Nashville Senior Photographer

The Senior Experience | Nashville Senior Photographer

Senior year is one of the most exciting times in your life—a time to celebrate your accomplishments and to look forward to the future. As a Nashville senior photographer, I believe your senior portrait session should be as unique and memorable as you are.

Now Booking Senior Photos for the Class of 2026

We are currently booking senior sessions for the fall and spring for the Class of 2026.

“My son’s senior session was such a JOY! Shannon really is the best at what she does. She knows exactly what she’s looking to capture through her lens. Her fun-loving spirit and calming nature put my son at complete ease so that his personality shined through in every shot. He enjoyed the whole experience. If you know anything about teenage boys, you know that’s a miracle in itself. He has been selling Shannon and the whole senior picture gig to his buddies! It doesn’t get much better than that!”

~ Jennifer F., Class of 2026 Mom, Hendersonville, TN

When you choose Shannon Payne Photography as your senior photographer, I will walk you through the senior photo shoot process —including a pre-session consultation, access to online styling, referrals to professional hair and makeup services, and the flexibility to choose from multiple locations and outfit changes. I proudly serve Nashville, Hendersonville, Gallatin, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities.

How Much Should I Pay for Senior Pictures?

The Diamond Experience – $300

• 2-hour session

• 2 different locations

• 3–5 outfit changes

• Best for seniors who want lots of variety and a custom look

The Gold Experience – $200

• 1-hour session

• 1 location

• 2–3 outfits

• A great fit for guys or anyone wanting a quicker session

The session fee is due at booking and covers the time of your session and planning. Digital files and prints are sold separately during your reveal. Most clients invest $900–$2500 in their final images and products.

Contact us for our current pricing guide.

What to Expect for Senior Photos with Shannon Payne Photography

Pre-session Consultations

This is the first step in planning your senior experience. We will discuss your ideas, interests, and goals to tailor the session specifically to you.

The two most important factors in planning your senior photos are choosing a location and planning your outfits. The location and outfits are what will give your session its look and feel.

Do you want golden sunsets or an edgy urban feel? Do you want to incorporate your sports or hobbies? We will discuss all of this to plan a session that shows off your style, interests, and personality.

Styling Support

Since your clothing is one of the most important parts of planning your senior session, I am here to help you in every step of the way.

You will receive access to an online styling service, this includes a selection of outfits based on the season and your style and color choices. This even includes links to shop from the comfort of your home. You are not obligated to buy anything from the styling service, you can simply use it to help pull together outfits that you already have in your closet.

We want to choose clothing that showcases your personality and complements the locations you choose.

Hair & Makeup Services

I aim to create an experience that you will remember going in to your senior year! What better way to treat yourself than getting professional hair and makeup? I will send you a list of trusted, professional hair and makeup artists who enhance your natural beauty.

From the initial consultation, you’re involved in every creative decision, ensuring that your senior portraits reflects who you are.

Choosing Your Nashville Location for Senior Photos

Choosing locations for your senior photos is one of my favorite parts of the planning process.  I have numerous location options for senior photos in the Nashville area. From modern city backdrops to golden fields, Nashville offers a variety of beautiful, unique places. I’ll help you choose a setting that feels like you.

Downtown Nashville & Urban Vibes

Love the look of city streets, colorful murals, and industrial textures? Urban locations offer an edgy, modern feel with bold pops of color and architecture. We can explore areas like:

• Printer’s Alley

• The Gulch

• 12 South

• Colorful murals and hidden gems

These locations pair great with layered outfits, dresses, and street-style looks.

Natural Parks & Fields

For golden-hour glows, dreamy fields, and soft natural light, outdoor parks are perfect. Popular natural spots include:

• Local parks in Hendersonville & Gallatin

• Greenways, trails, and tree-lined paths

• Tall grass fields that glow at sunset

Think flowy dresses, light layers, and a more earthy vibe.

Flower Fields & Seasonal Blooms

If you love color and nature, seasonal locations with wildflowers or blooms are stunning in photos. Depending on the time of year, we may shoot at:

• Sunflower fields (summer)

• Cherry blossoms (early spring)

• Wildflower patches in parks or open fields

We’ll time your session to catch peak bloom for magical results.

Rustic & Historic Settings

Prefer a little Southern charm? Historic or rustic locations add character and warmth to your gallery. Favorites include:

• Historic buildings in Gallatin or Nashville

• White barns and fences

• Gravel roads and weathered wood textures

Outfits like denim, boots, and soft neutrals look great here.

Personalized & Meaningful Spots

Want to make your session truly one-of-a-kind? We can shoot somewhere meaningful to you, like:

• Your high school campus

• A sports field or gym

• A favorite hangout, coffee shop, or family farm

These locations help tell your story—and always make your photos more personal.

Multi-Location Sessions

Can’t decide? That’s why I offer sessions with multiple locations! We can mix urban and nature, or casual and dressy, to give your gallery a beautiful variety of looks.

I’m up for anything! We will discuss all of the location options and then plan outfit changes that perfectly match the vibe of each chosen location.

What to Wear for Your Nashville Senior Portraits

Choosing outfits for your session can be one of the most difficult parts of the planning process. But I’m here to make it as easy as possible for you (and your parents!).

I will help you find outfits that photograph well and make you feel your best. As an SPP client, you will have access to my online styling guide Style and Select. This is a styling service that helps you pull together outfits. We’ll discuss outfit options and share ideas on mixing and matching for different locations.

The Day of Your Senior Session

On the day of your session, you can relax knowing that every detail has been meticulously planned.

Expert Posing and Direction

Worried about how to pose? You’re not alone—and that’s exactly where I come in. I am with you every step of the way to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. There is no need to worry about planning your own poses, what to do, or where to put your hands. I will talk you through the whole session. You’ll be surprised how quickly you forget the camera is even there. Most seniors tell me by the end of the session that it felt more like hanging out than being photographed.

And don’t worry guys! Posing might not be your favorite, but we have plenty of easy pose ideas for guys. My job is to make you feel at ease, have fun, and look amazing in front of the camera!

Outfit and Location Game Plan

I will map out a plan for locations and outfits before the big day. This takes out all of the worry and stress the day of your session because we have a plan! All you need to do is pack up your car with your outfits, and I will lead the way.

A Laid-Back, Fun Experience

Our goal is to make the day memorable and stress-free, allowing your true personality to shine through every shot. Our clients spend the day of their shoot laughing and having fun. You will finish the day relieved knowing that we have created gorgeous images to document your senior year.

After Your Session | Senior Portrait Reveal at Our Studio

After your session, the journey continues at our studio in Hendersonville for the highly anticipated studio reveal:

Viewing Your Proofs

First you will enjoy a slideshow of all the gorgeous images captured during your session. Then we will sort through printed proofs so that you can choose your absolute favorites.

Digital and Product Package Selection

I’ll help you choose the perfect package and heirloom products that best capture your senior year photos and memories. This personalized reveal session is not just about selecting prints and products—it’s a celebration of your achievements and a time to reflect on the wonderful experience you just had. And get excited about your future!

FAQs | Senior Photos with Shannon Payne Photography

What happens if it rains?

We’ll reschedule! I always have backup dates ready to go for weather concerns.

Can I bring props, pets, or a friend?

Absolutely! We can incorporate sports gear, musical instruments, or pets. You are welcome to bring your best friend for the ultimate cheerleader.

How far in advance should I book?

Summer and fall fill up quickly—most clients book 2–6 months in advance.

When will I see my photos?

Your gallery reveal typically takes place within 2–3 weeks after your session.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! I offer flexible options to help spread out the cost of your order.

A Note for Parents

Senior portraits are a milestone—for your teen and for you. I take care of the details so you can relax and enjoy this exciting season. From helping your senior feel confident, to guiding you through product selections, you’re in great hands.

Ready to Book Your Nashville Senior Photographer

Ready to celebrate your senior year with unforgettable photos?

Let’s plan your perfect session together. Contact me now to book your Nashville senior photo shoot.