A Giveaway Senior Session at Allegheny Commons with Ava

Every once in a while, I get to run a giveaway that lets me gift a full senior session experience to someone who might not have had the chance otherwise. Ava was one of my spring giveaway winners, and her session at Allegheny Commons Park ended up being such a fun and creative evening from start to finish. It sprinkled off and on the entire session, but honestly, it really didn't hold us back.

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senior photos at allagheny commons

senior pictures at allegheny commons

allegheny commons senior pictures

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downtown pittsburgh senior photos

downtown pittsburgh senior pictures

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I also used this session as an opportunity to explore a newer location setup and really lean into variety, which made it even more exciting creatively. One of my favorite parts of working with Ava was how open she was to trying different looks and trusting the process the entire way through.

Before her session, I put together all of her outfits from Amazon to help create a cohesive variety of styles without her having to stress about planning or shopping. I love doing this for sessions like giveaways because it keeps everything simple and allows us to focus entirely on the experience.

We started the session with a casual jean shorts outfit paired with a black floral top. It was the perfect relaxed, effortless look for walking through the park and easing into the session.

Next, she changed into a soft ruffle pink maxi dress that brought such a fun, feminine energy to the gallery. The movement in the dress paired beautifully with the greenery around Allegheny Commons and added a dreamy, lighthearted feel to her images.

For her third look, she wore jeans with a flowy white top. This outfit kept things classic and natural, and it worked so well for capturing more candid, movement-focused images as we explored different areas of the urban war streets.

We wrapped up the session in one of my favorite outfits of the entire evening, a satin maxi dress with multi color floral detailing. This dress was such a standout. The way it caught the light and how the texture photographed made every image feel soft, elegant, and a little bit magical.

During the session, we also made our way into the Mexican War Streets to add a more urban feel to her gallery. I love pairing Allegheny Commons with this nearby neighborhood because it gives such a nice contrast between natural greenery and historic city textures. It adds depth and variety without needing to travel far at all.

One of the things that stood out most about Ava’s session was how fun and easygoing she was throughout the entire experience. Giveaway sessions can sometimes feel intimidating for seniors, but she showed up open, excited, and willing to try anything I suggested. That kind of energy always makes the session flow so naturally.

By the end of the evening, we had created a gallery that felt vibrant, diverse, and full of personality. From soft and feminine to bold and editorial, every outfit brought something different to the story of her senior year.

Ava, thank you for being part of this giveaway and trusting me with your senior photos. Your session was such a joy to capture 🤍