Why I traveled to Utah (and Why It Matters for Your Senior Photos)

When you book with your senior photographer, you’re not hiring just anyone with a camera, you’re choosing someone you can trust to walk you through the process from planning your session to hanging your wall art. You want to hire someone who is always learning and growing as a photographer, so they know exactly how they can make your senior photo experience fun and memorable in the best way.

That’s why I recently traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah to attend the Seniorologie Retreat, hosted by Leslie Kerrigan.

Over the course of several jam-packed days, I worked alongside photographers from around the country to learn, collaborate, and create. We photographed our senior models at some breathtaking locations, shared ideas for serving senior clients well, and pushed ourselves creatively. It was the creative outlet I didn’t even know I needed, combined with the client-experience workshopping I was looking for.

More Than Beautiful Locations

Utah gave us some incredible backdrops:

We got some seriously epic images at the Bonneville Salt Flats! We rented dresses from Utah

We frolicked through the wildflowers on Snowbird Mountain, unsure if the weather was going to cooperate. Thankfully the sun showed up and shined down on us. I’m so in love with the sweet, whimsical moments we captured in the midst of the colorful blooms.

We wrapped up our retreat with a fun, western-inspired shoot on a beautiful farm in Park City. The cattle in the background really brought the authenticity to the ranch feel. We were having a lot of fun playing in the field until a bolt of lightning struck directly behind one of our models and sent us sprinting back to the car. Thankfully the downpour of rain waited until we were all buckled in.

While those locations were amazing, they weren’t the most valuable part of the trip.

The most valuable part was learning new ways to create an experience that helps every senior feel comfortable, confident, and completely able to express themselves in front of the camera.

Why Does This Matter for My Myrtle Beach Seniors?

You don’t have to travel to Utah to create incredible and meaningful senior portraits.

Whether we’re photographing your senior session on the shores of Myrtle Beach, exploring Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach park, wandering through downtown Conway, or discovering another favorite local spot along the Grand Strand, the principles are the same.

During the retreat, we focused on:

• Directing natural, authentic poses that never feel forced
• Using the light to flatter every senior
• Helping seniors feel, not just comfortable, but confident in front of the camera
• Telling your story through your images
• Crafting an experience that feels fun instead of awkward

Those are the skills that came home to Myrtle Beach with me to become part of every senior session I photograph.

Investing in My Clients

One of my favorite parts of the retreat wasn’t even picking up my camera.

My favorite part was spending time with other photographers who are just as passionate about creating meaningful experiences for high school seniors. We exchanged ideas, talked about how to better serve our clients, and encouraged one another to keep growing.

I firmly believe the best investment I can make isn’t another piece of camera equipment.

The best investment I can make is to continue my education so every senior who steps in front of my camera receives my very best.

Ready for Your Own Senior Experience?

If you’re a Class of 2027 senior looking for senior photos that are joyful, authentic, and uniquely you, I’d love to help tell your story.

Your senior year only happens once, and your photos should celebrate everything that makes this season so special.

If you’re looking for a Myrtle Beach senior photographer, I’d love to talk about creating the senior session you will remember long after graduation. Contact me here!

I can’t wait to bring everything I learned in Utah home to my seniors here in South Carolina.