Charlottesville, Virginia high School Senior & UVA College Grad Photographer
As the premier senior portrait photographer in Charlottesville, Aaron is committed to delivering exceptional senior portraits for high school and college graduates throughout Charlottesville and Central Virginia. With years of experience, Aaron creates stunning, personalized portraits that reveal each senior’s unique personality.
Senior portrait sessions take place against the scenic backdrops of Charlottesville—from the historic grounds of UVA and vibrant Crozet, to the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway and the charming horse barns of Keswick. For seniors who have a passion for horses, Aaron is the area’s only senior photographer specializing in equine photography, with his work featured in Equine Quarterly and other prestigious publications.
Explore a collection of memorable portraits featuring graduates from UVA, Covenant School, St. Anne’s-Belfield, Western Albemarle, Monticello, Charlottesville High School, Albemarle High School, and more. These images beautifully capture the essence and spirit of this significant life milestone.
Capturing Life, Framing Memories
What You’ll Cherish About Your Senior Portrait Experience
Graduating is a monumental achievement, a unique chapter in your life that deserves celebration and recognition. Aaron Watson Photography, senior portraits are more than photographs; they are a celebration of your journey and a tribute to the accomplishments that have shaped you
Tailored to Your Story
Every click, every angle is thoughtfully chosen to ensure that your senior portraits distinctly capture you—your interests, your journey, and your spirit. Charlottesville, with its natural beauty and historic charm, provides the perfect backdrop for your High School Senior or UVA Graduate portraits.
Tangible Memories to Share With Loved Ones
Beyond just marking a milestone, your portraits will serve as timeless tangibles of this exhilarating chapter in your life. Crafted with care, each photo can be shared with your loved ones in printed announcements, online and more!
Seamless and Enjoyable Process
From selecting the perfect setting that reflects your style to capturing you in a natural, comfortable manner, Aaron is with you every step of the way. Aaron's aim is for you to enjoy the process, feel at ease, and have fun during your session.
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Senior Portrait Galleries
Explore the senior galleries to witness how Aaron captures the essence of each senior's personality. From sun-kissed fields of Charlottesville to iconic UVA landmarks, our sessions are as diverse and vibrant as the seniors themselves.
Celebrate Your Academic Achievements with Timeless Portrait Artistry
Your senior portraits with Aaron Watson are more than mere photographs; they are masterpieces that celebrate a significant transition and the bright future ahead. Each creation is a testament to lasting beauty and refinement, intricately tailored to enhance the environment of your home, welcoming guests with a story—a story of achievement, anticipation, and a life beautifully unfolding.
Custom Wall Portraits
As you embrace the milestone of senior year, honor this momentous occasion with the refined portrait prints and custom framing options. Proudly handcrafted in Charlottesville, Virginia, the portrait products from Aaron Watson Photography offer you museum-quality aesthetics that will resonate with both seniors and parents alike.
Senior Heirloom Albums
Imagine your senior portraits elevated to an extraordinary level with an heirloom album. Each page will beautifully tell your story, preserving the memories, personality, and emotion of this meaningful chapter in your life. Your Handcrafted album, thoughtfully designed with elegance and sophistication, to encapsulate the essence of your legacy.
Social Files For Sharing
For a modern way to share your milestones, our digital images are optimized for social sharing, perfect for Instagram, Facebook, and beyond. Celebrate and share your achievements with beautifully crafted digital portraits, designed to shine online. Ideal for seniors and families who love to keep friends and family updated, our social sharing options make it easy to post your special moments for all to see.
Senior & Graduate portrait FAQ
Senior portrait sessions are an investment in commemorating this significant achievement. Aaron Watson Photography offers a range of options from individually tailored sessions, to spokesmodel programs and Portrait days. As a full-service studio, we also provide a variety of keepsakes, including custom albums and beautifully crafted wall portraits. Please contact us to learn more about our offerings and personalized pricing.
Yes, we offer portrait days and group rates! This is perfect for a large group of friends, or even an entire sorority, fraternity or school. We are able to accommodate groups from a few people to over a thousand.
Be sure to book your Senior Portrait session as soon as possible to ensure availability and to secure your preferred date and time.
For High School Seniors the best time for senior portraits is during the summer between your Junior and Senior year, for the most flexibility in timing. When school starts back in late summer, your availability may be more limited due to school and sports schedules. Additionally, most Yearbooks have a fall submission deadline.
For UVA graduates the best dates are late March into April. Late April and early May are peak dates, so expect larger crowds of students on the lawn for graduation pictures. Sessions typically take place around 7 or 8am in the morning, and 6 or 7pm in the evening.
Senior sessions are designed to perfectly capture your style and personality, typically lasting about 1 hour for an individual session. Longer sessions are available for groups. This duration is carefully planned to allow for a diverse range of poses and the opportunity for an outfit change. During your consultation, Aaron will be happy to provide tips and advice on outfit planning for your session.
A few days to a week after your portrait session, you’ll meet with Aaron (either in person at our home studio in Charlottesville, VA or virtually via Zoom) for your image reveal.
During this personalized session, you’ll view a curated selection of professionally edited images and work directly with Aaron to select and order your portrait pieces. This collaborative process ensures your artwork aligns beautifully with your vision and home decor.
After your Portrait Design and Ordering Appointment, production for portraits and albums typically takes 4–6 weeks. If you’re working with a specific deadline for a holiday or special occasion, please let us know—expedited options may be available.
For Portrait Days:Images will be available for viewing within a few days to a week after your session. Aaron will provide additional information tailored to your specific situation.
Inquire For Senior Portraits
Celebrate your senior year with portraits that mirror the intensity, joy, and essence of this pinnacle time. Get in touch to discover how we can make your senior portrait session uniquely yours.
