Sometimes the best senior sessions aren't the ones that go exactly according to plan. Cora's Class of 2027 senior sessionwas definitely one of those evenings, and honestly, I'm so glad we kept rolling with all of the unexpected changes because the final gallery turned out to be so much fun.


We originally had another date planned, but Central Illinois had other ideas. After all the rain, we decided to reschedule. Unfortunately, our rescheduled downtown Champaign date happened to land on University of Illinois move-in day—which brought a whole new set of challenges to an already-changing plan!


But Cora? She was an absolute sweetheart through all of it. No matter what was happening around us or what I asked her to do next, she simply went with it and had a smile on her face. That willingness to embrace the unexpected made such a difference, and it allowed us to create a senior session that felt colorful, energetic, and completely Cora.


Starting with downtown Champaign senior pictures


We started Cora's session in downtown Champaign, and I absolutely love how much variety we can find in just a few blocks.


If you're looking for senior picture locations in Champaign, IL, downtown is such a fun option because it gives us a completely different look from the natural locations I photograph so often. We found dark windows that created a modern, almost editorial backdrop, tons of brick that added texture and warmth, and little pockets where the sunlight peeked between the buildings.


The combination of architecture and natural light gave us so many different looks without having to travel very far. One minute we were working with a darker, moodier backdrop, and a few steps later we could find bright sunlight streaming through the buildings.


That's one of my favorite things about photographing seniors downtown. We can walk, explore, and let the location guide us instead of trying to force every image into the same look.


Three outfits, three completely different looks


Cora brought an amazing variety of outfits, which made it easy to create a gallery that felt full of personality.

She started in a fun, colorful off-the-shoulder top with shorts. It was the perfect outfit for downtown and immediately brought so much energy and color to the first part of her Class of 2027 senior pictures.


From there, she changed into a white maxi skirt paired with a jean vest, which is a perfect outfit as it can go from downtown to nature easily.


Then came my favorite way to end a senior session: a bright pink romper.


The color was bold, playful, and completely eye-catching, and it gave us the perfect transition into the more colorful, natural surroundings at our second location.


From downtown to the Pollinatrium


After finishing downtown, we headed to the University of Illinois Pollinatrium, which gave us an entirely different backdrop for the second half of Cora's session.


The Pollinatrium is one of my favorite natural senior photo locations near Champaign, Illinois because of the variety it offers. Instead of a manicured garden or a single backdrop, we get wide-open prairie fields, tall native grasses, colorful wildflowers, and plenty of room to move around.


The landscape changes with the seasons, but summer is especially beautiful. The tall grasses add movement and texture to the images, while the wildflowers bring pops of color throughout the fields. It has that relaxed, open-air feeling that works so beautifully for summer senior pictures.


And after spending the first part of the evening surrounded by brick, windows, and city architecture, stepping into all that open space created a completely different feel for the gallery.


Sometimes you just have to go with it


Looking back, I think the unexpected parts of Cora's session are what made it so memorable.

We had to reschedule because of rain. Then we accidentally landed downtown on one of the busiest days of the year because of U of I move-in. We had to work around people, activity, and everything else happening around us.


But Cora never let any of it bother her.


She trusted me, followed my direction, and rolled with every change with the biggest smile. That kind of attitude makes such a difference during a senior session because it allows us to focus on creating something beautiful instead of worrying about whether everything is going according to the original plan.


And sometimes, the plan doesn't need to be perfect.


Sometimes the best photos happen because we adapt.


Celebrating the Class of 2027

Cora's session is such a great example of why I love creating Class of 2027 senior pictures in locations that offer variety. We went from the urban energy of downtown Champaign to the open prairie of the Pollinatrium, and her three outfits gave each part of the session its own personality.


The result is a gallery that feels colorful, fun, modern, and completely her.


If you're a Class of 2027 senior starting to plan your senior pictures, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Mix locations. Bring outfits that show different sides of your personality. And most importantly, leave a little room for the unexpected.


Because sometimes the sessions that don't go exactly according to plan end up being the ones you remember most. ✨