Senior-Style Photos at Maple Lawn in Fulton, Maryland
Audrey’s session took place on a summer morning in Maple Lawn, one of my favorite photography spots in my hometown of Fulton, Maryland. The goal of this session was a little different than usual—I was using the opportunity to teach lighting and posing to the intern I’ve been mentoring this season. Audrey, who’s 16 and a student at Atholton High School, stepped in as our model and brought the perfect mix of poise and personality.
We started early, and even at 8 a.m. the heat was already creeping in. But the light? It couldn’t have been better. As we moved through the neighborhood, I showed my intern how to shift directions based on the light—how to find the softest angles, where to position your subject for depth, and how to adapt when light changes from one minute to the next.
Early in the session, I noticed Audrey’s boots: structured white leather with a black sole. Paired with her soft white dress and a stack of friendship bracelets, her look had this fun balance of softness and edge. So we shifted direction a bit and leaned into both.
Balancing Parent Favorites and Teen Self-Expression
One of the best parts of senior photography is getting to shoot for two people at once: the parent and the teen. I. I know Mom is hoping for the smiling, eyes-at-the-camera portraits—the ones that will hang in the hallway and go on graduation announcements. And we absolutely captured those. But teens? They want something a little different. They’re exploring identity. They’re imagining how they’ll show up in the world.
Audrey brought that spirit fully. Toward the end of the session, she pulled out an inspiration photo—quirky, dramatic, totally her—and lit up with excitement. We recreated it on the spot, and the result was bold and a little offbeat in the best way. Those are the moments I love most: when a senior steps fully into themselves.
That was also one of the most valuable teaching moments for my intern—learning how to hold space for both sets of desires. The key, I explained, is knowing when to direct and when to let go. When to coax out a genuine smile (my superpower, especially with teens—I apologize to all the parents I’ve lovingly turned into the punchline of a joke), and when to encourage something a little more editorial.
Why Maple Lawn Is One of My Favorite Senior Photo Spots
Located in Fulton, MD, Maple Lawn offers a really versatile backdrop for senior sessions. The paths and sidewalks are quiet in the early morning, and you can move easily between natural spaces and architectural details within a one block radius. The light tends to reflect softly off the buildings, and the whole area has a clean, classic look that photographs beautifully.
For Howard County families, it’s a great local option that feels elevated and polished without being overly formal. We didn’t have to go far to create a full gallery with lots of variety—and Audrey’s session is a perfect example of that.
Senior photos are about more than marking a milestone—they’re a celebration of who your teen is becoming. Whether they want the classic portraits or something with a little attitude (or both), I’d love to help tell that story in a way that feels fully, beautifully them.
Learn more about all family sessions here.
You May Also Enjoy
Madeline’s Senior Session at Brookside Gardens
