Brian’s hockey rink and downtown Raleigh Senior Portrait Session
The Story Behind Brian's Senior Portrait Session
I've been taking photos of Brian's hockey team for years, so when senior portrait time came around, his family picked me as their photographer. Talk about prepared clients! They showed up to our planning meeting with a whole gallery of inspiration photos (half of which were mine - how cool is that?).
Being a goalie mom myself and Brian being a goalie, we hit it off right away and talked hockey non-stop. Brandon (Brian's dad) and I also bonded over tech stuff since I used to work in that field.
Our first stop was Broughton High School, where I had a minor panic moment - I forgot my flash trigger! No lights for this shoot? Yikes! But I took a deep breath, remembered my training, and made it work without them.
We visited so many awesome spots around Raleigh:
Broughton High School
Krispy Kreme Donuts (and yes, we had a donut break while there!)
Science Museum
Boylan Bridge
City Market (with Red Hat in the background)
Downtown Raleigh is like a second home to Brian and his dad. Brandon works at RedHat downtown, and Brian's school is there too, so they spend tons of time in the area.
Why Downtown Raleigh Makes Amazing Senior Portraits
Downtown Raleigh offers so many cool backdrops for senior portraits. The mix of urban style, historic buildings, and modern touches creates photos that stand out from the typical senior shots.
Popular Downtown Raleigh Photo Spots
Boylan Bridge - This spot gives you that classic Raleigh skyline view
Moore Square - Beautiful green space with the city as a backdrop
Krispy Kreme - For fun, casual shots (and maybe a donut break!)
Warehouse District - Brick walls and industrial vibes
State Capitol grounds - Classic architecture and history
City Market - beautiful mood lights and cobblestone roads
Bringing Your Passion to Senior Portraits
Brian's love for hockey was a big part of his senior portrait session. We made sure to include shots at the Polar Ice House where he spends so much of his time as a goalie.
How to Include Your Hobbies in Senior Photos
Bring props that show what you care about
Choose locations that mean something to you
Wear outfits that reflect your personality
Plan poses that showcase your skills
Include friends or teammates in a few shots
5 Tips for Planning Your Own Polar Ice House and Downtown Raleigh Senior Portrait Session
Scout locations ahead of time - Drive around downtown Raleigh to find spots you love before your session day. Pick the rink first and then find locations nearby.
Check for permits - Some downtown locations might need permission for professional photography
Plan your outfits - Bring both casual and dressier options, plus any sports uniforms or hobby-related clothing
Watch the weather - Downtown sessions work best on clear days or slightly overcast days for soft light
Bring water and snacks - Walking around downtown can be tiring, so come prepared!
Recommended Vendors
If you're looking to plan a hockey-themed senior portrait session like Brian's, check out these great local resources:
Polar Ice House - Great staff who are happy to work with photographers
Raleigh Raptors Hockey - Local hockey club with amazing community spirit
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my senior portrait session?
Book 3-6 months ahead, especially if you want fall photos when spots fill up fast. For my travel sports families, I always recommend the summer before senior year to avoid the crazy schedules during the school year with senior events and sports schedules.
How many outfit changes can we do during a session?
Most senior sessions include 3-4 outfit changes. We can make it work!
What if it rains on our scheduled date?
No worries! We'll reschedule for a better day without any extra fees.
Can parents and siblings join for a few photos?
Absolutely! Family shots are a great addition to any senior session.
Ready for Your Own Downtown Raleigh Senior Portraits?
If you're looking to capture amazing Polar Ice House and Downtown Raleigh senior portrait photographs, I'd love to help! Whether you're a hockey player like Brian or have other passions to showcase, downtown Raleigh offers the perfect backdrop for your senior year.
To book your session or learn more, check out my senior portrait information page or drop me a message. Let's create photos that truly show who you are!
