Some seniors dream of multiple outfits and a custom location, while others simply want a handful of beautiful headshots to celebrate this exciting milestone. That's exactly why I created my Announcement Session.
This session is designed for seniors who want polished, timeless portraits that are perfect for graduation announcements and invitations. Sometimes all you need is one outfit, great light, and a genuine expression.
For this session, we spent about 20 minutes at one of my favorite local locations. With just one outfit, we focused on creating a beautiful variety of head-and-shoulder and waist-up portraits that highlight her personality and confidence.
Whether you're looking for the perfect graduation announcement photo or simply want to commemorate your senior year with a handful of beautiful portraits, the Announcement Session is a wonderful option.
Congratulations again to this amazing 2026 senior! Wishing you all the best as you begin your next adventure.
Graduation Announcements Demystified
A simple guide for parents of high school seniors
Every spring, I hear the same question from parents of high school seniors:
“What are we supposed to do about graduation announcements?”
After many years of working with seniors — and going through my own kids’ graduations — I can tell you this: there’s no single “right” way to handle announcements. There are just a few common options, and the best choice is the one that fits your family.
What types of graduation announcements do people send?
Traditional school announcements
These are the classic announcements ordered through companies like Jostens and often include the school logo. Many families tuck a small photo inside — sometimes the yearbook photo, sometimes a more casual image.
Photo graduation announcements
Custom photo announcements from online companies have become very popular. You choose a design and add your senior’s photo directly to the card. These feel more personal and are a great way to show your student’s personality. See TIPS below.
Both options are perfectly appropriate — and many families even use a combination.
Why send graduation announcements?
Graduation announcements are really about celebrating a milestone. They let friends and extended family share in an important moment after years of hard work — for your student and for you.
They’re also commonly used to:
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Invite loved ones to the graduation ceremony
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Invite friends and family to a graduation party or celebration
This information can be included on the announcement itself or added as a small insert.
One gentle reminder
Senior year moves quickly, especially that final semester. Between schedules, deadlines, and all the “lasts,” it’s easy to overthink details like announcements. Keep it simple, make it meaningful, and enjoy this season while you can.
Blessings,
Cindy Kyle
Thinking About Photos for Graduation Announcements?
If you’re still deciding what photos to use for graduation announcements, spring senior sessions are a great option. I offer relaxed, natural sessions that work beautifully for announcements — no stiff posing, no pressure, and no coat and tie required.
If you’d like more information or want to check availability, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help you decide what makes the most sense for your senior.
Tip for horizontal cards:
Leave some room off to one side for text. The online cards often have "Class of 2026" and room for the student's name off to one side.
Tip for vertical cards:
Choose a card online that places the text (name, etc) in an area of the image where is will be clearly visible.
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Anderson and his mom chose to come full circle by returning to the place where we first took their photos when he was three, Balboa Park.
We've done images regularly since that first session, always finding fun spots in their San Diego home town.
What a delight to capture so many stages of life for them, and how amazing to watch the young boy grow into such an amazing young man.
Congrats, Anderson! Graduation is just a new beginning!
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Full Length Session with Lilly
After we did her yearbook photos, Lily and her family opted for an expanded photo session. And what a fast paced adventure we had in Little Italy!
We walked through this downtown community snapping pics with all the fun city vibes.
Lilly nailed it, totally unfazed by the busy streets and sidewalks.
And we finally celebrated with her parents by enjoying a good Italian cup of coffee!
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In the spring it’s always nice to have images to choose from for graduation announcements, Mother’s Day gifts, and memories to frame. We did his senior pictures in the fall. In addition to his MCHS yearbook photo shoot, we did a mini-session that included a selection of photos that can be used for these purposes. Mom was so grateful we had images of this stage of life ready and available to use as needed!
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Lily, you're the Class of 2023! Congrats! You did it! it's no small thing to make it through your high school career with a sense of achievement and resiliency, especially while navigating a pandemic! I'm so proud of you for growing physically, spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually!
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
â€â€Luke‬ â€2‬:â€52‬ â€NIV‬‬
Great questions to ask when deciding on a location for your senior pictures!
San Diego offers a lot of nature to choose from. If you like our ubiquitous fields and hills, then maybe the terrain around Lake Hodges is your spot. Meandering trails. Breezes sifting through eucalyptus leaves. Grassy textures swaying. The crunch of the dirt and gravel underfoot. All the earthy browns and greens that are so typical of our San Diego hills. Let your relaxed and natural side shine.
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I often ask students that question as we are trying to decide on a location for their senior photo shoot.
As it turned out, Bri LOVES the fall! And I'm not just talking about warm hued leaves, but ALL the fall vibes! Cozy blankets. Warm cups of rich coffee. Plaid fabric, leather coats, denim jackets, boots. Plus, her birthday is in the fall.
She just feels most like herself wrapped up in ALL things autumn, so we packed up all the fall things and headed to Old Poway Park in early December to capture these memories.
Kristen chose Coronado, California as the location for her college senior portrait session in the spring. The location has a lot of meaning for Kristen since she went to high school in Coronado and she graduated from nearby Point Loma Nazarene University. I can hardly believe all the local stories she has to tell!
San Diego has a nice spring green for only a few months of the year, and the yellow mustard flowers only pop their color for a few weeks! We caught them at just the right time for this session. The dandelions even surprised us and we snuck them in for a few shots!
If you're looking for these fresh and happy spring colors, then you'll want to plan your session in the spring!
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The smell of the eucalyptus and sage as we stroll past. The crunch of the earth underfoot. The buckwheat and flowers that quietly reach for the heavens. Wide open sky breathing space and freedom. Rolling hills urging a long walk. There's beauty and peace and adventure for whomever will have it.
I've got exclusive photo access to this beautiful private ranch in east Poway, and I absolutely love introducing my clients to it! If you love the earthy tones and textures of our native San Diego hills, then I know you'll go wild over the wonderful sense of nature here!
