes, my hairdo of the day, and how different I looked. Then they focused on the prop: “Wait, you played trumpet?!” “Can we see it??”

So I went down to the basement, dug out the case from deep under the stairs, and showed them. They took turns trying to play it, laughing at the squeaks and humming into the mouthpiece. They also had way too much fun making fun of my hair and outfit back in the day! But in that moment, because of that one photo, they got to know a part of me they never would have otherwise. That’s the magic of props in senior photos—they are little time capsules of your past hobbies, talents and passions.

Props serve as priceless historical markers. That well-loved instrument, the vintage car you spent weekends restoring with your dad, the letterman jacket adorned with patches and medals—these are the artifacts of your youth. Future generations will look at these photos and see more than a face; they’ll get a genuine glimpse into your hobbies, your tastes, and what made you light up at this specific moment in your life.

3. It Adds Visual Variety and Depth to Your Gallery

Let’s talk about your final gallery. A collection of close-up portraits is wonderful, but incorporating props naturally creates a more dynamic and engaging collection of images. It gives us more to do during the session, which leads to more natural and candid moments. And sometimes the photos with props end up being the most dramatic photos in your gallery.

We can create a sequence: a shot of you tuning your guitar, a close-up of your hands on the strings, and a wide shot of you playing against a mountain vista. This tells a complete story. Props also introduce different textures, colors, and shapes, adding visual interest and ensuring that every photo in your gallery feels fresh and intentional.

How to Choose the Right Props

The best props are meaningful, not mandatory. Here’s a quick guide to choosing wisely:

• Keep it Meaningful: Choose items that genuinely reflect your interests, not what you think you should bring.
• Think Scale: A prop should complement you, not overwhelm you. A trumpet works great; a full drum set might be a bit logistically tricky for an on-location shoot, but we can work with it!
• Consider the Location: A volleyball looks right at home on a sandy court or a grassy field. A stack of your favorite books pairs perfectly with a cozy urban coffee shop setting or a rustic wooden bench.

Ready to tell your story? If you’re a senior in the Denver area and this got you thinking, I’d love to chat! Let’s brainstorm prop ideas that are perfectly you and plan a session that captures your unique spirit.

Ready to tell your story? Let’s brainstorm prop ideas that are perfectly you. Learn more about the experience on my Senior Sessions page or contact me to start planning!”