At the beginning of August, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Charlotte. She is a senior at Quaker Valley High School. I took her senior pictures in Pittsburgh, PA. Charlotte chose the incredible Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens as one of her locations. It was the perfect start for her epic session. She loves flowers & gardens and the laid out order of the botanical garden!
It was an extremely hot day. Temperatures outdoors were nearing 94 degrees. The greenhouse was well over 100 degrees in most rooms! However Charlotte’s hair and makeup looked flawless from start to finish. We owe a huge thanks to Christalee from Wildchild Fabrications! She came right to Charlotte’s home! This personalized service can be added to any senior session when you book! Having professional makeup and hair artistry that holds up in the heat is such a game-changer for senior photos. Charlotte looked radiant in every frame.
Shooting at Phipps Conservatory
Phipps Conservatory is one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic spots for photos. The lush gardens, grand glass architecture, and vibrant floral backdrops give a timeless, sophisticated look. Charlotte’s portraits here felt both fresh and classic. The colorful blooms contrasted beautifully with her more simple chosen attire for the segment. I must also mention the light inside the glasshouse ALWAYS gives a soft, glowing quality ANY time of year!
We even got a shot or two with live the butterflies! Highlighting Charlotte’s bright personality was a great choice. We created images that her family will treasure for years.
Why Phipps is a Perfect Senior Photo Location
If you’re looking for senior pictures in Pittsburgh, PA, Phipps Conservatory offers so much variety in one location. It features stunning architecture, elegant gardens, and vibrant pops of color. Paired with nearby spots around the city, it creates a versatile session that feels both artistic and personal.
Charlotte’s day perfectly reminded us that senior photos are about more than just a few quick pictures. They capture who you are at this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Sunset in Sewickley (to keep it personal and close to home.)
After exploring the conservatory and gardens, we headed back to the village for more relaxed, personal spots. We shot near the bridge, Charlotte’s church and right in the village. These more urban & personal spot choices really wrapped up her session and balanced the grandness of Phipps!
We ended our evening in the Village of Sewickley just after sunset. The blue glow of the sky combined with the charm of the village streets. This combination gave us the perfect backdrop to close out our time together. By then the heat had faded (87 degrees) and let’s hear it for the hair and makeup… which ROCKED all the way until we wrapped.
Ready to Plan Your Own Senior Session?
If you’re a senior (or a mom of one!) and want your portraits to feel unforgettable, let’s create something incredible together. You might dream of flowers at Phipps. Perhaps the charm of Sewickley captivates you. Or maybe it’s the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh that you love. We’ll design a session that’s all about you.
📩 Contact me here to start planning your senior portraits!
