ASU Graduation Photographer | Siena's Sunrise Graduation Session at Arizona State University | Spring 2026
Graduating college is one of those milestones that deserves more than a quick photo in your cap and gown. It's the end of years of early mornings, late nights, friendships, performances, exams, and becoming the person you are now. Siena's senior session at Arizona State University was all about celebrating that chapter in a way that felt personal to her.
We met just after sunrise on ASU's Tempe campus while everything was still quiet. Morning light has always been one of my favorite times to photograph seniors. It gives us soft light, fewer crowds, and space to slow down and enjoy the experience instead of feeling rushed between classes or surrounded by people.
Siena graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Musical Theatre, a path she says she couldn't imagine choosing anything else. Performing has been part of her life since she was a kid, and throughout her session it was obvious just how much this degree meant to her.
Instead of showing up with only a cap and gown, Siena brought pieces of her college experience with her. Her playbills, favorite headshots, sentimental jewelry, and graduation regalia all became part of telling her story. I always encourage seniors to bring items that actually represent who they are because years from now, those details will matter just as much as the portraits themselves.
One of the things I loved most about this session was getting to know Siena as we wandered around campus. We talked about Musical Theatre, the internship she had just gotten back from, and everything she's hoping to do after graduation. Those conversations are one of my favorite parts of senior sessions. The photos end up feeling a lot more like a morning spent having fun around campus together than a traditional photoshoot, and I think that's exactly how they should feel.
College looks different for everyone, and that's what makes these sessions so special. Whether your story is told through campus traditions, the degree you worked so hard for, or the little details you don't want to forget, your senior photos should feel like your own college experience, not anyone else's.
What should I bring to my graduation session?
FROM THE GRADUATE
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR MAJOR?
I chose Musical Theater at ASU because I couldn't see myself being truly happy doing anything else. I love performing and have since I was a kid -- little me would be so excited if she knew where I was today!
WHAT EXPERIENCE STUCK WITH YOU THE MOST?
I was in the operetta The Pirates of Penzance my sophomore year in college and it was SO much fun. It was my first show at ASU, and I got to be in the ensemble and cover for one of the principals. People discount how funny the show is and how fun it is to do because it's old, but to this day it is one of my favorite show processes ever.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?
I have loved my college experience SO much. I am so grateful I ended up at ASU and met all the people I did, I feel so privileged to have been a part of this program.
THE SESSION
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO BOOK YOUR SENIOR PHOTOS WITH Sierra?
I was searching through Instagram to find a good photographer, and I stumbled across a giveaway post. I went to Sierra's profile and knew immediately she had the aesthetic and vision I wanted for my senior photos, so I entered the giveaway! Even though I didn't win, I still booked :)
DID YOU HAVE A VISION FOR YOUR SESSION?
A bit of both! there were definitely specific photos and things I wanted to have taken, I ended up bringing several props/items to feature in the photos but Sierra was exceptional at understanding the vibes and executing the vision perfectly! I really didn't have to say much, she just kind of understood.
WHY WERE THE ITEMS YOU BROUGHT IMPORTANT TO YOU?
I brought a few things relating to my major, like my headshot/resume and playbills! Those were all things that I feel are relevant to me and that I wanted to have some photos with. She also did a great job of documenting my sentimental jewelry I brought with me, including some family jewelry and a necklace that's important to me :) I also brought some champagne and my graduation regalia.
WORKING TOGETHER
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK WITH ME?
I loved your aesthetic and energy over instagram, and you seemed super sweet!
HOW DID YOU FEEL IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?
I felt very comfortable in front of the camera, and I really appreciate you giving tips/poses/things to do that made it feel so easy to get good photos
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE SESSION
My favorite part was getting to do the champagne pop in the fountain!! it was so much fun, and I LOVE how the photos turned out.
NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR GALLERY, WHAT STANDS OUT MOST?
I really like the way they are edited and the lighting -- the early morning session was definitely the move. I feel so pretty in these pictures, and I'm so so happy with how they turned out.
I really love the champagne pop photos, and the photos of me holding the champagne bottle!! taking those was so much fun, and it brought so much joy to my morning.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ANOTHER ASU SENIOR THINKING ABOUT BOOKING PHOTOS
Book them!!! This is such a special moment in your life, and it's important to document it for your memories. You deserve to celebrate your accomplishments!
“I really didn't have to say much [regarding session ideas] she just kind of understood. I feel so pretty in these pictures, and I'm so happy with how they turned out.”
Siena Liljegren | ASU Spring 2026 grad
THE RESULTS
Looking through Siena's gallery, you get a glimpse of who she is. It's full of the excitement of graduation, the years of work that led her here, and the little pieces of her story she wanted to carry with her from playbills and headshots to the sentimental jewelry she wore throughout the morning. More than anything, it feels like her, and that's exactly what we set out to create.
START
YOUR STORY, YOUR WAY
Your senior session doesn't have to feel stiff or overly planned. It can be fun, personal, and filled with the details that made your college experience your own. If that sounds like what you're looking for, I'd love to photograph this season of your life.
