Your Senior Session Prep Guide: What to Do Before Picture Day
Senior year is finally here.
This season is full of excitement, big dreams, late-night memories with friends, and the anticipation of everything that’s still to come. And somewhere in the middle of all of that, it’s your turn to step in front of the camera and celebrate one incredible milestone.
The best senior sessions happen when a little preparation meets a whole lot of personality. Here’s my complete guide to getting ready for your senior photo experience!
1–3 Months Before Your Session
Book Early
Senior season is one of my busiest times of the year, and dates fill quickly.
I typically photograph seniors during weekday evenings in the summer when the light is absolutely magical. That soft, golden sunshine right before sunset creates the dreamy, glowy images you see throughout my portfolio.
Booking early helps ensure you have the best selection of dates and plenty of time to prepare.
Explore My Style
Take some time to browse my website, blog, and social media.
As you look through senior galleries, pay attention to:
- Locations
- Outfit inspiration
- Colors
- Posing styles
- The overall vibe of the images
This will help you start envisioning the kind of session you’d love.
Start Thinking About Locations
You don’t need to have an exact location picked out.
Simply ask yourself:
Do I love nature?
Do I love an urban downtown feel?
Do I want flowers, fields, murals, or architecture?
Most seniors love a little bit of everything and trust me to choose locations that fit their style. But if you have ideas, I absolutely want to hear them!
1–4 Weeks Before Your Session
Finalize Your Outfit Ideas
This is where the fun really begins.
I recommend bringing enough variety to create multiple looks throughout your session.
Think about including:
- Something trendy
- Something timeless
- Something that’s completely you
Mixing styles creates a gallery full of personality and variety.
Think About Your Glasses
If you wear glasses every day, I encourage you to wear them during your session because your photos should feel like you.
However, glasses can sometimes create glare.
If possible, consider:
- Wearing contacts
- Borrowing similar frames without lenses
- Avoiding transition lenses
Transition lenses, especially outdoors, can make it difficult to see your eyes and are very challenging to edit.
If glare becomes an issue, we can absolutely work around it, but it may require photographing poses both with and without your glasses, which can add additional time to your session.
Start Any Beauty Routines Early
Thinking about brightening your smile?
Want to refresh your skincare routine?
Now is the time.
If you’re planning:
- Teeth whitening
- New skincare products
- Hair color appointments
Start early.
This gives everything time to settle and ensures you’re feeling your absolute best by picture day.
The Week Before Your Session
Prepare Your Outfits
I recommend:
- Ironing your clothing
- Trying everything on one last time
- Hanging each outfit together
A great little trick?
Place all accessories directly on the hanger.
Add:
- Jewelry
- Belts
- Hats
- Shoes
- Hair accessories
This keeps everything organized and eliminates last-minute scrambling.
Gather Your Props
Props can add so much personality to your session.
If you’re bringing:
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
- Letter jackets
- College gear
- Vehicles
Make sure everything is cleaned and ready to go.
A freshly cleaned guitar, shiny car, or polished instrument can make a huge difference in your photographs.
Get Plenty of Sleep
I cannot stress this enough.
Sleep is like a natural beauty treatment.
Being well-rested can help:
- Brighten your skin
- Reduce puffiness
- Improve your mood
- Increase your energy
Senior sessions are so much more fun when you feel refreshed and ready to celebrate.
Apply Chapstick Daily
This one sounds simple, but it’s important.
Dry, chapped lips can be difficult to retouch naturally.
Start using chapstick throughout the week leading up to your session and keep those lips moisturized.
Your future close-up portraits will thank you.
The Day of Your Session
Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Avoid rushing.
Allow extra time to:
- Do your hair
- Apply makeup
- Get dressed
- Double-check your outfits
- Take a deep breath
A relaxed start often leads to a much more enjoyable experience.
Pay Attention to the Details
Senior portraits capture everything.
Take a few extra moments to:
- Tidy your nails
- Brush your hair
- Touch up your eyebrows if desired
- Check for wrinkles in clothing
Little details become more noticeable when images are enlarged and displayed on your walls.
Eat Before You Come
Please don’t show up hungry.
Bring your energy!
I recommend eating a good meal beforehand and bringing:
- Water
- Small snacks
- Anything you might need between outfit changes
This is especially important during warm summer sessions.
Hydrated and happy seniors photograph beautifully.
Bring Comfortable Shoes
Some of my favorite locations involve a little walking, climbing, or exploring.
Bring:
- Flip-flops
- Tennis shoes
- Sandals
You can always change into your session shoes once we arrive at each location.
Trust me—your feet will appreciate it.
Most Importantly… Come Ready to Have Fun
This is your moment.
Your senior session isn’t about stiff poses or trying to be someone you’re not.
It’s about celebrating:
- Your personality
- Your accomplishments
- Your hobbies
- Your dreams
- This incredible season of life
Laugh.
Twirl.
Bring your favorite music.
Show off your passions.
Tell me about your plans after graduation.
Let’s create photographs that feel like you.
Because one day, these images won’t simply remind you of what you looked like during senior year.
They’ll remind you of who you were, what you loved, and all the excitement of standing right on the edge of your next big adventure.
