Piper’s Senior Session in Redlands: Three Locations, Three Looks, and One Big Glow-Up

High School Seniors

Senior sessions are some of my absolute favorites—especially when they unfold the way Piper’s did. We explored three iconic Redlands locations (Prospect Park, Downtown Redlands, and the Redlands Train Station), but the real magic was watching Piper go from quiet and sweet to fully, unapologetically herself by the end of her session.

Prospect Park: Soft, Sweet, and So Her

We started at Prospect Park, where Piper wore her everyday outfit—something comfortable and true to who she is right now. That first look set the tone beautifully. She was sweet, reserved, and a little quiet. Honestly, I love when teens show up like this. It’s real. It’s honest. And it gives us space to build trust and ease into the shoot.

Her everyday outfit blended perfectly with the natural greens of the park, making these images timeless and full of genuine warmth. This is the version of Piper that her family sees every day, and it deserved to be documented just as she is.

High School Senior Photoshoot at Prospect park in Redlands CA

Senior Girl sitting in the grass wearing a floral dress

Downtown Redlands: A Look She Loves

By the time we transitioned to Downtown Redlands, Piper was already loosening up—and it showed. Her second outfit was something she loves, something that feels stylish and fun, and her energy started shifting. She lit up.

There’s something about downtown—the textures, the brick, the color—that just brings out personality. Piper laughed more, played more, and the confidence started pouring in. These are the photos where you can literally feel her individuality shining through.

High School Senior photoshoot in Downtown Redlands.

Girl smiling and looking to the side in Umbrella Alley.

Redlands Train Station: The Outfit That Changed Everything

This last location is where the real shift happened. Piper stepped into her third outfit—the one that pushed her out of her comfort zone—and everything clicked.

This is exactly why I encourage all my tween, teen, and senior clients to choose at least one “bold” outfit. Something different. Something unexpected. Something that pulls that spark out of them.

For Piper, that spark turned into full-on fire.

She went from sweet and quiet to expressive, playful, confident, and totally tapped into her personality. It was like watching someone step into their next era.

The train station’s architecture, metal textures, and warm sunset light gave us the perfect backdrop for this transformation. These photos feel edgy, empowered, and honestly—iconic.

Why the “Out-of-Your-Comfort-Zone” Outfit Matters

This part is important, and Piper is the perfect example of why I do this with every session.

For tweens, teens, and seniors, life is full of growth, discovery, and trying on new versions of yourself. That third outfit gives you permission to experiment. To be bold. To see yourself differently.

And sometimes, like with Piper, that’s the moment everything opens up.

Piper’s Glow-Up Was Pure Magic

From Prospect Park to downtown to the train station, Piper brought so much life to her session. Watching her personality unfold from soft to bold is exactly why I love documenting this age.

Piper—you were a dream. Thank you for trusting the process, leaning into the creative vibes, and bringing all versions of yourself to the shoot.

If you’re ready for a senior session that lets you explore every side of who you are—sweet, stylish, and boldly you—I’m your girl. Let’s create something unforgettable.

Prospect Park Redlands CA, high school senior smiling at camera wearing jean skirt and white tank.
Amanda Mildebrandt Photography | High school shoot in Downtown Redlands
Downtown Redlands Senior Photographer | Amanda Mildebrandt Photography 

High school senior session at the Redlands Train Station in a fun retro dress.
Redlands Senior Photographer | Amanda Mildebrandt Photography

leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *