If you want to get some amazing senior pictures (and of course you do!), I’m here to give you a few planning tips to get you started. The thought of finding the perfect photographer, outfits, locations, and date can feel incredibly overwhelming. It can easily turn into hours of scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest. By the end, you still might not be sure if you’ve accomplished anything! Not to worry, I’ve got you covered. And if you’re one of my seniors, you will have more than enough help (a senior guide with tons of planning assistance and access to individual help anytime you need it). Scroll to the bottom for some photo inspiration to help you out along with these easy steps.
1. Plan ahead and schedule senior portraits early
Get your senior portraits on the calendar early. I can’t stress this enough! Most senior photographers book out months in advance. Especially if you are hoping to schedule your session during a month when certain flowers are in bloom or during the warm summer months. Start looking through Instagram, websites, and talk to friends to find a photographer that is just right for you. Pay attention to editing style and the type of experiences they offer. A fun senior portrait experience and a photographer who cares about you is absolutely crucial. This should be a positive experience full of wonderful memories. If you are dreaming of amazing locations, outfit changes, and a personalized experience, don’t wait to book early!
2. Start a senior pictures inspo board
Hop on Pinterest and Instagram and start creating a great inspiration board. Mood boards are the perfect way to pull together a full senior photoshoot look from the vibe of your location to outfits. You will want to try to add several different types of outfits, accessories, and even props. Keep in mind a range of outfits from casual jeans to more formal dresses (or even slacks/suits for guys). Locations don’t need to be specific to your area. As long as they represent the overall look you are going for, your photographer will be able to guide you in the right direction. I love it when my seniors show me what they are inspired by!
3. Choosing your senior portrait outfits
Now that you have a mood board with some inspiration, it will be a lot easier for you to start pulling together some outfits. Try to include casual and more formal outfits, a range of styles, and even sports related uniforms. The goal is to have enough variety for your final senior gallery to show some diversity and fun style. Avoid too tight clothing, anything uncomfortable, things that just aren’t your style, holes, wrinkles, and logos. And remember to bring along the right undergarments for each outfit!
Some examples (but the possibilities are endless!):
- Jeans,top,tennis shoes – sundress,cowboy boots – long dress,heels
- Shorts,tennis shoes,flowy top – long sundress,bare feet – short formal dress,heels
- Wide leg pants,bare feet, tank top – cheer uniform – long flowy dress, boots, hat
- guys: t-shirt, jeans, tennis shoes – sports uniform – slacks, button up or waffle knit, brown shoes
Lay all your choices out and include shoes and accessories. This helps to get an idea of how everything will look when you put it together. My seniors get a Senior Guide with a ton of inspiration and clothing ideas. This can be really helpful if you are struggling to get started with outfits. Often, my seniors will send me a photo of their outfit choices to see what my thoughts are. I’m always happy to help! And you can always read more in my articles on what to wear for guys and what to wear for girls.
5. Locations
Your mood board will help you here too! Instead of trying to decide on a specific location, think more about the overall vibe and look you are dreaming of.
- Edgy and urban
- Rural and rustic
- Open and airy
- Beachy
- Floral and romantic
- Mountain
- Rivers and Lakes
- Manicured/park
Think about how different types of locations might look during the month you have planned your session. For example, rivers in the spring will be much higher than late summer or flower fields are vastly different from one growing season to the next.
4. Senior hair, makeup, and skin
- Your hands will be shown close up in some of your senior pictures so trim nails and touch up manicures before your session.
- Wax unwanted facial hair and shave any hair you don’t want in your pictures. Guys should trim up their facial hair
- Guys – get hair cuts a week or two before your session to give it some time to look a little more natural.
- Girls – keep your hair cut and style as close to your natural look as possible. It might not be the best time for a brand new style. Bring along a brush and hairspray for touch ups during your session.
- I don’t recommend self tanner if you’ve never used it before! If you would like some color, you can use a gradual tanning lotion. But we want to avoid unnatural orange tones. If you are comfortable with spray tans – go for it! Just make sure it’s something you’ve tried before.
- Remember sunscreen, especially in the weeks before a summer senior session. Burns and dark tan lines can be tough to get rid of and look distracting in your photos. Of course, if you love the look of a bikini tan line – go for it. It’s really all about you and your style!
- If you are doing your own makeup keep it as natural and close to your normal look as possible. Avoid anything shiny or sparkly. It doesn’t photograph well and can make skin look uneven. And be sure to bring along some powder and lip product for touch ups.
- If you will be scheduling hair and makeup, do that early. Hair and makeup artists book way out.
- Finally, don’t worry about blemishes! Avoid picking at any acne or using harsh treatment on your skin before senior pictures. A little editing can take care of those, no problem.
6. Timing and flexibility
You will want to be as flexible as possible with your senior portrait session timing. Weather, location, and lighting play a big role in how your images will look. Your photographer may ask to adjust the timing of your session if you choose a location that has more trees, is near mountains, or is more exposed. I like to schedule my seniors for an estimated start time and then make small adjustments when we get closer. I want to find the best possible light! And sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate. We will reschedule to one of the days I keep open for exactly that.
7. Don’t stress over posing!
Posing is something you really don’t need to worry about before or during your senior session. You can certainly look around on Instagram, Pinterest, or blog posts for some general posing ideas. If you see something fun that you would like to try, definitely show your photographer. It can be fun to try something new that you’ve seen. Throughout senior sessions I always talk through a lot of different poses and demonstrate everything. Seniors are never left standing around and feeling awkward! So relax and trust your photographer to help you feel confident and show you exactly what to do.
8. Personalize your senior photos
It’s a great idea to bring along things that will add a personal touch to your senior photos. These can be related to your sport, music, art, pets, a piece of jewelry, hats, car, and more. There is really no limit to what you can do. Just go over it with your photographer ahead of time so that they can make plans to incorporate it. Especially if you will be bringing a pet or something large that will require some logistical planning.
9. Choose your photoshoot crew
Plan to bring at least one other person along with you to your senior portrait session. This can be a parent, friend, sibling, or other family member. The right people can be invaluable during your session. They are your cheerleaders, help hold things, lighten the mood, assist with outfit changes, and are fun to incorporate into a few photos. Just make sure you choose the right people. Select someone who you know will be helpful, allows you to shine, and can elevate your experience.
10. Remember that this is YOUR experience!
Keep in mind that this experience is all about YOU! Talk to your photographer ahead of time to ask questions and come up with a plan you love. Think about what would make it enjoyable for you and tailor the day to your vision. Senior portrait experiences aren’t one size fits all. They should be a fun experience and reflect this time of your life. So, don’t put too much pressure on yourself for photoshoot perfection. I help my seniors created the most amazing session possible, and then we have a great time with it. Nervous and need a little more hand holding? No problem! Just reach out and I can help!
Where to go next?
Now that you are all set to get planning an amazing senior portrait experience, head on over to How To Prepare For Senior Pictures – 5 Easy Tips. I’ll walk you through a few easy things to do right before your senior session to make sure it goes as amazing as possible.
Ready to get in touch? I would love to hear from you and help you plan your dream photo shoot! Check out my Senior Portrait Experience or click the Book Now button to get going. I can’t wait to make some photo magic!
Some Senior Photoshoot Inspiration:
Thanks for reading!
XO, Janelle
Janelle Barrow Photography serves couples and seniors in Seattle and the surrounding areas. With an emphasis on bringing out the natural beauty of all her clients, Janelle is passionate about building confidence and joy in everyone who steps in front of her camera. Her light, romantic wedding images capture every moment of the wedding day from arrival to the final exit. She thrives on attention to detail and a great ability to take the stress out of photos.
If you are planning your senior pictures in the Seattle area, please get in touch to see how Janelle Barrow Photography can serve you.
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