relaxed, unique senior & grad sessions designed just for you
Featured Galleries
Cole
Destiny
Griffin
Prescott, AZ Outdoor Senior Portraits
Locations
We're so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful and photographed areas in Arizona. Whether it's Watson Lake, the Prescott National Forest, Goldwater Lake, Thumb Butte, Lynx Lake, the tall grass in Chino Valley or the Granite Dells, Prescott is full of areas for your senior portraits. Please click "next" to see more.
Downtown Prescott
Lillie
Downtown Prescott gave us everything for this session — the historic railroad trestle, the mural, the brick alley tucked behind Whiskey Row. We mixed it up with a formal dress for some dramatic images on the trestle, then switched to something easy and comfortable for the rest of downtown. Click "next" to see the whole session.
Willow Lake - Prescott, AZ
Destiny
This senior wanted an all outdoor session, so we chose one of my favorite, local spots - Willow Lake. Please click "next" to see more from her session.
x. Close
Watson Lake - Prescott, AZ
Cole
This senior wanted an outdoor session where he could also showcase his vintage truck. We chose one of my favorite local spots, Watson Lake. Please click "next" to see more from his session.
x. Close
Outdoor session - Watson lake
Griffin
In this session we follow the adventurous spirit of a young man who has embraced climbing as a hobby since his early years. The rugged landscape provides a stunning backdrop. Each image, whether perched atop a boulder or standing serenely in front of the tranquil lake, tells a story of adventure and the joy of the great outdoors. Accompanied by his loyal dog, who adds an endearing touch to the session, the images capture the essence of youth, freedom, and the unbreakable bond between a young man and his four-legged companion, set against the breathtaking beauty of Watson Lake. Please click "next" to see more.
combo session - studio & downtown
Carson
This senior is interested in politics and public service, so he wanted to add some images from the Yavapai County Courthouse and downtown Prescott along with his studio session.
Please click "next" to see more.
x. Close
Mingus Mountain & Prescott National forest
Brody
Brody grew up exploring the forest on Mingus Mountain, so when it came time for his senior session, there was really only one place to go. We spent the afternoon in the Prescott National Forest, in the spot that's meant something to him his whole life. Click "next" to see the rest of his session.
relaxed • unique • unforgettable
The senior & graduate Experience
Senior portraits should feel relaxed, real, and completely yours. Most of my sessions take place outdoors at some of Prescott's most stunning locations — Watson Lake, Willow Lake, Goldwater Lake, downtown, the Granite Dells, or wherever feels right for you. If you want to add an indoor element (great for a Sportraits add-on or a different look), we can make that happen too.
My job is to make the whole thing easy. I'll guide you through every pose, suggest locations that fit your style, and make sure you actually enjoy the experience. No stiff, awkward photos. No guessing what to do. Just great images that look like you.
Fun, relaxed sessions — your locations, your story.
You've looked through my work and it feels like a fit. Reach out and tell me a little about yourself — where you're thinking, what you love, what you want from your session. I'll answer all your questions and we'll take it from there.
1. Say Hello
2. book your session
Once we've picked your location, date, and time, you'll get a contract and a short questionnaire. Sign, pay your retainer, and your date is locked in. Your $650 includes both the session and 15 high-resolution digital images — so you know exactly what you're getting before we ever meet.
3. let's plan it
Your questionnaire is our starting point. We'll talk locations, wardrobe, any props or personal items you want to include. Love planning every detail? Great. Want to just show up and let me handle it? That works too.
4. session day
Show up, relax, have fun. I'll guide you through everything — no guessing what to do, no awkward standing around. Just you, the scenery, and some great light.
5. your gallery
About three weeks after your session, your private online gallery is ready. Browse from your couch, share with family near and far, and order any prints, albums, or wall art on your own timeline. No ordering appointments, no pressure. What you're getting is clear from the start — nothing hidden, nothing pushed.
senior sessions from $650
Your senior photos should feel relaxed, real, and completely yours. Most of my sessions take place outdoors at some of Prescott's most stunning locations — Watson Lake, Willow Lake, Goldwater Lake, downtown, the Granite Dells, or wherever feels right for you. If you want to add an indoor element (great for a Sportraits add-on or a different look), we can make that happen too.
My job is to make the whole thing easy. I'll guide you through every pose, suggest locations that fit your style, and make sure you actually enjoy the experience. No stiff, awkward photos. No guessing what to do. Just great images that feel like you — not just what you look like, but who you are.
Pricing Details
SPORTRAITS ADD-ON
Outdoor Senior sessions
Play a sport? A Sportraits add-on takes your senior session to the next level — dramatic, intentional athletic portraits designed to showcase how you play, not just what you look like in a jersey.
Available as an add-on to any senior session. Full details on the Sportraits page.
See Sportraits →
Your session fee includes 15 high-resolution digital images delivered to a private online gallery in about three weeks. No ordering appointments, no sitting across a desk making decisions on the spot. If you want to add more images, prints, albums, or wall art, everything is available right from your gallery — on your timeline, no pressure.
When should I book my Prescott senior session?
Fall fills up fast, so the earlier you reach out, the more options you'll have for dates and locations. That said, plans change and schedules get busy — if you're reading this and fall's already close, reach out anyway. I'll always try to make it work if I can.
What happens if it rains or the weather doesn't cooperate?
Arizona weather does what it wants, especially during monsoon season. If we need to reschedule, we will — no fees, no hassle. I'd rather move your date than rush through a session in a downpour. We'll keep an eye on the forecast together and figure out the best call as we get closer.
Do you photograph college seniors too, or just high school?
Both. College graduation is just as big a milestone as high school, and I love photographing both. Same process, same pricing, same locations around Prescott — just tell me which chapter you're closing out.
What's included in the $650?
Your session and 15 high-resolution digital images delivered to a private online gallery in about three weeks. No ordering appointment, no sitting across a desk deciding on the spot, no surprise costs. Share the gallery with family and friends anywhere — grandparents across the country can see it just as easily as someone down the street. Want more images, prints, or wall art later? Everything's available right from your gallery, whenever you're ready. Your timeline, no pressure from me.
Where do sessions take place?
Most of my outdoor senior photos happen around Prescott — Watson Lake, Willow Lake, Goldwater Lake, downtown, the Granite Dells, wherever fits your style. Got a place that means something to you — your grandparents' property, a favorite hiking spot, somewhere you've spent your whole childhood? I'm open to it. Tell me where, and we'll figure out how to make it work.
How many outfits should I bring?
Most seniors bring one and that's plenty. If you want to switch it up for a different look or location, two or three works well, too — just let me know ahead of time so we can plan around it.
Can I bring props, my car, or my pet?
Yes. A car with some history, your dog, an instrument, sports gear, anything that's actually part of your story — bring it. These are some of my favorite details to include, because they make your session look like nobody else's.
Do you offer anything for athletes?
Yes — a Sportraits add-on for seniors who play a sport. It's a separate, more dramatic set of images built around you as an athlete. See Sportraits.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Melissa did an outstanding job on our senior portraits! Very thorough, did both outside and in-studio shots, and took time to really capture personality...and understand what style we were looking for. Very skilled photographer, too, setting up shots and ensuring lighting was ideal. Highly recommend! The photos turned out amazing and we love them! -Sharon M.
I highly recommend Melissa Byrne as your photographer!! Melissa has an amazing eye for her photographic subjects. She did a shoot for my granddaughter’s graduation pictures and we couldn’t have been more pleased. Melissa took the time prior to our scheduled day of photos to scout out a few areas for the best background shots, as we wanted outdoor scenes. She was amazing, so patient and directed poses and stances that turned out fabulous! Melissa is a pro!!! She is our go to for any future needs! -Sheryl D.
THANK YOU THANK YOU Melissa! You were absolutely wonderful to work with for our daughter's scholarship video and senior photos! You had an almost mystical ability to capture her inner beauty and reflect her personality while creating such stunning images! You were so incredible to work with, you made it look easy but put in many hours of work to get those perfect shots. We appreciate you and your gift of photography and look forward to working with you again next year when our younger daughter graduates...she has already asked for you!!! -Dian T.
Melissa is amazing, high quality professional photography with an artistic flair. She is head and shoulders above the rest!
-Jacqueline H.
She was awesome! It was quick and painless and the senior pictures of my son turned out fabulous!
-Rhonda W.
Words
Kind
Thanks so much for taking the time to review my work! Filling out this contact form is your first step to capturing some unforgettable memories! It's simple just include your contact info and details about your photography needs. Don't forget to add any specific questions or ideas you have in mind. I can't wait to hear from you and start this creative journey together!
Let's Chat!
