Thirty years, thousands of portraits, and one lesson I’ve learned: experience shows.When my daughter recently said to me, “Mom, this is your niche,” it really made me pause. She’s right. In a world where many photographers are just starting their businesses, what sets me apart is my experience.
For over 30 years, I’ve been photographing everything from equine shows across the Midwest to high school seniors here at home. Alongside that, I’ve spent decades coaching and teaching, which has taught me how to connect with teens, ease nerves, and build real relationships. This unique combination has shaped my photography into more than just pictures—it’s become a style. One built on:
Fall sessions are filling up--are you ready to tell your story?
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When choosing a photographer, one of the most important things to consider is their editing style. Every photographer has a unique way of processing images—some lean dark and moody, while others are bold and vibrant, or soft and light. There’s no right or wrong style; what matters most is finding a look that speaks to you. A consistent editing style across a photographer’s portfolio shows professionalism and gives you a clear idea of what to expect. If one image is dark and dramatic and the next is bright and airy, it can be hard to know what your final gallery will actually look like.
August is filling up fast–I only have a few open dates left! September dates are available as well. Let’s create senior portraits that feel like you—now and always!
If you’ve ever wondered why photographers don’t typically sell RAW images, you’re not alone—and I’m glad you’re asking. RAW files are the unprocessed version of a photo—straight out of the camera, untouched and unedited. Think of them as the digital equivalent of a film negative. They’re full of potential, but they aren’t ready to be printed, shared, or framed. As a professional photographer, I believe every image I deliver should reflect not only the person in front of the camera but also the full experience of the session. That includes careful color correction, lighting adjustments, and natural retouching that brings out the best in each photo—without making you look airbrushed or unnatural. The side-by-side example here shows the difference. The original (RAW) image is beautiful, but it lacks the polished finish you expect from professional portraits. The final image has richer colors, warmer tones, and soft but purposeful retouching. It’s vibrant, true to the moment, and ready to be printed and loved for years to come.
When you book a session with me, you're not just investing in a quick snapshot—you're investing in a finished product crafted with care. Every image you receive has been carefully refined so it reflects not only how you looked in the moment, but how it felt. Your senior session should be all about you! The photos we create together will tell your unique story, showing off your interests, achievements, and future dreams. So, how can we make that happen? Bring along what’s meaningful to you—whether that’s your favorite outfits, your pet, sports gear, or even your car! One of the most popular add-ons? Bringing your vehicle! Getting your driver’s license is a huge milestone on your journey to independence, and your car can say so much about who you are. Maybe you’ve dedicated years to multiple sports—let’s capture that passion! Or perhaps horses or pets are a big part of your life—let’s include them in the fun. Maybe you've played an instrument--let's show that. Maybe you have a hobby you love--let's see it! When you’re a Robyn Adair senior, my goal is for you to look back on your session images and see your story come to life. This is your moment to celebrate everything that makes you, you! While my favorite part of a senior session is always the actual shoot, I have a special love for the reveal when I show the images for the first time. As a parent, I know how the day-to-day can keep us focused on the present. But during the reveal, you see your senior in a whole new light—on the cusp of adulthood, poised at the beginning of countless new experiences, opportunities, and adventures. It's hard to believe that the little one you just dropped off for their first day of kindergarten is now ready to take on the world (though they may still text you to ask if colors and whites go in the same load of laundry!) Reactions from clients range from, “Oh wow, this makes it real!” to “I can’t believe it’s already their senior year!” or simply, “Beautiful!”—often accompanied by a few tears. I know I’ve done my job well when I see a mom or dad get a little misty-eyed. As a parent myself, I vividly remember so many of my daughter's high school "lasts": her last choir concert, last cheer competition, last award ceremony. To all the parents of the Class of 2025 seniors, hang in there—you’re in for a rollercoaster ride of emotions! But it’s also a joy to see how much they’ve grown and matured. Here’s to a fantastic year—make every moment count!
One of the benefits of hiring a professional photographer is our expertise in editing your senior portraits. Before your image reveal, I carefully edit each photo to ensure it’s ready for final products. From color correction to blemish removal, and even brightening teeth and eyes, every detail is perfected with a light touch. My goal is to enhance your natural look or beauty while preserving your authentic self in every shot! This editing expertise, combined with professionally printed products, ensures you will treasure your senior portraits for years to come! Watch below to see a short video of some of the editing process! I love my albums! And they are super popular with my senior parents! I use my graphic design background to create a custom layout for every album. My 9x12 Lustre Art Album features photos on the front and back and includes 20ish photos printed on thick pages in a beautiful lustre finish. My 10x10 Fine Art Album has a window image on the cover, thick layflat pages and 15-20 photos printed with a deep matte finish. My Metallic Fine Art Album is also 10x10 inches, features an image printed on metal on the cover, and metallic finish pages inside. It includes 15-20 photos. Have a favorite quote? Add it to any album! All albums are heirloom, archival pieces you will treasure forever. Your story, beautifully told!
Someone asked me why I specialize in senior portraiture–after all, there are a lot of photographers who photograph a little bit of everything, from weddings to families to maternity to seniors. Why don’t I do that? The truth is, I do photograph families and children–but the bulk of my work is with seniors and for one very important reason... I truly enjoy teenagers! Photographing high school seniors is a natural extension of my role as a high school track and cross country coach. I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how monumental and full of milestones this time in their lives is. Teenagers are in a unique phase where they are discovering who they are, what they believe in, and how they view the world. Being part of their journey as a coach allows me to witness their growth, resilience, and open honesty. It’s incredibly rewarding to capture these qualities in my photography, preserving these fleeting moments as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. As a photographer, I am inspired by the way seniors approach their futures with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Their candid expressions and genuine interactions make for authentic and memorable portraits. I love highlighting their individuality and the changes they experience from freshman year to senior year. Each session is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements, dreams, and unique perspectives. My goal is to create a visual narrative that reflects their personalities and the significant milestones on which they have embarked. If you or someone you know has a Class of 2025 senior and is ready to capture this special time, contact me today to book a session–together we will capture memories, embrace moments and celebrate milestones! Click here to schedule a FREE pre-session consultation! |
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