Mar 12

Mar 12 High School Senior Photos in Olympia, WA

High School Senior Photos at Tumwater Falls:
A Perfect Blend of Nature and Personality

There’s something truly special about photographing high school seniors—the excitement for the future, the joy of celebrating accomplishments, and the unique personality each student brings to their session. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing a senior session at Tumwater Falls in Olympia, WA, and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

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A woman in a vintage blue blouse and black maxi skirt holding a handrail on a bridge

The Location: Tumwater Falls

Tumwater Falls is a dream location for photography, offering a mix of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and charming footbridges. Nestled in the heart of Olympia, it provides the perfect backdrop for senior portraits—balancing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with a variety of natural and architectural elements.

A young woman in a vest and wide-leg trousers leans on a fence by a creek, framed by golden autumn leaves

The Senior: Heidi

Heidi arrived ready to shine, bringing a mix of stylish outfits that reflected her personality. —Classic and vintage with a touch of modern flair, perfect for the location. Each outfit added a different dynamic to the session.

A young woman in a vest and wide-leg trousers walks along a path near a creek, framed by golden autumn leaves.

A woman in a vintage blue blouse and black maxi skirt walks up a stone staircase in a lush garden, holding the handrail and gazing ahead.

The Session

We started near the upper falls, where the soft morning light filtered through the trees, creating a dreamy, golden glow. The sound of rushing water added a serene energy, making it easy for Heidi to relax and enjoy the moment. As we moved along the trails, we stopped on the wooden bridge.

A young woman in a vest and wide-leg trousers holding a book near a fence by a creek, framed by golden autumn leaves and a wooden bridge

Heidi’s Style

Her outfit style is vintage-inspired with a touch of academia and androgynous fashion. She wears a cream-colored, long-sleeved blouse with a high neckline, giving a soft and classic look. Layered over the blouse is a muted taupe vest, adding structure and a scholarly aesthetic. She pairs it with wide-leg, high-waisted trousers in a neutral beige tone, which contributes to the effortless, timeless feel. Black leather shoes complete the look, adding a slightly edgy contrast. Her round glasses and softly styled hair enhance the intellectual, nostalgic vibe reminiscent of vintage wear with a modern, artistic twist.

Heidi’s second outfit is a vintage-inspired ensemble featuring a dark blue ruffled blouse with long sleeves, delicate button details, and a high neckline. The blouse is tucked into a flowing black maxi skirt with ruffled accents at the hem, giving it an elegant and timeless look. The outfit is completed with black leather shoes and round glasses, adding a subtle touch of sophistication and individuality.

A young woman in a cream colored blouse with a vest and round glasses, holding a book and a fence, looks softly at the camera on an autumn day.

One of my favorite moments was capturing Heidi walking along the path, their composed and thoughtful demeanor reflecting their excitement for the next chapter. The mix of posed and candid shots truly told the story of their senior year—filled with determination, curiosity, and quiet confidence.

A young woman in a vintage blue blouse with round glasses looks confidently directly at the camera

A young woman in a vintage blue blouse with round glasses looks confidently directly at the camera while leaning against a moss covered wall

The Final Shots

As the session wrapped up, we took a few final portraits near the lower falls. The mist from the waterfall created a soft, magical atmosphere, and the vibrant fall colors (or spring blooms, depending on the season) made for an unforgettable backdrop.

A young woman in a vest and wide-leg trousers leans on a fence by a creek, framed by golden autumn leaves and a wooden bridge.

A young woman in a vest frames her face with her hand, in front of a fence covered in padlocks

Why Tumwater Falls is a Perfect Senior Session Spot

If you’re looking for a senior session location in Olympia, Tumwater Falls is a fantastic choice. It offers:

Stunning natural beauty with waterfalls, trees, and footbridges
A variety of backdrops within a short walking distance
A peaceful, relaxed setting that makes for authentic and candid portraits

Book Your Senior Session

Are you a high school senior or a parent looking to capture this special milestone? Let’s create a session that reflects your personality and story! Reach out to book your senior portraits at Tumwater Falls or another favorite location in the Olympia area.

I can’t wait to celebrate this exciting chapter with you!