4 Tips to Prep for Senior Portraits Like a Pro
Hey there, Class of 2026!
Senior year is just around the corner–can you believe it?! That means it’s time to start thinking about a fun and exciting milestone—your Senior Portraits! These photos are more than just average pictures; they’re memories frozen in time, meant to capture your personality, uniqueness, and yes, maybe even a little “I can’t wait to graduate” energy.
Planning Ahead for Your Senior Portraits Will Give You Outstanding Results
Here’s the scoop on how to get ready, feel confident, and look amazing for your shoot:
Start with a Vision When You Prep for Senior Portraits
Do you want your photos to be classic and timeless? Or more artsy and editorial? Maybe something outdoorsy, downtown chic, or even sporty? Start by thinking about you. What is your style, your hobbies, and how you want to remember this moment.
Pro Tip: Pinterest and Instagram are a great starting point, but don’t limit yourself with other peoples’ sessions! Think about what makes you unique.
Plan Your Outfits Carefully for Your Senior Portraits
Do not wait til an hour before your session to rummage through your closet! Select 3-4 outfits that you love and that fit well. When in doubt bring MORE–we can go over them together to figure out what will photograph the best:
- One casual (think jeans and a cute top)
- One dressy (a flowy dress, button-down, or blazer—whatever feels “elevated you”)
- One personal (your sports uniform, band gear, or something that shows your unique style)
- One classic (something that won’t look super dated in a few years)
- Bring layers to add variety (jacket, sweater, etc.)
Pro tip: Solid colors and subtle patterns work best on camera. Be sure to check fit—nothing too tight or baggy. And bring the proper undergarments for each outfit.
Think About Grooming, Hair, and Makeup
Keep it you, just a bit more polished. You want to look like the best version of yourself. A little extra makeup can help even out skin tone under the lights. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup, a little blush, mascara and a tinted lip can help keep you from looking washed out on camera. And don’t forget to tame flyaways or get a haircut a week before—not the day before—to let it settle.
Pro Tip: Everything we send out as final prints or digital files includes full retouching, so please do not stress about zits, etc. We will take care of that in post production.
Sleep, Hydrate, and Relax Before Your Senior Portrait Session
No one wants tired eyes or dry skin on photo day! So:
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Drink plenty of water the day before as well as the day of your Senior Portrait Session
- Avoid last-minute tanning or new skincare products that could cause breakouts
- Hands and nails should be neat and clean.
Carefully Review the Details for Your Senior Session Ahead of Time
Double-check the time, location, what to bring, and who’s photographing you. Do you want to include a pet? A car? A best friend for a few shots? Make sure it’s cleared ahead of time.
Pro Tip: Allow enough time to get to your session–nothing is worse than running late!
Final Senior Portrait Session Pro Tip: Be Yourself!
Your smile, your laugh, your little quirks—that’s what makes your senior portraits personal. Don’t stress about being perfect. Your photographer is there to help you feel relaxed and natural (and trust me, we have seen every awkward laugh and blinking moment—it’s part of the magic!).
Ready to rock your Senior Portrait Shoot? YOU’VE GOT THIS.
Want more tips on preparing for your Senior Portraits? Be sure to read our post on Styling Your Senior Portraits.
Be sure to also check out our FAQs for Senior Portraits.
Use our Contact Form to get in touch!
