Senior year is such an exciting milestone, and your photo session is a chance to celebrate who you are right now. As a Seattle senior portrait photographer, I love helping seniors capture their personality in a way that feels authentic, fun, and timeless. To make the most of your session, here are some tips to help you prepare.
Plan Outfits in Advance
Choose outfits that reflect your style and personality, but also make sure they fit well and feel comfortable. Have your senior try everything on before the session—this helps avoid surprises like straps slipping, undergarments showing, or clothes that need constant adjusting. These will be a distraction and make it harder to relax and settle into the shoot.
If you’re bringing multiple outfits, bring a large blanket to use as a changing cover between looks. Keep in mind that in most situations we will be fairly too far away in the shooting location to run back to the car to change.
Coordinate Arrival
When you arrive at the session location, please call or text me from the parking lot. That way I can meet you right away and guide you to where we’ll start. This saves time and makes it easier for us to jump right into shooting.
Think About Footwear
Many of the best photo spots require a little walking. Comfortable shoes (or an extra pair to slip on between shots) will make moving between locations easier and more enjoyable. You can always change into your photo shoes once we get to the spot.
Grooming, Hair, and Makeup Tips
Small details can make a big difference in how polished your photos look. Here are a few quick tips:
- Haircuts: Schedule a haircut or trim at least a week before your session so it looks natural. Avoid same-day cuts in case the style feels too fresh.
- Makeup: Natural makeup photographs beautifully. Bring powder or blotting papers to reduce shine, especially in warmer weather.
- Nails: Your hands will show in some photos. Neat, clean nails (painted or natural) help everything look finished.
- Shaving or Facial Hair: If shaving, do it the night before to reduce redness or irritation. If you’re keeping facial hair, make sure it’s neatly groomed.
- Touch-Ups: Bring along a brush, hair ties, and bobby pins in case the wind or activity shifts your style.
Pack Smart
Besides outfits, consider bringing a few small extras:
- Hairbrush or comb for quick touch-ups
- Powder or blotting papers if skin gets shiny
- Water and a snack, especially on warm days
- Any personal items that help your senior feel at ease
Relax and Have Fun
The most important thing to bring is a positive attitude. Senior photos are about celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime moment. I’ll guide you through poses and locations so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
