Your senior year is a pretty big deal — and your senior photos should feel like YOU.
This session isn’t about forcing you into a bunch of poses that don’t fit your personality or trying to make you look like somebody else. We’re going to create photographs that reflect who you are right now — your style, your interests, your personality, and this season of your life.
You don’t need to show up knowing how to pose, what to do with your hands, or how to look “natural” in front of a camera. That’s my job.
This guide will help you prepare for our time together — from choosing outfits and locations to deciding what you might want to bring and what to expect on session day.
And most importantly, this is your senior session. I want it to feel like you.
One Thing Before We Begin
This session should work for you — not the other way around.
If you or anyone participating in your session has accessibility needs, mobility considerations, sensory needs, needs additional breaks or extra time, or anything else that would help make the experience more comfortable, please tell me.
You never need to share a diagnosis or personal information you don’t want to share. I simply want to know how I can help make your session comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable for you.
When you complete your questionnaire, please make sure you tell me anything I can do to make your session more comfortable or accessible for you. That gives us a chance to plan for what you need before session day.
A Quick Note About This Guide
This guide is intentionally thorough — but please don’t feel like you need to read it all at once! Think of it as a resource to come back to as we plan your session. Use the Jump To links below to go straight to what you need, and come back anytime you have a question or need a refresher.
Jump to: Your Homework | Parents | Let’s Plan! | What to Wear | Hair & Grooming | Locations | What to Bring | During Your Session | Who Can Come Along? | Weather | After Your Session | One Last Thing
Your Homework
Complete Your Senior Questionnaire
This is where I get to know you before we ever meet. Tell me what you love, what you don’t, what makes you laugh, what you’re proud of, what you’d like to include, and what you’re picturing for your session.
There are no wrong answers! The more I know about you, the better we can make your session feel like yours.
Start Thinking About Your Look
Think about outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out yet — we’ll use your questionnaire and the ideas you send me to help plan the details together.
And don’t worry, we’ll talk much more about clothing later in this guide.
Gather Some Inspiration
If you see senior photos, poses, outfits, locations, or ideas that catch your eye, save them!
We’re not looking to copy someone else’s photographs. They simply help me understand what you’re drawn to — and sometimes they give us a starting point for creating something completely your own.
Think About What Makes This YOUR Senior Year
Sports, music, art, books, your car, your pet, your instrument, your letter jacket, a hobby, something sentimental — whatever tells part of your story.
It doesn’t have to be something traditionally “senior.” If it matters to you, tell me about it. We can figure out whether and how you’d like to incorporate it.
A Note for Parents
I know this milestone is a big one for you, too.
A parent or legal guardian must accompany the senior for the entire session, regardless of the senior’s age. This is an important part of how I conduct senior sessions and helps make sure everyone feels comfortable, supported, and protected throughout the experience.
Your input is absolutely welcome! You know your senior better than anyone, and you may notice something I don’t — a real smile, a certain expression, or something that is so them.
At the same time, I’m going to encourage your senior to take the lead. I want them to feel comfortable telling me what they love, what they don’t, what they’re willing to try, and what just doesn’t feel like them.
And if your senior is willing, let’s get you in a few photographs together, too. You don’t have to dress for an entire photo session, but come camera-ready enough that you won’t regret saying yes.
My goal is for you both to walk away with photographs you treasure — and for your senior to walk away feeling like the experience really belonged to them.
Let’s Plan!
Senior session day should feel exciting, not like you suddenly remembered twelve things the night before. 😂 We’ll plan everything together along the way, but this gives you an idea of what to think about and when.
4–6 Weeks Before Your Session
This is when we start turning ideas into plans.
· Complete your Senior Questionnaire if you haven’t already.
· Start saving inspiration for outfits, locations, poses, and styles you love.
· Begin planning your outfits and accessories.
· Think about meaningful things you might want to include — sports gear, an instrument, your vehicle, letter jacket, books, artwork, or anything else that tells part of your story.
· Decide whether you’d like someone special — or a pet! — to join you for a few photographs.
· Start thinking about your hair and whether you’d like a cut, color, or style before your session.
2–3 Weeks Before Your Session
Now things are starting to come together!
· Try on each outfit from head to toe, including shoes and accessories.
· Make sure you feel comfortable sitting, standing, and moving in everything you’ve chosen.
· Decide how you’d like to wear your hair.
· Schedule any hair or nail appointments you’d like.
· Send me photos if you’re deciding between outfits or would like another opinion.
· Make sure any special items you’re bringing are ready to go.
The Week Before
Time for the finishing touches.
· Finalize your outfits, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
· Check clothing for stains, wrinkles, pet hair, missing buttons, or anything else that needs attention.
· Wash, iron, or steam clothing as needed.
· Gather the special items or props you’re bringing.
· We’ll confirm our location, meeting place, session time, and any other details.
· Keep an eye on the weather, but don’t stress about it — we’ll make any weather-related decisions together.
The Night Before
A little preparation tonight means less rushing tomorrow!
· Hang or lay out each complete outfit.
· Give anything that needs it one last iron or steam.
· Put shoes, jewelry, and accessories with the correct outfits.
· Pack any special items you’re bringing.
· Pack a brush or comb and anything you might want for hair or makeup touch-ups.
· Pack water and a couple of easy, non-messy snacks.
· If we’ll be walking outdoors, bring comfortable shoes you can wear between photo spots.
· For outdoor sessions, bring your preferred bug spray if you’d like to use it.
· Get some rest!
Session Day
Eat something before your session, drink some water, and give yourself plenty of time to get ready without rushing.
Double-check your outfits, shoes, accessories, and special items — and then you’re ready!
Most of all, come ready to have some fun.
You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do in front of the camera — that’s my job. Your job is simply to show up as yourself.
What to Wear
First rule: wear something that feels like YOU.
Your senior session is not the time to dress like someone you found on Pinterest if that’s not how you normally feel comfortable. Choose clothing that makes you feel confident and reflects your personality and style.
Bring Some Variety
If we’re planning more than one outfit, think about giving each one a different feel.
You might choose something:
· Casual and relaxed
· A little more dressed up
· Connected to a sport, activity, or interest
· That simply feels very you
You don’t need one outfit from every category. The goal is just to avoid bringing three outfits that photograph almost exactly the same.
Comfort Matters
Try on every outfit from head to toe before session day — including shoes and accessories.
Sit down. Stand up. Walk around. Move your arms. Make sure everything stays where you want it and that you aren’t constantly adjusting something.
If you feel uncomfortable in an outfit, chances are you’ll look uncomfortable in it, too.
Think About the Whole Outfit
Shoes, socks, jewelry, belts, jackets, hats, and other accessories can all show in photographs, so consider them part of the outfit rather than an afterthought.
Layers can also give us options. A jacket, cardigan, overshirt, or other layer can sometimes give us another look without requiring a complete outfit change.
Patterns, Logos & Graphics
Patterns are absolutely okay! Just keep in mind that very tiny repetitive patterns can sometimes photograph strangely, while extremely large logos, words, or graphics can pull attention away from you.
That doesn’t mean you have to wear plain clothing. If a graphic tee or bold style is genuinely part of who you are, tell me. We’re photographing you, not creating a dress-code violation.
Dress for Our Location
Think about where we’ll be photographing, too. An outfit that looks fantastic downtown may feel completely different in a field or wooded location — and vice versa.
We’ll consider your outfits and locations together while we’re planning so everything feels intentional.
Still Not Sure? Send It to Me!
Seriously.
Lay the outfits on the bed, try them on, take mirror pictures — whatever works — and send them to me.
If you’re choosing between outfits, wondering whether something will photograph well, or just want another set of eyes, I’m happy to help.
You don’t have to figure all of this out by yourself. That’s part of what I’m here for.
Hair, Makeup & Grooming
The goal is still to look like YOU.
You don’t need professional hair, makeup, or nails for your senior session unless that’s something you want. Whatever you choose, I want you to feel comfortable and confident when you look in the mirror.
Hair
If you’re planning a haircut or color, consider doing it far enough ahead that you have time to live with it for a bit before your session.
Think about how you’d normally like your hair when you feel your best. If you’re considering a completely new style you’ve never worn before, session day may not be the best day for its first test drive. 😂
Bring a brush or comb and any products you might need for quick touch-ups, especially if we’ll be outdoors.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, you can absolutely wear it for your session — but you don’t need to suddenly wear more than usual just because you’re being photographed.
Choose something that makes you feel like yourself.
Bring along anything you’d like for touch-ups, particularly lip color or powder if those are things you normally use.
Nails & Hands
Your hands will show in photographs — holding a jacket, leaning against something, touching your hair, holding a prop or instrument, and about a hundred other things you probably won’t notice while we’re shooting.
Your nails don’t need to be professionally done. Just make sure you’re comfortable with how they’ll look in your photographs.
Facial Hair & Grooming
If you normally shave, trim facial hair, shape brows, or do other grooming, take care of those things however you normally prefer.
Again, this isn’t about changing yourself for photographs. It’s simply about thinking through the little details ahead of time so you aren’t worrying about them once we’re together.
Glasses
If you normally wear glasses, wear your glasses!
They’re part of how people know you, and I don’t want you feeling like you need to take them off just because there’s a camera around.
If you have more than one pair, you’re welcome to bring options. We’ll work with reflections and positioning as we photograph you.
Choosing Your Location
Your location helps set the mood for your senior photos — and it should make sense for YOU.
Maybe you picture yourself downtown with brick, alleys, architecture, and a more urban feel. Maybe you’d rather be surrounded by trees, fields, water, or fall color. Or maybe there’s a place that has personal meaning to you.
You don’t need to know exactly where you want to go when we first start planning. We’ll figure that out together.
Think About the Look You Love
As you’re gathering inspiration, pay attention to more than just the person in the photograph.
What is behind them?
Are you drawn to photographs that feel urban and modern? Natural and outdoorsy? Rustic? Colorful? Simple and neutral?
Sometimes knowing the feeling you want makes choosing the actual location much easier.
Meaningful Locations Are Welcome
If there’s a place that’s part of your story, tell me about it.
Maybe it’s somewhere connected to your sport, hobby, school years, family, or another important part of your life.
We can talk about whether photographing there is possible and whether it will work well for the kind of photographs you’re envisioning.
We’ll Consider Your Outfits, Too
Location and clothing work together.
Once we’re narrowing down your outfits and the overall look you want, we’ll consider which locations complement them best. If we’re using more than one type of setting, we can also plan which outfit makes the most sense at each one.
Some Locations Require Permission
Parks, businesses, private property, schools, farms, gardens, and other locations may have photography rules, entrance fees, permits, or require permission before we photograph there.
Please don’t worry about figuring all of that out yourself. If you’re interested in a particular place, tell me and we’ll determine what’s needed before session day.
And Sometimes We’ll Scout!
Once we’ve narrowed things down, I may suggest a few possible locations for you to check out and decide which one feels most like you.
After all, these are your senior photographs. I want you involved in choosing the place where we make them.
What to Bring
You don’t need a pile of props to make your senior session personal. You are the reason we’re here!
But if something helps tell your story, I absolutely want to hear about it.
Things That Are Part of Your Story
Think about the things that represent who you are right now or have been an important part of your high school years.
That might include:
· Sports equipment or uniforms
· An instrument
· Your letter jacket
· Books or artwork
· Something connected to a club, activity, or hobby
· Your vehicle
· Something sentimental or meaningful to you
· Your pet
· Something completely different that I haven’t thought of!
If it matters to you, tell me about it. We can figure out whether and how we’d like to incorporate it into your photographs.
Don’t Bring Something Just Because You Think You Should
You do not need a football because you played football, an instrument because you were in band, or a stack of books because you’re graduating.
Include the things you actually want to remember.
If something was an important part of your high school experience and you want it represented, wonderful. If you’d rather your session simply focus on you, that’s wonderful, too.
The Practical Stuff
Depending on our plans, you may also want:
· Water and a non-messy snack
· A brush or comb
· Hair or makeup products for quick touch-ups
· Comfortable (possibly closed toe) shoes for walking between locations
· Bug spray for outdoor locations
· A lint roller — especially if furry creatures live at your house
· Any clothing, shoes, jewelry, or accessories needed for outfit changes
If we’re changing outfits away from home, we’ll talk ahead of time about where and how you’ll be able to change comfortably and privately.
Bringing a Pet?
YES? ❤️
Just tell me ahead of time so we can make sure our location allows pets and plan for what your particular animal needs.
Bring a secure leash, harness, carrier, or other appropriate restraint; water; treats; waste bags if needed; and something that reliably gets their attention.
If possible, having someone come along who knows your pet but isn’t being photographed can be a huge help. They can take over when we’re ready to photograph you without your pet.
During Your Session
You do not need to know how to pose. Seriously. That’s my job.
Most people don’t spend their days standing in front of a camera wondering what to do with their hands. I’ll guide you throughout your session — where to stand, where to look, what to do with those hands, and how to move.
You just need to show up as yourself.
It Might Feel a Little Awkward at First
That’s completely normal!
It can take a few minutes to get comfortable with a camera pointed at you. We’ll start easy, talk, move around, and give you a chance to settle into the experience.
You do not have to walk into your session magically knowing how to be a model.
Trust Me When Something Feels Weird
Sometimes the position that looks great through my camera may feel a little strange while you’re doing it.
I might ask you to shift your weight, move your chin a tiny bit, turn your shoulder, walk the same stretch again, or do something that makes you wonder what on earth I’m seeing.
Trust me. There’s a method to the madness.
And if something genuinely feels uncomfortable or just doesn’t feel like you, tell me. We’ll change it.
We’ll Get the Posed Photos — and the In-Between Ones
I’ll make sure we get those beautiful senior portraits where everything comes together.
But I’ll also be watching between those moments.
A real laugh. The expression you make right after you think we’re finished. Movement. Personality. The little things that happen when you stop thinking quite so much about the camera.
Sometimes those end up being the photographs you love most.
Speak Up!
This is your session.
If you love something we’re doing, tell me.
If you don’t like something, tell me.
If you have an idea halfway through, tell me!
I want this to be something we’re creating together — not something that’s simply happening to you.
Who Can Come Along?
A parent or legal guardian must accompany you for your entire senior session, regardless of your age.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be the only person who comes along!
Someone Special
If there’s someone important to you who you’d love to include in a few photographs — a sibling, grandparent, best friend, significant other, or someone else who has been a meaningful part of this season of your life — tell me about them.
We can talk ahead of time about whether and how we’d like to include them without turning your senior session into a completely different kind of session.
And Yes, Your Parent Needs to Get in One!
I know, I know.
But this is a pretty big milestone for them, too.
If you’re willing, I’d love to make time for at least a photograph or two with the parent or guardian who comes along. Years from now, there’s a pretty good chance both of you will be glad we did.
Parents: consider this your warning to come at least a little camera-ready!
Choose Your Crew Carefully
You’re welcome to have support with you, but think about who will actually help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Bring people who will encourage you, make you laugh, and let you be yourself — not someone who will make you feel self-conscious or spend the session critiquing you.
This is supposed to be fun. Your support crew should help keep it that way.
Outdoor Sessions & Weather
If we’re photographing outdoors, Mother Nature gets a vote in our plans.
I’ll be watching the forecast as your session approaches, too. Please don’t spend the week obsessively refreshing the weather app every fifteen minutes.
If the forecast looks questionable, we’ll talk about it and make any weather-related decisions together.
Heat & Cold
Dress with the season in mind, particularly if we’ll be outside for much of your session.
Layers can be helpful when temperatures are unpredictable, and we’ll take breaks when needed. Bring water, especially during warmer weather.
And remember: if you’re freezing, roasting, or otherwise miserable, it’s pretty difficult to look relaxed in photographs.
Wind Happens!
A little breeze can be gorgeous. A LOT of wind can have other plans for your hair.
Bring a brush or comb and whatever you normally use for quick hair touch-ups. We’ll work with the conditions we have — and if the wind becomes unreasonable, we’ll figure out what makes sense.
Rain & Wet Ground
Even if it isn’t actively raining, outdoor locations can still be muddy, wet, or slippery after recent rain.
Bring comfortable shoes for walking between locations if needed. You can change into your photo shoes once we’re ready.
Safety Comes First
If weather or location conditions aren’t safe, we aren’t going to force the session just because it’s on the calendar.
We’ll talk through our options and make another plan if necessary. I’d much rather adjust than have someone slipping through mud, standing outside during dangerous weather, or trying to smile while absolutely miserable.
After Your Session
The session may be over, but I’m not finished yet!
Once I get home, I’ll go through the photographs from our time together and carefully select the images that meet my quality standards. Then I’ll edit each of those images individually to create your finished senior gallery.
I don’t limit your gallery to a set number of photographs or make you choose only a handful of favorites. If I photograph it and it meets my quality standards, I want you to have it.
Your Gallery
When your photographs are ready, I’ll send you a link to your private online gallery.
From there, you’ll be able to view, download, and share your finished images. Look through them, find your favorites, show them off, send them to Grandma — these are yours to enjoy.
Prints & Products
Your gallery may also include the option to order professional prints and other photo products directly through the online store.
There is never any obligation to purchase anything. Your digital images are included with your session, and you’re welcome to print them wherever you choose.
If you or your parents have questions about print sizes, cropping, graduation announcements, or what might look good hanging on the wall, just ask. I’m happy to help.
And Yes, You Can Share Them!
Please do!
Post them, share them with friends and family, use one as your profile picture, celebrate that senior year.
I only ask that you don’t apply filters or additional edits to your finished photographs. I’ve carefully edited them to look the way I intended, and I want the photographs you share to represent both you and my finished work.
One Last Thing…
You don’t have to be a model to have amazing senior photographs. You just have to be you.
You don’t need to practice poses in the mirror. You don’t need to know your “good side.” You don’t need to show up knowing exactly what to do in front of my camera.
That’s what I’m here for.
We’ll talk, laugh, try things, probably do a few things that feel a little ridiculous, and create photographs that capture who you are during this pretty incredible season of your life.
Years from now, I don’t just want you to look at these photographs and remember what you looked like.
I want you to remember who you were.
And Remember — I’m Here!
This guide is here whenever you need it, but it never replaces reaching out to me.
If we have a session booked and you have a question, an idea, an outfit you want me to look at, a location you discovered, or something you suddenly think would be amazing to include — email or text me.
We’re planning this together, and I’m here to help.
I can’t wait to get to know you and create something that feels completely, wonderfully you. ❤️
Janice
Photographs become memories the moment the shutter clicks.