Booking your senior session is the exciting part. Actually preparing for it is where a lot of seniors feel a little lost. What do you wear? How many outfits should you bring? What happens when you get there? Do you need to do anything special with your hair and makeup?
These are all completely reasonable questions, and having clear answers ahead of time makes a huge difference in how relaxed and prepared you feel on session day. Here's a straightforward guide to everything you need to think about before we shoot.
Plan Your Outfits Early
Wardrobe is the area where most seniors spend the least time planning and then wish they had spent more. Give yourself at least a week or two to think through your outfit choices rather than throwing something together the night before.
For a typical senior session, two to four outfits gives you a nice variety without making the day feel rushed. Think about mixing styles: something a little dressier, something casual and comfortable, something that connects to a hobby or sport if that's part of your story. Lay everything out a few days before and make sure it's clean, pressed, and still fits the way you expect.
Bring a few extra options too. It's much easier to edit down on the day than to wish you had brought something you left at home.
Think About Your Locations
If you have input on where your session takes place, start thinking about this early. Different locations create very different moods in photos: an urban setting feels modern and editorial, a field or wooded area feels warm and natural, a gym or sports facility grounds the session in your athletic identity.
You don't have to have it all figured out before we talk, but having a general sense of the vibe you're going for helps us plan a session that actually feels like you.
Hair and Makeup
There's no single right answer here. Some seniors do their own hair and makeup exactly the way they would on any given day. Others hire a professional makeup artist for the occasion. Both are completely valid choices.
What I'd suggest: do whatever makes you feel most like yourself, but do it intentionally. If you wear mascara and lip gloss every day, wear mascara and lip gloss. If you never wear makeup, don't feel like you have to start for photos. The goal is for you to look in your images and recognize yourself, not feel like you're wearing a costume.
One practical note: avoid trying a brand new hairstyle or makeup look the day of your session. Stick with what you know looks good on you.
Skin and Self-Care
Start drinking more water and getting decent sleep in the week or two leading up to your session. It sounds simple, but it genuinely shows in photos. Hydrated, rested skin photographs more smoothly and evenly than tired, dry skin.
If you're prone to breakouts, be gentle with your skin in the days before your session and avoid trying new products that might cause irritation. And don't stress too much if a blemish shows up anyway. That's what editing is for.
Day-Of Logistics
Arrive a few minutes early so you're not feeling rushed when we start. Bring everything you planned to bring, including all your outfits, any props or meaningful items, and any accessories you might want to try.
Eat something before you come. A light meal or snack keeps your energy up and helps you feel comfortable and grounded rather than distracted by hunger halfway through.
Most importantly, come ready to have fun. The sessions that produce the best images are almost always the ones where the senior showed up relaxed and open to trying things. We'll figure out the rest together.
Have more questions about how to prepare? Reach out before your session and I'll walk you through anything you're unsure about.