Aurora College Senior Photos at Oakhurst Forest Preserve

There is something so special about senior photos – but even more so when you’re the first to graduate from college in your family. That’s the case with Jenny, a 2025 college graduate from Aurora University. We took her Aurora college senior photos at the beautiful Oakhurst Forest Preserve and it was such a meaningful time because of what it meant to her and her family.

Jenny found me on Instagram and sent me a message asking if I took senior photos for college grads. My answer was of course a resounding “YES!” and as usual I asked if we could meet in person (so much more fun and personal). We met at the met at the beautiful Society57 in downtown Aurora and chatted over lattes. After getting to hear each others stories a little more, we got busy talking all things senior photos and getting her session booked. Then the fun part: the design consultation! We dove into planning, deciding which location and outfits would be best to pull the vision together. This is a big (if not most important) part of the senior photos experience, since it profoundly impacts how the photos turn out.

An Inspiring College Grad Story: Changing Generational Stigmas

Jenny’s story is inspiring. As the oldest sibling and first in her family to graduate from college, this milestone carries incredible significance. Now with a degree in psychology, her heart is to work with kids in the counseling space. One day she hopes to open her own clinic and work especially with marginalized children, encouraging them to open up and work through difficulties with hope and healing. She believes there is a stigma around counseling services for many youth and hopes to change this with her work.

I loved the touches of personal details Jenny had on her cap and gown and the story it tells.

We chose Oakhurst Forest Preserve for her senior photos. It offers a mixture of tall grass, evergreen trees, water, and hills. It was chilly, but she braved the cold like a champ! Jenny chose two outfits for her session for some variety. Her first look was a chic white dress which was gorgeous in the tall grassy field. For her second outfit, she added some texture and color with denim buttoned skirt and open-back floral shirt. I loove when seniors add their taste to their outfits!

One of the highlights of the day was Jenny’s little sister. She came along for the session, was a great support and encouragement to her big sis. To make the experience even more fun, I brought my speaker and we put on some of Jenny’s favorite songs. Having your photos taken can be nerve-wrecking, so I try to encourage bringing along friends, music, and other elements that can help put you at ease!

Book your 2025 Senior Photos in Chicago Suburbs

Senior portraits are about more than just photos. They’re about preserving memories and milestones. Jenny’s Aurora college senior photos at Oakhurst Forest Preserve will forever remind her of this incredible achievement and the love and pride surrounding her.

If you’re looking to celebrate your senior year, whether high school or college, now is the perfect time to book your photos for the 2025 season. Let’s create images that tell your story and honor your journey. I can’t wait to capture these special moments for you!