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Clarkston, MI Senior Photoshoots | Downtown, Parks & Deer Lake Beach | Kat Figlak Photography

High School Seniors

Young man who is a highschool senior at Clarkston High School wearing a tan and cream plad shirt with at tan hooded sweatshirt under and blue jeans crouched in a field with a smile on his face.

Young man who is a highschool senior at Clarkston High School wearing a tan and cream plad shirt with at tan hooded sweatshirt under and blue jeans crouched in a field with a smile on his face.

Why Clarkston, MI Is the Perfect Place for Your Senior Photoshoot

From Kat at Kat Figlak Photography

Hi, I’m Kat from Kat Figlak Photography, and if you’re a high school senior (or the parent of one) starting to think about senior pictures, let me just say this: location matters. A lot.

One of my absolute favorite places to photograph senior sessions is Clarkston, Michigan. It’s charming without trying too hard, laid-back but full of personality, and it offers so much variety that your gallery never feels repetitive or boring. Whether you want something modern, natural, playful, or timeless, Clarkston delivers — and that’s why seniors (and parents) love it.

Let me walk you through what makes a Clarkston, MI senior photoshoot so special.

High school senior girl who has dark brown hair facing a stone wall waring a black tank top with a maroon leather jacket draped off her shoulders

Downtown Clarkston: Small-Town Charm with Big Personality

Downtown Clarkston is one of those places that feels instantly comfortable. Brick buildings, cozy storefronts, walkable streets, and just enough character to make photos feel interesting without distracting from you.

For seniors, downtown Clarkston is perfect because:

  • It feels relaxed and natural

  • There are great textures and neutral backdrops

  • It photographs beautifully in all seasons

  • It gives a modern-but-timeless vibe

We can capture confident, editorial-style portraits while still keeping things fun and approachable. Seniors love that downtown doesn’t feel “staged,” and parents love that the images won’t look trendy or dated five years from now.

And yes — we always keep it stress-free. No awkward posing, no stiff smiles. Just real moments, laughter, and guidance every step of the way.

High School senior in a green field wearing a floral dress with her auburn hair blowing softly in the wind

Clarkston’s Parks: Natural, Peaceful, and Effortlessly Beautiful

If you’re someone who feels most like yourself outdoors, Clarkston’s local parks are a dream. Tall trees, open fields, winding paths, and beautiful natural light create a calm, relaxed environment — which is exactly what we want during a senior session.

Parks are ideal for:

  • Seniors who want a softer, more natural look

  • Comfortable movement and candid moments

  • Gorgeous light, especially in the evening

  • A timeless feel parents love

One of the things I hear most often during these sessions is, “This doesn’t feel awkward at all.” That’s the goal. When seniors feel comfortable, their confidence shows — and that’s what makes the images so powerful.

Senior Elizabeth Adams from Clarkston High school at her senior photoshoot in deer lake wearing a hunter green romper with her blonde hair blowing.

Deer Lake Beach: A Clarkston Favorite with Endless Possibilities

Deer Lake Beach is hands down one of the most requested locations for Clarkston senior photos — and for good reason. The water, sandy shoreline, tall grasses, and golden sunsets create such a peaceful, elevated backdrop.

This spot is perfect for seniors who want:

  • Something unique and a little adventurous

  • Soft, glowing sunset light

  • A mix of playful and elegant images

  • Photos that feel fresh and different

Parents love Deer Lake Beach because the scenery is stunning without overpowering the subject. Seniors love it because it feels relaxed, fun, and Instagram-worthy (yes, I know that matters).

A Photoshoot That Feels Like You

One of the biggest misconceptions about senior photos is that you need to know how to pose or act in front of the camera. You don’t. That’s my job.

Every senior session with me is guided, relaxed, and customized. I help with:

  • Posing that feels natural (never forced)

  • Outfit guidance so nothing feels stressful

  • Creating a mix of classic and fun images

  • Bringing out confidence, even in shy seniors

Whether we’re walking through downtown Clarkston, exploring a park trail, or chasing sunset at Deer Lake, the session is designed to feel more like hanging out than posing for photos.  Learn more about my senior portrait experience here.

young senior boy wearing a tan shirt and black pants leaning up against a wall of green ivy in downtown Clarkston

Parents, This Part Is for You

Senior year flies by — faster than anyone expects. One day you’re dropping them off for kindergarten, and the next you’re planning graduation parties.

Clarkston is such a meaningful place to document this season because it reflects both growth and grounding. It’s charming, established, and full of character — just like the young adults your kids are becoming.

Senior portraits taken in Clarkston:

  • Feel timeless and classic

  • Capture personality and confidence

  • Make beautiful wall art and albums

  • Preserve this moment before everything changes

I design sessions with the future in mind — images that seniors love now, and parents will treasure forever.  See how senior portraits become heirloom artwork.

high school senior boy with dark blonde hair wearing a light blue polo and jeans leaning against a white column.

A Balance of Fun and Fine Art

What I love most about photographing seniors in Clarkston is the balance it offers. We can create images that feel:

  • Fun and modern for seniors

  • Polished and timeless for parents

  • Emotional without being overdone

  • Stylish without feeling trendy

That balance is what turns senior photos into heirloom artwork — pieces you’ll proudly display and look back on years from now.

senior Tyler Wood standing on a bridge with a red railing over Mill Pond in downtown Clarkston. He is wearing tan shorts and a white shirt and has dark brown hair

Making Memories in a Place You’ll Always Remember

There’s something special about photographing seniors in a place that feels like home. Clarkston has that warmth — the kind that makes sessions feel meaningful without being heavy.

Years from now, when seniors look back at their photos, they won’t just see what they looked like. They’ll remember:

  • The excitement of senior year

  • The feeling of independence

  • The anticipation of what’s next

  • The place where it all came together

That’s the magic of choosing the right location.  View Clarkston senior photo galleries here.

Girl standing in a field with the sunlight kissing the back of her head she has blonde shoulder length hair and is wearing a floral short sleeve shirt and jeans

Final Thoughts from Kat

If you’re a senior (or a parent) looking for a location that’s charming, relaxed, and full of character, Clarkston, MI is truly one of the best choices for a senior photoshoot.

From the quaint downtown streets to peaceful parks and the beautiful Deer Lake Beach, Clarkston offers the perfect backdrop for senior portraits that feel authentic, confident, and timeless.

At Kat Figlak Photography, my goal is to make senior photos an experience you actually enjoy — one that feels fun, meaningful, and worth remembering.

Because this chapter deserves to be celebrated. And Clarkston is the perfect place to do it.

Ready to book your Clarkston, MI senior photoshoot?

Senior sessions with Kat Figlak Photography are customized, relaxed, and designed to capture personality, confidence, and this once-in-a-lifetime season. Clarkston sessions book quickly — especially prime sunset dates at Deer Lake Beach and downtown Clarkston.

Inquire here to reserve your senior session:
Book Now!

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