You don’t have to be a model to have incredible senior pictures.
In fact, most of my seniors aren’t particularly comfortable in front of a camera when we begin.
That’s okay.
I’m Rebecca Pfeifer, a senior portrait photographer based just outside Plymouth in Glenbeulah, Wisconsin. Before becoming a photographer, I worked as a middle and high school guidance counselor. I’ve spent years getting to know teenagers—quiet ones, outgoing ones, funny ones, serious ones, kids who love being the center of attention and kids who would rather be anywhere else.
That background probably influences my photography more than anything else.
Because before I can make a photograph that looks like you, I need to actually see you.
We’ll start by talking about what you actually like.
Nature or downtown?
Flowers or tall grass?
Jeans and sneakers or a dress you’ve been waiting for an excuse to wear?
Sports? Music? Your car? Your dog? The lake? Something completely unexpected?
There isn’t one correct way to do senior pictures.
My custom sessions are designed around the individual senior, with help choosing outfits and locations before we ever begin. During the session I’ll guide posing and expressions, but we’ll also walk, move, talk and leave space for the unplanned photographs that often become favorites.
The experience should feel less like standing through a photoshoot and more like spending an evening creating something together.
One of the best things about being located near Plymouth is how much variety we have within a relatively small area.
Downtown Plymouth gives us colorful architecture, brick, alleys and an urban feel. Nearby, we have fields, trails, flowers, water, wooded areas and quieter natural settings. Elkhart Lake and Kohler open up completely different possibilities, while Lake Michigan and downtown Sheboygan are close enough to combine with the right custom session.
My home studio is located nearby in Glenbeulah and can also give us another option when a session calls for it.
I’ve spent years scouting and photographing this part of Wisconsin, so you don’t need to choose a location because you’ve seen everybody else use it.
Tell me what you love.
I’ll help you figure out where we should go.
I hear versions of this all the time—especially from parents of senior guys.
Please don’t worry.
Your senior doesn’t need to arrive enthusiastic, outgoing or confident in front of the camera.
I give plenty of direction without expecting anyone to magically know what to do. We ease into the session, keep things moving and don’t spend the evening forcing smiles.
And when someone needs a little more time to warm up, I know how to give them that.
My goal isn’t simply to get your senior through pictures.
I want them to leave surprised by how much they enjoyed themselves.
Senior pictures happen during a year filled with lasts.
The last first day of high school. The last season. The last concert. College applications. Graduation plans. A bedroom that may not be occupied quite as often next year.
Your senior is looking forward.
You’re probably doing a little looking backward.
That’s one reason I believe so strongly in creating something tangible from these photographs.
Albums, wall portraits and printed photographs give this moment somewhere to live beyond a phone or hard drive.
Years from now, the value of these images won’t be that everybody looked perfect.
It will be that they bring this version of your child back to you.
Families and couples can also book portrait sessions with Kristel, my associate photographer since 2017.
Her sessions are playful, relaxed and full of movement, making them especially wonderful for families who want beautiful photographs without expecting everyone—particularly little kids—to behave perfectly for the camera.
Rebecca Pfeifer Photography serves seniors throughout Plymouth, Glenbeulah, Elkhart Lake, Kohler, Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan and the surrounding communities.
I intentionally photograph a limited number of seniors each year so I can give each one the time, attention and creative energy their session deserves.
If senior year is approaching, it’s never too early to start the conversation.