How To: Bible Photo Shoot for your Christian Senior

Written By Megan Brunner

Are you at the time in motherhood where you have to think about SENIOR PHOTOS?! Girl, me too!! My oldest is graduating this year and I just can even with it all.

Truly, I am so blessed and thankful that we have made it this far and that all four of my daughters are believers of our Savior.

But can we just talk about how expensive this year can be? As a momma to four on a teacher’s salary, I really try to save money where I can.

One way I cut back on costs during my oldest daughter’s senior year was to take her senior pictures myself. Now, I am no professional photographer BUT I have Google and a drive to give my daughter’s what they want even if it’s on a shoestring budget.

To say I was thrilled my daughter wanted to do a Bible photo shoot is an understatement! She and I had been sharing senior pic inspo for months leading up to her senior year when we came across a beautiful photo shoot that included the girl’s bible.

AHHHHHH! It was so perfect we just had to recreate it!

I’m not saying our photo session was A+ Professional level but not spending hundreds of dollars on senior pics was worth it. And if I can help another momma out by sharing my tips on how I took my daughter’s photos it was well worth it.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information. If not otherwise stated, all prices are intended in US$.

Christian Photo Shoot… what do you need and how do you do it yourself

Senior photos with bible checklist

  • modest outfit

  • bible

  • Christian jewelry

  • good location

  • favorite bible verse

  • bible accessories (highlighter, pens, etc to hold for pics)

What gear did I use to take my daughter’s senior pictures?

I have an older Canon Rebel t7 camera that I got several years ago from Facebook marketplace. If you buy a good used camera and take care of it, it will last you a very long time.

You can find the Canon Rebel t7 on amazon here.

I also, used a 50mm lens. This is best for that blurry background.

I suggest watching some YouTube or TikTok videos if you aren’t familiar with manual mode. You can find some YouTube videos on using your DSLR camera here.

Tips for taking professional looking photos

  • outfit- make sure it is clean, wrinkle free, and goes with the theme, bring a change of clothing just in case

  • shoes- this one is important. Make sure they are clean, especially around the base of the shoe they just might be in the pics

  • jewelry- bring extra just in case you want to change it out during your session

  • take lots of pics- don’t fret about not nailing the shot on the first try. Take lots and try out different angles.

  • movement- get your senior to move a little so that their pics don’t look stiff. They might feel silly but that’s a small comprise for great looking pics for years to come.

  • geniune smile- try to get your kiddo to laugh for real. This will help you capture that sweet smile they have instead of the posed forced one.

  • weather- I took my girl’s pics on a cloudy day and I think they turned out great. Try to aim to stay out of harsh sunlight. Think shade for beginner pics.

  • location- think outside the box. We just took ours at our local small-town park. But you can really make ANY location work for you.

  • poses- try different poses even if they feel silly. We tried SO many different ones and I’m so glad we did.

3 Favorite poses from her Christian photo shoot

I’ll be honest some of the pics I took of her were total duds BUT several turned out REALLY good!

Here are my top 3 favorites…

1 . Open bible to her favorite verse. She’s wearing a gold cross bracelet that just made the pic that much better!

2 . Bible opened and clutched to the chest. OH how I LOVE this one. Her genuine smile makes my heart so dang happy!

3 . Open bible with pages turned in to form a heart.

I hope this helps or inspires you to not only feel confident in taking your senior’s bible photo shoot but I hope this helps you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime with your almost grown-up kiddo. I know how quickly the time passes and these memories are more than cherishing.

A Prayer for the Momma who is embarking on a new season in motherhood

Lord,

First and foremost, we thank you for all of your blessings. We lift up to you the momma reading this today. May she know that these days of preparing for graduation may be stressful but they are important to take the time to cherish the moment of it all. May trust in you Lord, that You have been there for every single moment in her motherhood and you will continue to be there as she moves into this new season of being a momma to adult. May it fill her soul and she make memories with her children as adults that she never thought of.

We pray all of this in your beautiful and precious name, Lord, Amen.

Megan Brunner
Next

Stunning Christian Tattoos You’ll Love