Your Senior Year Deserves More Than a “Smile-and-Snap” Session As a seasoned Greeley-based Northern Colorado senior photographer serving Windsor, Severance, Timnath, Erie, and beyond, I believe senior portraits should feel like your senior—not just look like them. When I photograph seniors, it’s never a one-size-fits-all experience. I meet them where they are—emotionally, creatively, and in […]
Northern Colorado Senior Photographer | Class of 2026 Portrait Experience
Your Senior Year Deserves More Than a “Smile-and-Snap” Session
As a seasoned Greeley-based Northern Colorado senior photographer serving Windsor, Severance, Timnath, Erie, and beyond, I believe senior portraits should feel like your senior—not just look like them.
When I photograph seniors, it’s never a one-size-fits-all experience. I meet them where they are—emotionally, creatively, and in the season they’re living. Whether they feel most like themselves in jeans and flannel under the trees or dressed to impress beside a classic truck, we’ll create portraits that reflect who they are—not just how they look.
Every session is planned with intention. I start with a detailed questionnaire so I can understand your senior’s personality, comfort zone, and vision—because no two sessions (or seniors) are the same. As a Northern Colorado senior photographer, my goal is to help each student feel relaxed, confident, and like their best self on camera.
I use long lenses to create those soft, dreamy backgrounds (hello, bokeh!) and guide natural poses through subtle cues—not stiff instructions. We do fun. We do polished. We do serious, game-face moments. We do the “smile for mom” shot. And in between, we have real conversations about life after high school—because that’s what this session is really about: celebrating who they are and where they’re headed.
Senior portraits should reflect more than just a great smile—they should showcase your unique style, interests, and accomplishments. As a Northern Colorado senior photographer, I specialize in creating personalized sessions that celebrate this milestone in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you’re drawn to timeless, true-to-color portraits, adventurous outdoor shots, or a modern, high-fashion vibe, Heather Lilly Photography is here to bring your vision to life.
When Should You Book?
Right now. If you’re looking for a Northern Colorado senior photographer for the Class of 2026, it’s smart to book early—especially if you’re dreaming of golden-hour light, colorful leaves, or that classic summer glow.
Senior portrait sessions fill quickly from June through October, with early fall (especially the first week of October) being peak season for golden foliage and cooler evenings. Booking now gives you time to plan outfits, choose the right location, and avoid the rush of yearbook deadlines in October or November.
Whether you’re going for sun-soaked summer vibes or cozy fall layers, securing your session with Heather Lilly Photography early ensures your date—and your vision—are reserved.
Booking early gives you:
Booking your Northern Colorado senior portrait session early comes with major perks—and peace of mind. When you reserve your date in advance, you’ll get:
Time to plan your outfits and locations with intention (and without stress)
Breathing room before yearbook photo deadlines—usually October or November, depending on your school
The option to split your 2-hour session across seasons (summer + fall). Note: 1-hour sessions cannot be split.
VIP access to my spring cap-and-gown mini sessions—exclusively for seniors who book a full session earlier in the year
The opportunity to use your favorite image for graduation announcements, party décor, and keepsakes that feel personal and polished
Booking early also means you’ll have first pick of dates during golden hourand peak fall color—because let’s be honest: October books out fast.
Most seniors choose to do their full session in one season—because they love summer or fall. Others split it up: maybe they’re planning a haircut, changing their style, or want contrast in their outfits and backdrop. That combo creates a fuller story and a diverse final gallery.
One mom told me, “I want a session in the fall, but I also want one in the spring because my kids change so much during senior year!”She’s not wrong.
If the majority of your wardrobe is blue-tones or you wear breezy summer colors, and love the glow of golden hour at the end of a hot day, book summer.
If cozy layers, earthy tones, and rustling leaves are your thing, book late September or early October. Morning sessions offer cooler temps and soft light. Sunset gives us that dreamy, cinematic finish.
And don’t worry—your yearbook image is expedited to meet school deadlines. You’ll still have a full 30-day window to choose your remaining favorites from your proofing gallery.
Limited-Time Giveaway: 11×14 Metal Display Print
Seniors Class of 2026:Book your senior portrait session by June 1st, 2025 and receive a complimentary 11×14 metal display print—perfect for showcasing at your graduation party and (let’s be honest) living in infamy on your parents’ walls for years to come.
This sleek, modern wall art piece (a $175 value) is included with any summer or fall senior session booked by the deadline. Prints & other keepsake products will be available for local pickup in West Greeley.
👉 Note: You don’t have to do your session by June 1st—just pay your retainer, have your parents sign the contract, and reserve your date for summer or fall 2025.
What It’s Like to Work With Heather Lilly Photography
✨ Step 1: Inquire & Connect
It all starts with a quick inquiry through my contact form. Once I receive your message, we’ll find the perfect session date based on your style, personality, and preferred season.
After that, I’ll send over my full senior portrait prep guide, complete with outfit inspiration, location ideas, and a style questionnaire to help you feel confident and ready.
As a Northern Colorado senior photographer, I specialize in using natural light to create images that feel cinematic, true-to-color, and effortlessly you:
☀️ Morning light is soft and cool—ideal for beating the heat and staying fresh 🌅 Golden hour brings warm, dreamy tones and that timeless, glowy finish 🚫 Midday sun? Hard pass—unless you’re booking one of my natural-light studio sessions in Windsor or Longmont, which are great for clean, modern looks
From start to finish, my goal is to create a calm, collaborative experience where you feel guided—not posed—and leave with portraits that feel like you.
✨ Step 2: Session Planning
Once your date is confirmed, we’ll plan all the meaningful details—locations, overall vibe, wardrobe selections, and optional props that reflect your personality and story.
As a Northern Colorado senior portrait photographer, I specialize in natural light, outdoor sessions that showcase the beauty of every season. From wide-open fields and forest paths to urban textures or soft sunset backdrops, we’ll find the perfect setting that fits your style.
Prefer an indoor look? I also offer studio session options in Longmont, Loveland, and Windsor (with an additional fee), and I’m open to new studio locations as they become available.
And yes—we can co-create a shared Pinterest board if you’d like to visualize the vibe together. Whether you’re feeling editorial, airy, earthy, or something in between, we’ll design a session that feels uniquely you.
✨ Step 3: The Session
You don’t need to know how to pose—I’ve got you. I’ll guide you every step of the way with easy cues and fun prompts that let your personality shine.
Want to bring your dog? Yes please. Horse? Even better. Just make sure to bring a handler and let me know in advance so we can prep accordingly.
✨ Step 4: After the Session
You’ll receive a lightly watermarked proofing gallery within 1–3 weeks of your session. (During busy season, it may take a tad longer—but I’ll always keep you posted.) From there, you’ll choose the images you’d like me to hand-edit.
Every image you select receives my Signature Edit treatment, which includes things like:
Color and contrast refinement
Skin tone corrections
Removal of temporary blemishes
Stray hair cleanup
Overall polish to match your chosen aesthetic—whether that’s clean and natural, cinematic and moody, editorial and bold, or bright and airy
Important Note: Sunburns and tan lines are not only uncomfortable—they’re also very difficult (and time-consuming) to edit. I always recommend protecting your skin in the weeks leading up to your session. I’ve had skin cancer myself, so trust me when I say: sun safety is worth it.
Extra editing: Braces removal, extensive acne retouching, or correcting tan lines can be done—but those are considered advanced edits and come with an additional editing fee. Totally worth it if needed, but ideally avoided.
I only deliver the images that receive my full Signature Edits. The proofs gallery is for selection only and not for download.
Why Heather Lilly Photography?
I don’t just take photos—I create space for your senior to feel seen.
No stiff poses. No fake smiles. Just relaxed, confident images you’ll be proud to print and post.
Based in West Greeley, I serve clients across Eaton, Windsor, Erie, Timnath, Severance, Longmont, Niwot, Berthoud, Johnstown, and all of Northern Colorado.
I bring over 19 years of experience, and my work is known for its cinematic lighting, luxury skin edits, and true-to-color tones.
Session Pricing & What’s Included
My senior portrait collections are intentionally flexible—because no two students are the same. Some want a quick, bold one-hour session. Others want multiple outfits, multiple locations, and a little more time to create something unforgettable.
Most families invest between $475 and $1200, depending on the session length and how many images or keepsakes you want to walk away with.
All sessions include:
• Travel within 25 miles roundtrip from Greeley, CO
• A pre-session phone consult
• A lightly watermarked proofing gallery
• Signature-edited digital images (with optional upgrades)
Optional add-ons include: • Wall art (metal, framed, canvas) • Albums and print boxes • Heirloom keepsakes • Cap-and-gown sessions (available to full session clients only)
FAQs from Moms + Seniors
Can we split the session into two dates? Yes—for 2-hour sessions only. Summer/fall splits or studio/outdoor combos are welcome.
Do you offer cap and gown photos? Yes! They’re available only to full-session seniors.
Can we bring pets or props? Absolutely. Your dog, horse, guitar, sports jersey, truck—bring whatever tells your story.
We’re awkward in front of the camera… help? That’s my specialty. I’ll coach you with calm, natural prompts. Within minutes, you’ll be surprised how fun it feels.
Let’s Tell Your Story, Beautifully.
Class of 2026: Your moment starts now. Let’s create portraits that feel true to you—timeless, editorial, and infused with personality.
📩 Use the link below to inquire + book your session:
I’m Heather Lilly, a Northern Colorado photographer with 19+ years of experience creating polished yet natural portraits for families, seniors, and businesses. I specialize in natural light photography, blending thoughtful poses and gentle prompts to craft images that feel authentic and deeply personal.
When I first started photographing seniors back in 2006, I was just a year out of college. Now I’m old enough to be these senior’s mom—and I don’t take that lightly. I’m walking through this season with seniors and their parents, celebrating the milestone while making sure they feel seen, valued, and completely at ease every step of the way.
As a mom of two incredible boys, I live by the words of C.S. Lewis:
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”
That belief carries into every session. Whether I’m behind the camera or helping a nervous teen find their confidence, I take my time, tune into the details, and gently keep the focus where it belongs—on your senior’s personality, story, and future.
I earned my degree in Journalism with a Visual Arts minor from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. My first chapter as a photographer began in Northglenn and then Erie, Colorado. In 2023, I moved back to my hometown of Greeley, and I’m proud to serve families in Windsor, Eaton, Severance, Timnath, Erie, Longmont, Niwot and all across Northern Colorado.
I’d be honored to help your family mark this moment with images that feel true, timeless, and completely one-of-a-kind. The best way to reach me is the contact form on my website.
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