Why I Ask Questions: A Palm Springs Senior Photographer's Perspective

A Senior session with a Jeep Wrangler!

As a Joshua Tree senior photographer, I believe the best portraits come from connection, not just posing. That’s why during every senior session, I take time to ask questions — not the usual small talk, but meaningful ones that help me understand the young person’s story, passions, and dreams.

three outfits at this session

Water Polo is like Soccer, but in the water.

For example, I recently photographed a senior from Shadow Hills High School who is a water polo player. At first, I learned he actually tried out for soccer but didn’t make the team. He was devastated. But with encouragement from his dad, he gave water polo a chance — a sport like soccer but played in the water. That switch changed everything for him.

He fell in love with water polo and found a community and purpose he hadn’t before. He’s now passionate about the sport and plans to study to become an EMT, combining his love for helping others with his athletic drive.

This story is exactly why I ask questions during sessions. It allows me to capture who the senior really is — beyond their letterman jacket or their car, but the resilience, hopes, and transformation that shape them. A Palm Springs Senior Photographer is not hard to find. There are many and I am always honored when people hire me for this special time.

When you hire me as your Joshua Tree senior photographer, you’re not just getting pretty photos. You’re getting portraits that tell your story, that honor your journey, and that celebrate the unique person you’ve become.

A skilled water polo player

One serious photo at least!

Mom got in a shot or two.

Keywords: Joshua Tree senior photographer, senior portrait session, authentic senior portraits, water polo senior portraits, Shadow Hills High School photography