When I first met Emily, I knew her senior photos would be unique. We chatted, chose outfits for each location, talked about her vision for her session, and then she showed me her room—which is the COOLEST! She has a complete gaming setup, with lights, controls, and a super comfy chair! On her bookshelves, she has specific figurines from anime, Pokémon, and other favorite fandoms that are a huge part of her personality. From a Y2K-inspired parking garage to a quirky vintage bookstore, a colorful arcade, and her family’s farm, every location reflected a different part of Emily’s personality and interests.

We incorporated her favorite pets, gaming setup, books, figurines, horses, and family, and somehow even an unexpected rain shower became part of the story. This was definitely not a cookie-cutter senior session, and I wouldn’t have expected anything less for Emily! Keep reading to learn all about Emily’s Nashville senior photos.

Pets

We started Emily’s senior session at her home. Emily wanted to make sure she included her favorite furry friends: her three sweet pups; Ann, Trixie, & Finnie and her cuddly black cat Pouf. Her dogs were so funny and energetic. They definitely had their own ideas about how the photo session should go! Between trying to get everyone looking at the camera and capturing those genuine moments of Emily loving on them, we got some sweet snuggles and a floppy ear- some of the cutest images from the entire day. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without including her cat. I love when seniors bring their pets into their sessions because these aren’t just photos of what they looked like during their senior year. They become memories of the people and pets who were part of their everyday lives.

Garage

After we left her house, we drove to a local parking garage. We wanted to shoot at the top, but unfortunately, it was closed off. We found out later that we could only be on level one or two.

Even though it wasn’t exactly what we had planned, we made it work! We spent time exploring the garage and capturing some fun and unique shots of Emily. The urban setting, concrete, lines, and lighting gave us a completely different look from the photos we had taken at her house.

And then…the security guard came back and told us to stop shooting. He even mentioned potentially calling the police (WHAT?!), even after we had permission to be there!

Thankfully, we were already wrapping things up, and we had captured everything we needed. Emily’s vision still came to life in these images, and she absolutely brought the Y2K aesthetic! I love that we didn’t let a change of plans (or a slightly dramatic security guard), keep us from getting the photos Emily envisioned.

Vintage Bookstore

After the garage, we headed over to Rhino Books. Rhino Books is a quirky vintage bookstore filled with hard-to-find and one-of-a-kind titles, making it a fun location for Emily’s session. Emily had a very specific vision for these photos, and she more than nailed it! And check out her nails! How cute are they with her shirt! I also love that she brought some of her favorite figurines with her so she could place them throughout the bookshelves. Those little details made the images feel so much more personal. Instead of simply taking photos of Emily standing in a bookstore, we were creating a scene that felt like her. Her outfit, the books, the figurines, and her expressions all came together to create something completely different- and I’m here for it!

Arcade

From the bookstore, Emily changed clothes, and we landed at Dave & Buster’s. Emily specifically wanted a big portion of her senior photos to be featured in an arcade. The colorful lights, fun games, flashing screens, and energetic atmosphere were the best combination for what she had in mind. When Emily told me she wanted an arcade, I knew Dave & Buster’s would be the perfect place! It also had several of the specific games she wanted included in her images, so it was a total WIN-WIN! A perfect location for gamers!

Family Farm

During our phone call, Emily’s mom told me they had a family farm with horses, cows, cats, and Gerdy the peacock! She knew Emily would want to finish her photos on the farm with her horses and her sweet Grandpa Joe. I love sessions that incorporate family, memories, and those little heartwarming personal details. Emily’s horses were absolutely gorgeous! The big guy, Peanut, is the one she rides, and his mom, Cotten Candy, made sure to keep a close eye on him while we were photographing. I couldn’t get over how icy blue her eyes were! They were mesmerizing! After spending the day traveling from Emily’s home to the garage, bookstore, and arcade, and ending at the family farm, it felt like the perfect way to bring everything back home.

Senior photos aren’t only about documenting the senior; they’re also about documenting this particular season of life for the whole family. I also made sure to photograph Emily with her parents. And then we heard it…rain!

Instead of packing everything up, we kept going! I especially loved watching Emily’s dad decide he wanted a photo with Mom in front of the barn. (I’m so glad he convinced her!) While Emily & I ducked under the awning, Mom & Dad made their way, in the rain, to the barn. They stood there together in the rain, laughing and completely unconcerned about getting wet.

Those moments are the ones you can’t plan.

By the time Emily’s senior photo experience was over, we were all wet, and laughing, but had a great time capturing some of the sweetest moments of the day.

Emily’s senior session was such a fun reflection of who she is, from gaming and anime to books, arcades, her pets, horses, and her family. Every location told a different part of her story, and together, they created a senior session that could never have belonged to anyone else.

Emily, I hope you had as much fun as I did! I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you do after high school!

If you liked this, I think you’ll love these:

Nashville Senior Photos: 12 South, Downtown & Franklin

Senior Boy Photos in Gallatin, TN

When to Book Senior Photos in Nashville

Meet Neely Roberts of Neely Roberts Photography

Hair & Makeup: Nichole Holloway-Smithson

Bookstore: Rhino Booksellers

Arcade: Dave & Buster’s