Senior Team - Downtown McKinney TX - Red Zeppelin Records


One of my favorite parts about photographing high school seniors is getting to create sessions that feel like them—not cookie-cutter, not forced, and definitely not boring. This senior team shoot in Downtown McKinney was the perfect example of how fun and personalized a senior session can be.


We kicked things off at Red Zeppelin Records, surrounded by vintage vinyl, band tees, and all the nostalgic, 90s grunge vibes you could want. The textures, colors, and moody corners of the shop gave us such a cool, editorial feel—like something straight out of an album cover shoot. From there, we headed over to Neighbor Bookstore, which added a totally different (but equally awesome) layer to the session. Cozy shelves, great light, and a more laid-back, artsy energy made it the perfect contrast to the record store.


To wrap up the day, we finished on the roof of a downtown parking garage just in time for sunset—and wow, did it deliver. The sky showed off, the city backdrop did its thing, and the whole shoot ended with that golden-hour glow that makes everything feel a little bit magical. Mixing urban locations with creative concepts is one of my favorite ways to make senior photos feel unique and personal.


One of the biggest takeaways from this shoot? January sessions can absolutely work. Yes, it was winter. Yes, it was outdoors. And yes—it was 100% worth it. With the right locations, a little planning, and a solid vision, you can still get incredible, stylish senior photos even in the cooler months.


This shoot was all about proving that your senior session should reflect your personality—your style, your interests, your vibe. Whether that’s records and bookstores, rooftops at sunset, nature trails, or something totally different, we can build a session around what makes you you.

If you want senior photos that don’t feel generic and actually look like they belong to your story, let’s plan something unforgettable.


Looking for a Downtown McKinney senior photographer who creates personalized, lifestyle senior portraits? At Mary Hickman Photography, I specialize in custom senior photo sessions that reflect each student’s unique style—whether that’s an urban rooftop, a record store, or a cozy bookstore vibe. Even winter and January senior sessions can produce stunning results with the right locations and creative planning. If you’re searching for a North Texas senior photographer, McKinney TX senior photography, or a photographer who offers modern, candid, and customized senior portraits, I’d love to help you design a session that feels completely you.

Person in burgundy top browsing through vinyl records at a music store.
Someone browses through vinyl records in a music store with album covers displayed on the walls.
A person in jeans and red top flips through vinyl records in a colorful record store.
Inside a record store, a person browses through CDs while wearing a graphic t-shirt and mesh sleeves.
Someone searches through shelves of CDs in a music store with posters on the walls.
Customer browses vinyl records in a music store with AC/DC memorabilia visible on the wall.
Person browsing through vinyl records in a store, flipping through album covers in storage bins.
A customer in a white dress and brown boots stands in a record store with a Nirvana smiley face sign visible.
A person wearing a patterned cream hoodie browses through vinyl records at a music store.
Someone browses vinyl records while wearing a cream-colored hoodie with cartoon designs in a record store.
Close-up view of hands browsing through vinyl records in wooden crates at a record store.
Person browsing vinyl records in a record store wearing a red velvet top and jeans.
Person browsing vinyl records in a music store wearing a plaid shirt and jeans.
Person browsing vinyl records in a music store with Nirvana posters and wooden floors.
Interior of record store showing extensive wall shelving filled with vinyl albums and CDs against an orange backdrop.