Are you searching for Wellesley Massachusetts senior photography that blends golden light with coastal vibes? Then Haleigh’s October beach session is the perfect example for you!

Welcome to my blog! I’m Christina Runnals, a nationally published and award-winning Massachusetts senior portrait photographer based in beautiful Scituate on the South Shore. I live here with my husband and two little boys, and I photograph seniors from all over New England and beyond. My senior clients are fun-loving, joyful, and always up for a good laugh. My signature style is luminous, natural, and full of life. This blog is where I share my favorite recent sessions, styling inspiration, and helpful tips for planning your own senior portraits! If you’d like to learn more about my senior packages and book your own senior session, head to the homepage of my website now.

Haleigh is a senior at Wellesley High School. She followed in the footsteps of so many gorgeous Wellesley MA seniors who’ve made the trip down to the South Shore for their senior portraits with me! From the moment we met at her virtual consultation, I could tell she was sweet, relaxed, and full of happy energy.

The Reality of New England Weather

Ah, New England… land of apple cider, changing leaves, and completely unpredictable weather. We actually had to reschedule Haleigh’s first session due to rain, which happens all the time around here! I always tell my seniors that flexibility is key, and the perfect day always finds us eventually. And it did! When the rescheduled date finally rolled around, we were greeted by glowing sunshine, blue skies, and fields of goldenrod in full bloom. Truly the dream combo for Wellesley Massachusetts senior photography.

The White Dress + Boots Combo

For her first look, Haleigh wore a short white dress paired with the cutest neutral cowboy boots. It was perfection! Short dresses photograph so much better when paired with boots or heels. This is because they add balance and visual weight to the outfit. Bare legs plus flat shoes can sometimes make a photo feel bottom-heavy. Therefore, a good boot or heel can create a more grounded and flattering line in camera.

We wandered through the dunes as the light filtered through the tall beach grasses, and it was pure coastal magic. The goldenrod surrounding her matched her warm smile and that sunshine glow. One of my favorite shots from this set? The close-up of her boots with a few yellow wildflowers tucked inside. The sweetest little detail that summed up the whole mood of the day: golden, carefree, and totally her.

A Dreamy Blue-and-White Dress Moment

Next, Haleigh changed into a pale blue floral dress that looked like it was made for the beach. The soft smocked bodice and tie straps felt breezy and elegant. It was perfect for the gentle October breeze off the ocean. We moved closer to the shoreline as the sun began to dip, catching that golden-hour light that every photographer dreams about.

She danced along the pebbled beach, the light catching her long, silky hair (seriously, hair goals), and I swear the ocean itself seemed to glow behind her. These photos are everything Wellesley Massachusetts senior photography should be. Natural, radiant, and full of joy.

Finishing the Evening

As the sun set lower, the sky turned shades of peach and lavender. It was that perfect cotton-candy gradient you only get at the beach in fall! Haleigh’s last look, a classic ivory midi dress, was simple and timeless against the softly lit horizon. Barefoot, she walked along the shore while the moon peeked up in the distance. It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.

A Final Note

Haleigh’s session was everything I love about photographing seniors from Wellesley and beyond — a blend of timeless elegance and genuine personality, with that signature South Shore glow.

If you’re a senior (or parent of one!) looking for Wellesley Massachusetts senior photography that feels luminous, joyful, and authentically you, I’d love to connect. I photograph seniors from all over New England and beyond, and each session is designed to highlight your personality in the most beautiful light possible.

The Best Time of Year for Beautiful Senior Pictures

Many of my clients ask me, “When is the best time of year for senior pictures?”. Most of my seniors love late July, August, or early September. However, my personal favorite months are late September and October. The air is crisper, and the humidity and bugs have calmed down. Additionally, the chance of pop-up thunderstorms drops way down, and the light turns extra golden. This makes everything feel dreamy and effortless.

Scheduling Your Wellesley Massachusetts Senior Photography Session

If your school requires a senior portrait for the yearbook, you’ll want to plan your session for the summer before senior year or early fall of senior year. The most important thing to remember? Book your date as soon as possible! I recommend booking at least four months in advance – ideally by April or May of junior year. Many of my clients even use our priority booking system to reserve their session a full year ahead of time! Priority Booking means you’ll reserve your preferred month for senior portraits, place your deposit, and be officially guaranteed a spot during that month. Your exact session date will be selected in April.

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