High School Senior Portraits at Beach on the Central Coast
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Orcutt Family Photographer

A Relaxed Pismo Beach Senior Photo Session for a 2026 Graduate
Claire is a 2026 graduate from Orcutt and Righetti High School, and she reached out this fall to plan her Senior Photos. From the start, she had a clear vision for what she wanted—natural surroundings, variety, and a location that felt true to her style.
She chose Pismo Beach behind Monarch Grove, a favorite spot for High School Senior Portraits thanks to its mix of trees, greenery, and easy beach access. This location offers the best of both worlds and creates a gallery that feels diverse while staying cohesive.
Why Location Matters for High School Senior Portraits
One of the most important parts of planning Senior Photos is choosing a location that offers variety without feeling rushed. The area behind Monarch Grove provides shaded trees and soft greenery, then opens up to the beach just steps away.
For seniors who want multiple looks in one session, this location is ideal—and as an Orcutt Senior Photographer, I love how easily it allows us to transition between environments while keeping the session relaxed.
Prepared Seniors Make the Best Senior Photos
Claire came incredibly prepared with several outfit options, which gave us so much to work with during her session. Outfit changes help create variety and allow seniors to express different sides of their personality through their High School Senior Portraits.
Her mom, Rachael, had also been through this season before. This wasn’t her first high school graduate, so she knew what to expect and how to prepare. That experience made the session calm, organized, and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Getting to Know Claire During Her Senior Photo Session
One of my favorite parts of being an Orcutt Senior Photographer is getting to know each senior during their session. Claire has such an easygoing personality, and that comfort showed up beautifully in her photos.
Nothing felt forced or stiff—we moved naturally, laughed, and let the session unfold in a way that felt authentic to her. Those are always the sessions that produce the most meaningful Senior Photos.
Must-Have Tips for Planning Your Senior Photos
If you’re preparing for your own High School Senior Portraits, here are a few must-haves to bring with you:
Multiple outfit options for variety
Comfortable shoes for walking between spots
Layers or jackets to change up your look
A relaxed mindset—we’ll take care of the rest
Being prepared allows your Senior Photos to feel fun, effortless, and true to who you are.



















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