Connecticut Luxury Senior Photographer

Uniquely You

Senior Portraits That Feel Like You

Senior year is full of anticipation: the last familiar routines, the excitement of what comes next, and the person you are becoming. Your portraits should capture this moment in a way that feels personal, confident, and true to you.

At Portraits by Chaya, senior photography is a full-service experience, thoughtfully planned from our first conversation through your finished artwork. With wardrobe guidance, professional hair and makeup, and gentle direction throughout your session, you can relax and enjoy being photographed.

Based in Waterbury, I welcome seniors and their families from New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, and Litchfield Counties for custom studio and outdoor portraits.

I’ll guide you

You Don’t Have to Know How to Pose

If you are excited about senior portraits but worried you might feel awkward, I want you to know that you do not have to figure it out on your own. You do not need modeling experience, practiced poses, or to feel confident in front of the camera before we begin.

I will teach you how to pose, one step at a time. I will demonstrate positions and show you how to stand or sit, where to place your hands, and how a small change in posture or expression can make a difference.

We will mix relaxed poses with natural movement, with time to try things, ask questions, and get comfortable. My goal is for you to feel supported throughout the experience and see yourself in portraits you love.

Plan Your Senior Portrait Session

Senior in a brown sweater standing beside clipped garden hedges in autumn

Full-length senior portrait on a garden path, wearing a light jacket and black skirt

Close-up senior portrait in a brown sweater beside a stone pillar in warm autumn light

Senior in a black dress standing beside a stone balustrade beneath golden autumn leaves

Senior lying on fallen leaves with her chin resting on her hands

Full-length senior portrait in jeans and a brown sweater beneath a stone garden archway

Senior in a black outfit looking over her shoulder at a stone garden railing

Senior in a light jacket and black skirt leaning against a stone balustrade

Close-up senior portrait in a black outfit with her hand against her cheek at a stone railing

Senior in a black dress seated on a stone balustrade beneath yellow autumn foliage

Senior in jeans and a brown sweater leaning against a vine-covered stone pillar

A Fully Guided Senior Portrait Experience

Every detail is considered so you and your family can enjoy the experience, from choosing your outfits to finding the perfect place for your portraits at home.

1

CONSULTATION

Personalized planning, styling & wardrobe guidance

2

PORTRAIT SESSION

Professional hair and makeup and a relaxed, fully guided portrait session.

3

REVEAL & DESIGN

Choose your images and collaboratively design your artwork

4

DELIVERY

Your finished portraits, beautifully prepared to enjoy and preserve.

Let’s Plan Your Senior Session

Reach out early so we can plan around your preferred season and yearbook deadlines. During your consultation, we’ll choose a location, coordinate outfits, and talk about your style and interests—from a favorite everyday look to meaningful details like an instrument or sports jersey. Parents are welcome in the conversation, with your senior’s personality guiding the session.

Close-up senior portrait with softly styled hair and natural makeup

Thoughtfully Styled

Professional Hair and Makeup

Professional hair and makeup are included in your senior portrait experience. Together, we will plan a look that feels comfortable, age-appropriate, and true to your personal style.

Whether you love a soft, natural finish or a more polished look, this is your time to settle in, feel cared for, and get ready to enjoy your session.

Senior in jeans and a brown sweater posing beside an autumn stone archway

Relaxed & Unhurried

Your Senior Portrait Session

Your session is fully guided, with posing demonstrations, gentle direction, and time to settle into each look. We will create a mix of relaxed portraits, natural expressions, and movement, with time for the outfit changes we have planned.

Choose my Waterbury studio or a carefully selected Connecticut outdoor location. Together, we will create portraits you are excited to share and images your family will love for years to come.

Senior portrait album with a linen presentation box, featuring an outdoor portrait by Portraits by Chaya

The Reveal

Choose Your Favorites. Create Your Artwork.

After your session, you and your family will join me for a private reveal and ordering appointment. We will enjoy your portraits together, choose your favorites, and decide how you would most love to preserve this chapter.

I will guide you through heirloom albums, framed wall art, folio boxes, and fine-art prints, helping you find the pieces that fit your family. From finishing your selected portraits to designing and ordering your artwork, I take care of the details.

Explore Artwork

Senior Portrait Photography FAQs

Is professional hair and makeup included?

Yes. Professional hair and makeup are included in your senior portrait experience. We will discuss your preferences during the consultation so the styling feels comfortable and reflects your personal style.

What should I wear for my senior portraits?

We will plan your wardrobe together during the consultation. Bring ideas and favorite pieces, and I will help you choose a mix of outfits that fits your personality, complements the setting, and photographs beautifully.

What if I feel awkward in front of the camera?

You do not need any modeling experience. I will guide your posing and give simple prompts throughout the session, allowing time to settle in and capture natural expressions.

Can I choose studio or outdoor senior portraits?

Yes. We will discuss my Waterbury studio and suitable Connecticut outdoor locations during your consultation, then choose the setting that best complements your style and the portraits you envision. If you would like we can also do a bit of both for the best of both worlds!

Can these portraits be used for my school yearbook?

Please share your school’s photographer requirements, background and crop specifications, and submission deadline before booking. We will discuss whether your planned session can meet those requirements.

How do we choose our portraits and artwork?

After your session, you and your family are invited to a private reveal and ordering appointment. I will help you select your favorite portraits and choose from heirloom albums, framed wall art, folio boxes, and fine-art prints. Please inquire for current session and artwork pricing.

Begin Your Senior Portrait Experience

Let's create portraits that celebrate who you are and this exciting chapter in your life.

Share your graduation year, your ideas for the session, and any dates or deadlines you have in mind. I look forward to getting to know you and planning the experience together.