Congratulations!

You have a senior! It seems unbelievable. How did this happen? You’re so proud and scared all at the same time. Well, since time isn’t stopping, you might as well capture them now, in their prime, before they are off on their own.

Here are some tips about how to prepare for your senior session.

 

1. Choose Your Location

 The first thing to do is decide where to do your senior photos. I put this first because what you wear will be influenced by your environment. If you want snowy pictures, you certainly wouldn’t wear flip flops.

Here are some ideas about locations you might choose for your senior photos.

  • Mountains
  • City
  • Grass/Wheat Fields
  • Beach
  • Southern Utah Red Rock (travel fee added)
  • Desert Landscape
  • Parks/Gardens
  • Orchard
  • Stone Architecture
  • Season-specific: spring blossoms, fall foliage, snowy landscape
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2. Decide What to Wear

My main advice is to wear clothing that you feel good in and are flattering.

Choose 2-3 different outfits to wear. Usually seniors will choose one that’s more casual and one more dressy. Just keep in mind that we might be in a place where there isn’t anywhere private to change. I recommend wearing a tank or simple shirt and legging shorts that you can keep on underneath.

 

Styling Tips

Check out my Pinterest board for some inspiration on choosing an outfit for your senior photos.

Plan your outfit from head to toe. Whatever you choose, lay your complete outfit on the bed and see how it looks together. This includes all your accessories like hats, jewelry, scarves, shoes, etc.

Pick Colors that complement the environment. If you’re in nature, it’s best to avoid bold colors or any color you wouldn’t find in nature. Muted and neutral colors are your friend.

Shoes make the outfit. Don’t think of shoes as an afterthought. Shoes can really make an outfit. Think of how a fancy suit would look with old, warn, tennis shoes. When in doubt, dress up your shoes rather than down. Heels look great with jeans as do Vans. Whatever shoes you choose, make sure they are clean and in good repair.

Accessorize! Did I say shoes make the outfit? Ok, yes, they do, but so do the accessories. It’s all about those details. Some accessory suggestions include jewelry, hats, scarves, sunglasses, purses, headbands, watches, etc.

Layer up. Layers look so good in photos. A denim jacket, a blazer, a cardigan, or even an open button-down shirt can help pull a look together. It’s also great for giving your hands something to do in photos.

Consider incorporating clothing or props that show off your talents, hobbies, or achievements. I’ve had seniors wear football jerseys, bring their musical instruments, medalians, or even clothing from the college they plan on attending. It’s your session, make it unique to you.

A word about glasses. I don’t mind glasses at all. I know how to pose you with the light so that glare doesn’t show up. If your glasses are a part of you, by all means, wear them. The only issue is with transition lenses. If you wear these, see if you can opt to bring a pair that doesn’t transition. We want to see those beautiful eyes.

Press your clothing. Even if it’s a t-shirt, if it can be ironed, do it. You’ll be amazed at how much more polished your clothing is when it’s pressed and without wrinkles.

Pamper Yourself. If it fits within your budget, go get your hair, makeup, and nails done. It will be a great way to relax and will look great in the photos.

Relax and have fun! After you’ve prepared for your shoot, once you show up, don’t worry about a thing. Just relax and let yourself have fun. This is the key to showing that inner shine. It will show through in your photos and this is how people know you.