THIS IS YOUR YEAR!!
which means your senior photos should look and feel like you!
As senior year approaches, it's VERY normal to feel overwhelmed! With so many options and things to consider, you're not wrong to feel a little nervous or lost. The one thing you don’t need to worry about is your senior photos—I’ve got you covered!
I am here to answer all your questions (plus the ones you didn’t even know you had). I’ll share all the tips, tricks, and recommendations for what to do, what not to do, and what to expect during our session together!
Whether you've already got your outfit planned or you're just starting to brainstorm ideas, my goal is that you walk away from this guide feeling more confident, prepared, and excited for your photos!!
Get Inspired!!!
One of the best ways to start planning your senior session is by gathering a little inspiration! I highly recommend hopping on Pinterest and finding inspo that you LOVE and that inspires you!!
Browse senior photos, outfits, poses, and locations that you’re drawn to. Pay attention to things like outfit colors, lighting, and the overall vibes of the photos! If you’d like a place to start, feel free to browse my Senior Inspiration Board on Pinterest!!
And if you end up creating your own board or saving inspiration photos — SEND THEM TO ME!! You’ll be able to upload and share all of your inspo in your Senior Questionnaire! I love seeing what you're inspired by!!
What to wear
Choosing what you will wear for your photos is a huge decision that can make or break your session! I know that sounds dramatic... but, if you wear something that isn’t comfortable or something that you don’t feel confident in...it can ruin the experience for you!
This is a celebration!! So wear something that makes you FEEL confident, comfortable, and like yourself!!
pleaseeee be comfy!!
I can’t stress this enough — being comfortable in what you’re wearing is SO important!!
If you feel uncomfortable, restricted, or like you’re constantly adjusting your outfit… it’s going to show in your photos!! You should be able to move around, sit, walk, laugh, and just be yourself without thinking about your outfit the whole time!
If you never wear heels—don’t feel like you have to wear them for your photos! If something feels too tight, too short, or just not like you… it’s probably not the one...
I always say “If you feel uncomfortable, you’ll look uncomfortable" — and that means you probably won’t love your photos... and we definitely don’t want that!
The more comfortable you feel, the more confident you’ll be — and that’s when the BEST photos happen!!
match your outfit to the location + season
Make it make sense!!
When planning your outfits, think about where we’re shooting and what the weather will be like. You want to feel comfortable, move easily, and actually look like you belong in the location.
For example — a super fancy dress in the middle of a field or a sundress in the snow just isn’t going to feel right. The goal is for everything to feel natural and cohesive!
If you know we are going to be climbing hills and walking far, bring appropriate and comfortable shoes! If we're at the beach, I will 100% make you go barefoot!!!
Also dress for the weather!! If it’s cold, bring layers so you’re not freezing the whole time. If it’s hot, go for lightweight, breathable outfits so you can stay cool and comfortable.
At the end of the day, the more comfortable and “you” your outfit feels in the location, the more fun you’ll have — and that always shows in your photos!!
colors
When it comes to colors, I’m a little biased and always recommend sticking with tones that feel a little softer and more natural! Think neutrals, earthy tones, pastels, or slightly muted colors.This doesn’t mean you can’t wear color — just try to avoid anything super neon or overly bright, since those can be a little distracting in photos. Instead, go for colors that complement the environment and feel more timeless!
If you’re not sure, you can never go wrong with a mix of neutrals and one soft pop of color!!
jewelry + accessories
Accessories are the perfect way to elevate your outfit — just keep it simple!!
Think dainty jewelry, small hoops, layered necklaces, or simple rings. These add a little extra without taking attention away from you.
Try to avoid anything super chunky or distracting, and if you wear an Apple watch or hair tie on your wrist — I recommend taking it off for photos!
Hair accessories like clips, bows, or hats can also be really cute if they fit your vibe!!
Hair & Makeup
When it comes to hair and makeup, keep it YOU. The goal is to look and feel like yourself. If you don’t usually wear much makeup, don’t feel pressured to layer it on. Avoid trying new trends right before the shoot—stick to what you know makes you feel amazing!! This goes back to being comfortable: do your hair and makeup the way you KNOW will make you feel good!!
props
are props right for you??
Props can be SUCH a fun way to make your senior photos feel more personal — but they’re definitely not required!!
My biggest advice: only bring a prop if it actually means something to you. The best ones feel intentional and reflects YOU! If it doesn’t make sense or feels cringey, skip it! But if it’s part of your everyday life or something you're proud of, bring it and let’s show it of
Also — only about 1 in 5 seniors bring props, so don’t feel like you have to!!
A FEW IDEAS
+ A blanket or chair
+ A bouquet to give your hands something to do
+ Your pup, skateboard, vintage car, guitar — anything that screams YOU
+ Favorite books, art supplies or even a photo of a special memory!
+ Sports gear: jersey, ball, maybe even a letterman's jacket!
+ Musical instruments (guitar, violin, drumsticks — you name it!)
+ Need help deciding what works best? I’m always here to help brainstorm!
session day
The big day is here! To make the most of your session and feel your absolute best in front of the camera, here are a few tips to help you prepare and feel your best during your session:
tips + advice
get plenty of rest
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but seriously — a good night’s sleep makes all the difference. You’ll feel more energized, your skin will look fresh, and your mood will be lifted. Trust me, well-rested YOU = confident YOU in front of the camera.
stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water in the 24 hours leading up to your session. It helps your skin glow, keeps you feeling good, and prevents that dry-lips situation (especially important if you’re wearing lipstick or gloss!).
prep your outfits & props
Try on everything (including accessories) before your session to make sure it fits and looks the way you want it to!! Pack any extra outfits in a way that prevents wrinkles — hang them up if possible!! I will send you a session check list a few days before your session so you don't forget anything! :)
arrive early
Give yourself extra time to get to the location so you’re not feeling rushed or flustered! Arriving early also give you time to do any last minute touch ups in the car!
trust the process
You don’t have to know how to pose — that’s my job! I will give you fun poses & prompts. I will even tell you where your hands and feet should go. I promise I will guide you every step of the way, all you have to do is show up as your best self!!
session day
checklist
To help you feel ready to go, here’s a quick checklist of what to pack and prep before our session together! Keeping things organized ahead of time means you’ll show up feeling confident and comfortable—and that’s exactly the type of energy we want!! I’ll also send you a reminder the week of your session with this list as well!
✔ Outfits: If you’ve got multiple outfits, make sure they’re steamed or ironed, hung up, and ready to go! And don’t forget shoes for each outfit, too!
✔ Undergarments: Bring the right ones for each outfit (strapless bras, socks, etc.)
✔ Grad Accessories: Make sure you have your Cap, Gown, Tassles, Stoll, Yolk, Extracurricular Stoles, Honor Cords, Props, ect...
✔ Touch-Up Stuff: Hairbrush, bobby pins, lip balm, touch up makeup, blotting papers...
✔ Water: Stay hydrated!!
✔ Props: Anything that screams YOU? Bring it!
i am so excited & i hope you are too!
My job isn’t just to take pretty photos — it’s to make sure you feel seen, celebrated, and completely yourself throughout the experience.
So here’s your only real job: show up as YOU. I’ll take care of the rest — the posing, the direction, the angles, the vibe — allll of it. If you ever feel unsure or nervous, it's okay!! That’s normal! Just know I got you!!!
I hope you feel more prepared for our session together after reading this!! PLEASEEEE reach out if you have any questions AT ALL! That’s what I’m here for! :))