Class of 2026 Senior Portrait Trends

Hi High School Seniors across the country! Lacey M. Carroll Photography has been compiling and synthesizing trends for Senior Portraits since she started her business OVER A DECADE! Every year, she seems to hit the trend forecasts on the head. The great news about these “trends” is - They are evergreen! Every year, the same five ideas pop up as next year’s “trends”. Ultimately, our goal for your Senior Portraits session is to create images that truly represent who you are and what makes you unique. We love what makes you, YOU!

AUTHENTIC CANDID POSES:

It’s so cool when we can see you being YOU! Even in your hair and makeup and glammed up outfit YOU should shine through. That is was we love about your Senior sessions, is getting a glimpse into your true joy, your true goofiness, your true aura. Lacey M. Carroll Photography will never add filters, photoshop you beyond anything more than a zit, or make you pose in a way that feels inauthentic to yourself.

This Class of 2026 trend ensures you capture your genuine emotions and personality.

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS:

Senior portraits highlight your well rounded and rich life. Why not highlight a place that means the world to you? Incorporating meaningful outdoor locations that reflect your interests and personality is always a great idea. Knowing where you’re shooting can help inform you what to wear and expect. Choosing a location that holds a special meaning to you like a Temple coffee shop you studied for hours at for your AP test, or the motocross trails at the Prairie City SVRA in Folsom that you and your family would ride! Celebrating YOU, will be trending year and year.

PERSONALIZED PROPS AND ACCESSORIES:

Highlighting your hobbies and passions IS a passion of Lacey M. Carroll Photography. Incorporating meaningful items that reflect your personality, like a sneaker head photo shoot. Your interests, like supporting local book shops, or you cruising in hotrods. Or incorporating your achievements like Varsity Sports and Broadway hopes! Accessorizing with purpose, like wearing your grandmother’s jewelry, conveys a genuine and heartfelt moment in time.

CREATIVE LIGHTING:

Your senior pictures should be a collaboration between you and your photographer. If it feels like you do not have any say in how your photoshoot will look - RUN. Your photographer should want to hear your opinions and ideas about YOUR Senior Photoshoot. At my professional photo studio in Sacramento, I have an array of lighting equipment that an achieve an innovative and vibrant look for you! Gobos, light gels, and even a window reflected by light can achieve a unique lighting that adds depth and visual interest to your portraits.

BOLD AND VIBRANT COLORS:

Using bold colors and vibrant edits can create eye-catching and dynamic portraits. The best part? You can incorporate your bold and bright colors into an indoor photoshoot, OR to an outdoor photoshoot! Your backdrop, outfit, or lighting can play a major role in how your colors will pop. Vibrant hues, immaculate vibes, and a photographer and loves to celebrate you for you!? That’s a major trend we hope you jump on. Book with Lacey M. Carroll today for your Senior Portrait Sessions. Why wait?!

Senior portrait photographer serving West Campus, Davis Senior High School, Folsom High School, Pleasant Grove High School, Sacramento High School, Antelope High School, Western Sierra Collegiate Academy, Elk Grove High School, Roseville High School, Antelope Valley High School and Bradshaw Christian and more...