How to Prepare for your Senior Session

Senior sessions are such a special and unique experience! With two of my kids already graduated, and the other two in high school and middle school, I have a lot of experience taking pictures of teenagers. And I have to say, this stage of life is one of my favorites!

Preparing for a senior photography session can be an exciting yet daunting experience for many seniors. To ensure you look your best, I've put together some tips to consider as you prepare for your session.

Choosing your Outfit

#1 Show off your style

Wear clothing that is comfortable, makes you feel good, and is flattering. Your outfits should match your personality and your own personal style. Timeless is best - try to avoid anything that’s too trendy. And don’t forget that your footwear will be in the photos too.

#2 Wear Solid and Muted Tones

Lighter tones and muted shades photograph beautifully because it helps to bring the attention to your face. Neutrals are a great option and aren’t limited to just black or white; try cream, gray, navy, taupe, or even olive green! Neutrals and earth tones work great especially when accented with pops of color.

#3 Avoid Patterns and Logos

Solid colors are classic, but prints can work great too, as long as they’re not too busy. Avoid bright colors, strong contrasting or vivid patterns, and logos, all of which will distract from YOU as the focus of the image. However, if brighter colors represent your personality best, then go for it!

Outfit Ideas

#1 Casual top and pants/jeans

One outfit should be more of a casual look – something you would typically wear and makes you feel like your “normal” self. I suggest taking it up a notch from your daily wear.

#2 College or School themed

Another outfit can reflect your school and extra curricular activities. Bring your letterman jacket, your instrument, your sports gear, or whatever represents you! You can also bring or wear the college gear of your future school!

#3 Dress it up

At least one outfit should be more dressy and special - something you pick specifically for your portraits that makes you feel FABULOUS! For the gals, long, flowy dresses and skirts look AMAZING on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos. Cute, shorter-length dresses and skirts also photograph beautifully. For the guys, a nice suit and tie, with or without a jacket, is a timeless look that will elevate your photos.

#4 Cap and Gown

If you have your cap and gown, bring them to your session and we can capture some photos with them, perfect for a graduation announcement! If you don’t have them yet, we can set up a later date to take those pictures.

Accessories and Props

Accessories can add interest and help create personality in the images. Hats, sunglasses, watches, jewelry etc. are a nice addition to photos. Layers and textures add additional dimension and offer variation in posing.

Consider bringing a prop, like fresh flowers, your favorite book(s), a sign/banner, a colorful blanket to lie on, a skateboard, your music or sports awards/medals, balloons, even bubbles! Props can be considered a type of accessory and can often help tell a story and make your session more unique and editorial.

Final Thoughts

Plan your outfits, accessories, and props at least a week before your session, so you're all ready for the big day. Additionally, it’s wise to pack a small mirror for last-minute touch-ups and a bottle of water to stay hydrated. Planning ahead will help you feel more relaxed and confident, ultimately making your photography session a memorable one.