Senior Session Guide

Welcome!

Thanks so much for choosing me to be your senior photographer! Whether you chose me, or your parent/guardian made the decision for you, I’m glad you’re here.

I’ve been photographing seniors for over 10 years now, and I truly love it. Every session is an honor and I cannot wait to create something unforgettable with you. This is such a special season in your life, and I’m here to make sure your session feels as incredible as the memories you're making.

Senior year is a big year. It’s YOUR year. Which means your senior photos should look and feel like you. Not like your parents. (Sorry, Mom and Dad!) Not like your friends. (I’m sure they’re great!) But you. During your session, we’re going to laugh, joke around, take some natural shots, and have a good time capturing who you are right now, in this special moment.

There’s a lot of good information in this senior session client guide, take your time reading through this info. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Prepare for your session

Be Excited

I completely get that being alone in front of the camera can feel awkward and many seniors start off the sessions a bit nervous. I don’t expect you to know what to do or how to act in the photos. I will guide you to make sure you feel comfortable and confident. I know its hard but try to go into the session being excited to capture this amazing moment in your life.

01

Plan Your Outfits

Plan your clothes in advance. Make sure you are comfortable with what you will wear. If you have any questions about how to style, check out some tips below. My number one outfit recommendation is to wear outfits that make your personality shine!

02

Inspiration

Do you have a Pinterest board or other inspo you want to share? Don’t hesitate, send it my way! If there are a few special poses or ideas that you would really like us to try to to incorporate, do let me know and we’ll try to work it in. If you have no idea that is ok too! I plan ahead for all my sessions and have plenty of ideas and prompts.

03

Hair, Makeup, & Nails

Consider whether or not you want your hair, makeup, or nails done professionally or just do it yourself. If you do it yourself make sure not to try new techniques or styles the day of the session. Maybe even do a trial run before your session.

04

Music

I find at most of my sessions it makes everyone a bit more comfortable if we have some music going. I bring a portable speaker and we can listen to anything you want. If you have a favorite Spotify playlist send it to me. If you don’t you can always tell me the artists/genres you like and I can play those. I try and download them ahead of the session as service can be spotty at some locations so send it a few days before your session if you can.

05

Styling Tips

Now for the most FUN part and hands-down the most frequently asked question: WHAT DO I WEAR!?

Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision. Typically during your shoot you get 3 outfit changes. You’ll want to wear something that’s going to reflect your style, passions, and personality. I always recommend aiming for something dressy, casual, and one that’s going to showcase your personality and individuality. That doesn’t necessarily mean buying a whole new outfit either (unless you want to). Take a peek into your closet and see if there’s a staple piece you can’t imagine not taking pics in.

The NUMBER ONE, most important thing to remember when planning your outfits: if it’s not comfortable to wear in real life, it won’t make you feel confident on camera! So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self- conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! I also recommend trying to steer clear of anything that you have to constantly adjust or is at risk of being revealing.

At risk of sounding cheesy staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this exciting season of life, so don’t change a single thing about yourself, wardrobe included.

Check out the tips below!

For more inspo check out my Pinterest Board here

  • Use this shoot as an opportunity to have a little bit of fun with your outfits and colors! On camera, solid black/white can make skin tones look washed out and unflattering. When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that compliment your hair + skin tones! Neutral colors, earth tones, rich colors, and pastels are great options. Mixing this color tones are totally fine.

  • Choose fabrics that are comfortable for you. Breathable materials like cotton, linen, or soft knits work well and allow for ease of movement.

    Avoid overly busy patterns or logos that could be distracting in the final images.

    Adding patterns and texture can add depth to your photos as well. It could be a lace dress, detailing on a shirt/pants, tweed, chambray, faux fur and wool.  Prints are okay as long as they are not fine stripes.

    I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses with epic trains or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!  

  • Layering adds depth and variety to your photos, making outfits more interesting and versatile. Consider light sweaters, jackets, scarves, or shawls that can be easily removed or added for different looks. This works especially well in outdoor sessions where temperatures can change.

    Simple accessories can add a personal touch without overpowering the image.Adding accessories like jewelry, hats, fun shoes, purses, etc. to your outfits really makes them feel like YOU and adds a whole new layer of detail to your senior gallery.

  • What you wear for a photoshoot on the beach might be very different than what you’d wear to a session in a downtown urban setting, for example. You want to be comfortable in whatever location you choose, especially if a lot of walking is involved. Keep in mind the colors of that location too.

What to Pack

  • Extra clothes & shoes. Just incase you change your mind.

  • A hair brush and touch ups for make-up are great to have on hand. Sometimes it gets windy or we need to touch up makeup quick.

  • Anything that shares a little about you. Some people include sports equipment, jerseys, books, musical instruments, art supplies, flower bouquets, cap & gowns, or anything else that brings more of your personality to the session.

  • A small snack and water.

Timeline

Book your Session

Once you've decided on the of session you'd like, we'll pick a date, time, and location that works best for you. A retainer secures your spot, and I'll provide all the details to help you prepare.

Photo Day

You’re not expected to show up knowing how to pose, smile, or act a certain way. That’s my job. Your job? Just be yourself. I’ll guide you every step of the way with simple prompts and natural directions so you don’t feel stiff or awkward. Confidence comes from comfort, not perfection. You don’t need to look or act a certain way.

I will direct you along the way through the session to make sure that you are comfortable. I will guide you through every single pose and I promise the BIGGEST compliment I get from seniors is that I make it so easy. It’s going to be a blast!

Select Your Favorites

After the session, you'll receive a private online gallery with lightly edited proofing images. Take your time selecting your favorites for your final gallery. All chosen images will be fully edited and high quality. You are able to upgrade your gallery if you can’t narrow down your favorites.

If you booked The Keepsake Session you will skip this step.

Receive Your Photos

Once your selections are finalized, I'll take care of the finishing touches. You'll receive your digital images, ready to be cherished and display in your home for years to come. Print orders can be made right from your gallery through professional print labs and shipped directly to you.

  • I keep my eye on the weather leading up to all session. If the weather looks iffy I will send you a text or email. Depending on the forecast, we may shift the time or location to work around the weather. If Mother Nature is against us, we will reschedule for a time and date that works for us both.

    If you are comfortable in the weather even if it’s not ideal I am always happy to shoot. Unless its unsafe for us to be out I am up for any weather.

  • Pets of all kinds are welcome at our sessions. Dogs must be leashed if we are in a public space. Please let me know ahead of time if you plan to bring a pet to our session. Some locations I use are not pet friendly.

  • Absolutely! I am going to tell you what to do the ENTIRE time! You do NOT need to have any posing or modeling experience. I’ve actually never photographed a real model in my entire 10+ years of being a photographer! Part of your investment in your senior portraits is my experience and ability to pose you and make you look (and feel!) your absolute best.

  • If we haven’t had a chance to talk about location yet please check out my location guide HERE.

    We can discuss which types of locations fit your vision and work together to pick the perfect spot.

Frequently Asked Questions