Preparing for your Senior Portrait Session: Quick Tips

So you book your senior portrait session. What now? How do you prepare for it? From picking outfits to choosing locations, it may feel like you've got a lot of work ahead of you. I've shared seven tips for how you can prepare for your session so you can go into it feeling confident and ready to have fun.

Wear clothes you love now, and have loved for some time.

When you're planning out outfits for your session, maybe don't immediately run to the store. Some of the best options may already be in your closet! Here's why: when you choose your long term favorites, you'll know you like the way they fit, and you'll feel more like yourself. You'll also have confidence they won't quickly go out of style. If you're doing more than one outfit, sure! Go out and buy a new outfit, but just to be safe, bring one option you know you'll continue to love.

Choose makeup and hairstyles that you've done before.

If you've never tried a hairstyle before, I wouldn't recommend choosing it for your senior session. Same goes for makeup. In your senior session, we're trying to capture who YOU are! If you decide to do your makeup in a way that you wouldn't normally, that part of the session is lost. Pick a makeup and hair combo that consistently make you feel confident and beautiful! That being said, if you do want to try a new hairstyle, pick one that resembles one of your favorites!

If you only have one location included in your session, choose one that has multiple "mini" locations.

For example, if you choose to do your session in a field, there's only one option for locations. All of your images are going to have a similar look to them. If you're set on a field for your only location (which I completely understand), choose one that has some variety. I like sessions in fields that have both a field and some mowed paths!

If you're not completely set on a field session, I would consider locations such as around your local village or the George Eastman House. These options both have tons of "mini" locations close together so you get a ton of different looks!

Figure out what your dream senior portrait session would be and share it with your photographer.

If you have examples of some photos you really like, great! That gives me a better idea of what you're looking to get out of the session! Browse Pinterest, screenshot photos from instagram, whatever it takes! Then, send them along to me and I can help you get the look you want, whether it's deciding which locations and times are best or just capturing the look you want day of.

Accessorize your outfits!

This adds detail and interest to the photos and helps enhance any outfit. Plus, it allows another opportunity for your personality to shine through! Wear necklaces or bracelets that accent the style of your outfit. Or, if you want, bring a hat and we can work it into the session! Can't decide what to accessorize with? Bring options and we can figure it out on location.

Be ready to laugh

Laughing brings out the most natural smile and helps you loosen up! I always tell seniors to laugh during their session and they consistently produce the best photos. Candid or laughing photos help capture who you are! If you don't think you can spontaneously laugh or you're nervous in front of the camera, bring a close friend or family member who can help you loosen up.

Relax and have fun

Don't stress too much about your photos. Senior portraits aren't just something you have to get done, they can be fun too! If you have any concerns about the session, reach out to me and I'll help in any way I can. We can work together to give you the experience you've been wanting!