After the Photo Shoot: Creative to Use Your Senior Portraits (Beyond Just Posting Online)
Your teen’s senior portraits are more than just photos—they’re a celebration of late-night study sessions, questionable fashion phases, and that one school dance outfit you’ll never forget. But after investing in professional photos, the real question is: What do you actually DO with them?
Sure, you could stick a 4x6 print on the fridge between grocery lists and dentist reminders… or you could turn these memories into stunning keepsakes that last a lifetime. Here are the best (and most creative!) ways to display and preserve your teen’s senior portraits.
1. The Classic: Framed Wall Art (AKA the “Look How Grown-Up You Are” Gallery)
Elevate those portraits with stylish framing.
Gallery Wall: Mix senior photos with candid shots, awards, or even their childhood pics for a "then vs. now" moment.
Statement Piece: One large, beautifully framed portrait over the mantel or staircase. If you have multiple children you can add senior portraits as they reach this milestone.
Quality over quantity: Choose archival-quality mats and UV-protective glass to prevent fading.
Leave it to the experts: No time for DIY framing? No worries! Let me take care of it for you. I order my framed prints from the best lab in the country. I can do all the work for you.
2. The Heirloom: A Photo Album
Because scrolling through phone pics just doesn’t hit the same.
Layflat albums show off full-page spreads without awkward gutters.
Add handwritten notes (like their favorite quote or a proud parent message).
Bonus: Great for grandparents who still appreciate actual photo books.
Let me do it for you: If designing albums sounds like too much work, leave it to me. I love designing photo albums. The ones I design for clients are much better quality than anything you can get at the online photo printing sites. They are stunning!
3. The “I’m Basically a Magazine Model” Option: Acrylic or Metal Prints
For the teen who deserves a little extra glam:
Metal prints = vibrant colors and a modern, glossy finish.
Acrylic blocks = museum-worthy depth and shine.
Where do you get these? I highly recommend mpix.com. I can order them for you as well.
4. The Ultimate Parent Flex: Custom Announcements and Holiday Cards
Why send a generic snowman card when you can subtly show off your amazing kid?
Use a stunning senior portrait for your family holiday card.
Graduation announcements? Even better. If you did a Deluxe session, a set of press printed announcements is included! If you booked a mini session, never fear, you can still order them easily on my website. Ask for a link if you don’t see it.
Grandparent perk: The LOVE displaying your cards and announcements for the perfect excuse to brag about their grandchildren.
5. The Unexpected (But Awesome) Idea: Photo Gifts
Because who doesn’t want a coffee mug with their face on it?
Phone cases, blankets, or even a custom puzzle (because why not?).
Personalized graduation gifts like engraved jewelry or a photo wallet.
For the sentimental parent: A locket with a tiny portrait inside.
6. The Digital Backup: Cloud & USB Archive
Let’s be real—teens lose things. Protect those photos forever with:
A USB drive stored with important documents (or their diploma!). If you booked a Deluxe session, this will arrive with your free announcements.
Cloud storage (Google Photos, Dropbox, or a dedicated backup service). PLEASE don’t forget to do this! I recommend backing your photos up in 3 places, including at least 2 online.
Give copies to grandparents too—they’ll thank you later.
7. The “Wait, That’s Genius” Display: Rotating Digital Frame
For the parent who can’t pick just one favorite:
Upload all the senior session highlights.
Displays change automatically—no more fighting over which photo gets framed.
Great for your living room side table, or the grandparent’s house.
Final Tip: Don’t Wait!
Senior year flies by, and those photos deserve more than a forgotten folder on your computer. Pick your favorites, print them, and enjoy them now—because in 10 years, you’ll be so glad you did. I’ve made it so easy to get those prints. Just order them right off the website where you downloaded your images. They come straight from the lab to your home.
Ready to Turn Those Portraits Into Keepsakes, but you don’t have the time?
Julie Campbell Photography offers professional prints, albums, and wall art to make your teen’s senior photos shine. Email julie@juliecampbellphoto.com, call or text 805-910-7426 if you want me to do the work for you.