Not every senior session has to be outside in a field… when nature isn’t your thing…

Maren Webb, a Class of 2026 senior at Sewickley Academy—and a dedicated ballerina—knew exactly what she wanted for her senior photos.

Beautiful. Elevated. Personal. Natural/ Outdoorsy setting.. without the allergy attacks! Comfort trumps “flower fields” EVERYTIME when it comes to your personalized senior experience.

If you’re someone who can’t be surrounded by grass and pollen, your session shouldn’t feel like something you have to endure, or suffer though. There are places that are much more friendly to those who suffer from allergies I have a few favorites.

Phipps Conservatory | Indoor, Elevated, and Allergy-Friendly

We started Maren’s senior photos at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, and it could not have been a more perfect fit.

If you love the look of nature but don’t actually want to be in nature… this is your place.

Each room gave us something completely different:

• soft, glowing light through the canopy of mature trees.
• curated greenery and even arid plants not native to our area.
• flowers and fountains and tons of variety in texture and settings.

Maren & I moved through each space so effortlessly. We took pictures in very room inside of this iconic Pittsburgh location because each has something a little different. It’s a great space to experiment and play with colors and shadows. Creative seniors tend to thrive here!

• There is no wind.
• The heat is always barable.
• It is cleaned frequently so allergens are at a minimum!

Just beautiful, always weather and climate controlled and space to create.

Hartwood Acres Mansion | Ballet Meets Timeless Architecture

From there, we headed north of the city to Hartwood Acres Mansion—and this is where Maren’s session became something truly hers.

As a ballerina, movement is part of who she is. And Hartwood gave us the perfect setting to bring that into her senior photos in an elevated, artistic way.

The stone architecture, the archways, the symmetry of the space… it all paired beautifully with the lines and grace of ballet.

We incorporated:

• soft, controlled poses that highlighted her strength and balance.
• elegant seated posing that was framed by the mansion’s architecture.
• Artistic moments that felt more like fine art than traditional senior photos.

Nothing felt forced. Nothing felt overdone.

Just a natural blend of who she is and the space around her. It was a great way to include her passion of Ballet into her gorgeous curated photo album. (We even did some leaps for mom!)

This is what full customization of your EPIC Senior Photo session should look like.

Sewickley Village at Night | A Different Kind of Magic

We ended Maren’s session right in Sewickley, long after the sun had set and we drove back to her home in the village. Sewickley had been her home and is a place she wanted included without being typical or “like everyone” else.

At night, it’s so super cool!

• Street lights are glowing, and the stringed up lights add so much cute nostalgia!
• Reflections in storefront windows and iconic spots that if you’re from here you instantly know.
• It’s also the most calm, quiet time of day in the village.

It added a completely different layer to her gallery—something a little more edgy and modern and definitely represents the vibes of our small community.

It’s one of my favorite ways to wrap a session up and as always it was the perfect way to end Maren’s customized session!

Your Session Should Feel Like You

Here’s the thing:

Not every senior wants the same experience. Some of them can’t actually go to certain places, because they will break out and be sneezing so much they won’t be able to get though an afternoon!

Maren’s session worked because it was built around her. What looks she wanted, what colors and textures she loves. Mixed with her style and personality in places where she could relax and be herself!

She loves her senior pictures. Her mom loves them also, and we did it all without very little impact on Maren’s health.

Your senior session doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Maybe that means dancing through Hartwood Acres, staying inside at Phipps, and ending your night in Sewickley… Or maybe it mean’s sitting in fields of flowers, running around down in the city and roller skating on the clemente bridge (the element’s of Maren’s twin- Grace’s senior session.)

We’ll design it specifically around you. I don’t can my session, and every single one of them are unique, because every client is unique.

✨ Let’s create something unique, elevated, and unforgettable for your Senior!
👉 Reach out and let’s start planning your Epic Senior Session.