5 Tips for a Great Senior Session

Graduating is no small feat. It’s a huge, enormous accomplishment that should be celebrated like there’s no tomorrow. It’s the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and what better way to capture the elation that comes with graduating than a fabulous photo session! 

Here are some tips that can help make your senior session an unforgettable experience: 

1. Dress to impress – your outfit(s) is probably one of the most important things to think about for your photo session. You should be feeling fierce with whatever outfit you put on, whether that’s an amazingly detailed and form-fitting evening gown, a GQ-inspired blazer, or simple jeans and t-shirt, you should look and more importantly, feel your best. You don’t want to be wearing something that is uncomfortable or does not represent your personality. It will show in the photos if you’re uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to have a range of outfits, some can be dressy and formal and others laid back and relaxed. Wear what makes you feel amazing!

2. Cap & Gown – you didn’t come this far to not include your cap and gown, the very symbols of graduating, in your session. It may seem a little on the boring side to include cap and gown pictures, but these are the pictures that will make your parents and grandparents, and anyone else that’s been routing for you, beam from ear to ear when they see it. Choose outfits that will complement the colors of your cap & gown and not clash with it, especially if it’s not your typical black cap and gown. Toss your cap in the air with pride, and swish that gown!

3. Location – the location you pick for your photoshoot should be a place that makes you happy. If your high school football field is where you feel your best, then have your session there. If your college is in a bustling city then going for more of an urban vibe with a nice cityscape as the background or a downtown area with lots of cool murals and shops would be the way to go. It’s important to keep in mind that if you’re shooting at multiple locations, they should be fairly close together so that you make the most of your time with your photographer actually taking pictures and not traveling from location A to location B.

4. Props – chances are, you didn’t just spend your time at school studying and taking classes. You were involved in some kind of club, team, or activity that helped make you the person you are today. Include props that represent that other side of you. Bring that ball you kicked in the winning game, bring your guitar, bring your favorite beaker and safety goggles, bring what makes you you. 

5. Communicate and have fun – you’ve worked hard and now it’s time to have fun! Photographers want to make sure that you’re having fun at your session because we can spot a genuine smile over a forced smile a mile away. Communicate with your photographer the type of creative vision that you have for your session, the mood you want to set, and the types of photos you want to capture. Tell them your favorite things to do in your spare time, your favorite songs, and your favorite movies. The more we can have an authentic conversation with you, the more authentic your experience will be. 

Congratulations and best of luck with your next exciting chapter!