Everything you need to know before stepping in front of the camera!


Your senior session is almost here, and I couldn't be more excited to capture this chapter of your life!


Senior photos are all about celebrating YOU — your personality, your style, and everything that makes you who you are. My goal is to make your experience fun, relaxed, and as stress-free as possible.


A little preparation goes a long way toward making that happen! I've put together some helpful tips and important things to know before your session so you can show up feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to have some fun.


1. Try On ALL Your Outfits Before Session Day


I cannot stress this one enough!


Every single outfit should be tried on before your session — including shoes, accessories, and undergarments.


Something that looks amazing hanging in your closet might fit differently than you remember, and the last thing we want is to discover a wardrobe malfunction halfway through your photos.


When trying on your outfits, make sure to:


  • Sit, stand, walk, and move around to make sure everything fits comfortably.
  • Check that your undergarments aren't visible through or underneath your clothing.
  • Make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to walk in, or bring a separate pair for getting between locations.
  • Check for wrinkles, stains, missing buttons, and loose threads.
  • Remove tags and stickers from any new clothing.
  • Steam or iron anything that needs it before your session.


I also recommend laying out each complete outfit the night before, including jewelry, shoes, and accessories, so nothing gets left behind.


Need help deciding what to wear? Check out my Senior Session Outfit Style Guide for tips on choosing outfits, coordinating colors, and creating looks you'll love!


2. Let's Talk About Changing Outfits


Planning multiple outfits? I've got you covered!


I bring a portable pop-up changing tent to sessions so you have a private space to change while we're out on location. This is especially helpful since many of the beautiful outdoor locations we photograph at don't have public restrooms or changing facilities nearby.


A few things to keep in mind:


  • Bring your outfits on hangers or neatly packed in a garment bag to help prevent wrinkles.
  • Have a bag or another easy way to carry your extra outfits, shoes, and accessories.
  • Keep your belongings organized so outfit changes are quick and easy.
  • If possible, bring a parent, friend, or another helper who can assist with carrying your things and keeping everything together.


We may walk between different spots throughout your session, so the easier your belongings are to transport, the better!


3. Plan Ahead for Bathroom Breaks


Here's something people don't always think about: most outdoor photography locations don't have easy access to public restrooms.


Depending on where we're shooting, the nearest bathroom could be a drive away.


I highly recommend using the restroom before arriving at your session, especially if we're photographing at a park, field, or another more secluded location.


If you know you'll need frequent bathroom access, please let me know ahead of time so we can take that into consideration when planning.


4. Stay Hydrated & Dress for the Weather


Outdoor sessions are beautiful, but Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate with our comfort levels!


For warmer weather:


  • Bring a water bottle! We'll likely be walking, moving around, and spending a good amount of time outside.
  • Start hydrating the day before your session.
  • Consider bringing a small towel or blotting papers if you tend to get shiny or sweaty.
  • Bring any essentials you might need to stay comfortable in the heat.


For cooler weather:


  • Bring a warm jacket, sweatshirt, or blanket to throw on between photos.
  • Consider bringing hand warmers for particularly chilly sessions.
  • Wear warm, comfortable shoes while walking between photo spots, especially if your photo shoes aren't practical for the terrain.


You won't necessarily be wearing these items in your photos, but trust me, you'll be glad you brought them!


5. Be Mindful of Tan Lines & Sunburns


If your session is coming up, now is a great time to start paying attention to your time in the sun!


Try to avoid getting sunburned or developing noticeable tan lines in the days and weeks leading up to your session, especially if you're planning to wear strapless tops, dresses, or outfits that expose your shoulders.


This includes tan lines from swimsuits, tank tops, sports bras, and other clothing.


Removing significant tan lines or correcting sunburns requires more advanced editing and may result in additional retouching fees.


If you're planning to use a spray tan or self-tanner, I recommend doing a trial well before your session rather than trying something new at the last minute. Uneven application or unexpected coloring can be difficult to correct in photos.


6. Give Your Skin & Hair a Little Extra Love


You definitely don't need to completely change your beauty routine for your senior photos. In fact, I recommend keeping things as normal as possible!


A few helpful reminders:


  • Stay hydrated and get a good night's sleep before your session.
  • Avoid experimenting with new skincare products or treatments right before your photos.
  • Moisturize your skin and lips to help prevent dryness.
  • If you plan to shave, wax, or get your eyebrows done, allow enough time for any irritation to settle.
  • Make sure your nails are clean and photo-ready, especially if we'll be taking close-up shots that include your hands.
  • Bring a hairbrush or comb, along with any products or tools you might need for quick touch-ups.


And don't stress if you wake up with a pimple! It happens to everyone, and it's certainly not worth losing sleep over. Blemishes can be easily edited out.


7. A Quick Note About Retouching


I want your senior photos to be a reflection of you, exactly as you want to be represented.


Minor blemishes, such as temporary pimples, are typically easy to remove during the editing process. However, I do not automatically remove blemishes or make alterations to your appearance.


All appearance-related retouching must be specifically requested by you.


I never want to assume that something about your appearance needs to be changed or corrected. Your photos should celebrate who you are, and any decisions about altering your appearance should always come from you.


If there's something you'd like adjusted in your final images, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask!


Minor blemish removal is generally a simple edit, while more extensive retouching — such as removing significant tan lines, correcting sunburns, or making major appearance alterations — may require additional editing fees.


8. Bring a Few Touch-Up Essentials


Between outfit changes, walking around, and the occasional breeze, having a few little essentials on hand can be a lifesaver.


I recommend packing a small bag with:


  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Hairspray and extra hair ties or bobby pins
  • Lip gloss, lipstick, or other makeup for touch-ups
  • Blotting papers or a small towel
  • Deodorant
  • Safety pins or fashion tape
  • A lint roller
  • Tissues
  • A small mirror


You probably won't need everything, but it's always better to have it and not need it!


9. Bringing Props? Let's Plan Ahead!


Your senior photos should reflect your personality, interests, and everything that made your high school experience memorable.


If there's something special you want to incorporate, I absolutely encourage it!


Some popular ideas include:


  • Sports equipment, uniforms, jerseys, or letter jackets
  • Musical instruments
  • College apparel or acceptance announcements
  • Graduation caps, gowns, or other senior accessories
  • Items that represent your hobbies, clubs, or interests
  • Meaningful personal items


If you're planning to bring props, please let me know before your session so we can make sure we have enough time and choose the best locations to incorporate them.


Also, make sure you have a safe and practical way to transport everything, especially if we'll be walking between photo spots.


10. Be Prepared for a Little Walking


Some of the best photo spots require a little exploring!


Depending on our location, we may walk through grassy fields, dirt paths, gravel, or other uneven terrain to get to the perfect backdrop.


I highly recommend bringing a pair of comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to wear heels, sandals, or shoes that aren't ideal for walking.


You can always change into your photo shoes once we reach our spot!


Keep in mind that outdoor locations may also have damp grass, mud, bugs, or other natural elements. If you have any mobility concerns or accessibility needs, please let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.


11. Arrive Ready & On Time


Your session time is carefully planned around lighting, location, and the overall experience.


Please plan to arrive a few minutes early so you're not feeling rushed.


Unless we've discussed otherwise, you should arrive with your hair and makeup completed and your first outfit on.


Be sure to account for traffic, parking, and any last-minute stops along the way.


Outdoor photography is especially dependent on natural light, and arriving late may reduce the amount of time we have available for photos.


12. Don't Forget to Relax & Have Fun!


This might just be the most important tip of all.


You do NOT need to know how to pose, what to do with your hands, or how to look like a professional model. That's my job!


I'll guide you through poses, help with little adjustments, and make sure we capture a variety of images that feel natural and authentic to you.


It's completely normal to feel a little nervous at the beginning. Most people do! But I promise, we'll get you comfortable in front of the camera.


Come ready to laugh, move around, and enjoy the experience.


These photos are about celebrating who you are at this moment in your life, and I want you to have just as much fun taking them as you'll have looking back on them.


Your Senior Session Packing Checklist


Before you head out the door, give this list one last look!


- [ ] All outfits tried on, steamed, and packed

- [ ] Correct shoes, jewelry, and undergarments for each outfit

- [ ] First outfit on and ready to go

- [ ] Extra outfits organized in an easy-to-carry bag

- [ ] Water bottle

- [ ] Weather-appropriate jacket or extra layer

- [ ] Comfortable walking shoes

- [ ] Hair and makeup touch-up essentials

- [ ] Props, sports equipment, or meaningful accessories

- [ ] Phone, directions, and session location confirmed

- [ ] Bathroom break taken before arriving

- [ ] A positive attitude and excitement for your session!


See You Soon!


I'm so excited to create something special with you! A little preparation beforehand means we can spend less time worrying about the small stuff and more time capturing amazing photos.


If you have any questions about what to bring, what to expect, or how to prepare, don't hesitate to reach out before your session.


Let's make some senior photo magic! ✨