Senior Session Checklist
Your senior session is almost here, and we know you’ve been waiting for this exciting moment. As senior photographers, two frequently asked questions are: “What should I wear for my senior session?” and “What should I bring to my senior session?” The worst feeling is forgetting to bring something that you wanted for your senior portraits. We want you to be and feel absolutely prepared for the day of your session. Our checklist should cover just about everything you need, whether you’re booked for a 20-minute Mini Session, or a Signature Session!
Before you read the checklist, think about these questions:
What do you want your senior portraits to say about you? Something fun? Classic? Stylish? Sporty? Totally you?
Where are you taking your senior portraits at? In the studio? At a park? In a city? On-location?
These photos are going to last for decades, which means your loved ones will treasure these for years to come. What do you want them to say about you? Do you want them to remember your style? Your extracurriculars and/or sports?
The Ultimate Senior Session Checklist
Clothing & Accessories
Make sure your outfits, shoes, accessories, and undergarments for outfits are chosen (no visible bra straps, etc) at least the day before your session.
If your session is a Studio Session, Signature Session, Anywhere Session, or Beach Session, you get multiple outfit changes. Keep variety in mind when choosing your outfits.
If you’re doing the Mini Session, we recommend keeping it classic. Long-sleeved and black top, with dark bottoms.
Remember to bring jewelry and other accessories you want to wear. We recommend keeping it simple- the focus is on you, not your jewelry or accessories! Adding a hat will give you variety in your outfits, poses, and photos in general.
Make sure you remember to bring shoes that go well with your outfit(s)! If you’re wearing heels for your outfit, don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes as well!
TIP: Neatly pack your outfits! Wrinkly clothing DOES show up in photos. Pack a wrinkle-release spray just in case. However, you can avoid cutting your session time by neatly packing your outfits, instead of spending your session time making sure that your clothing looks good.
Beauty & Grooming
1-3 weeks before your session:
- Haircut/Color Appointment
- Don’t get a sunburn or highly visible tan lines
1-3 days before your session:
- Clean, trim, and paint nails
Day of your session:
- Shave
- Hair washed
Elements
AKA “Props”
Bring things that best represent you during your last year of high school! What makes you happy or what are you passionate about? Outside of school, what takes up a lot of your time? What are your hobbies? What do you aspire to be after graduation? These are some things to consider when thinking about what you want to bring to your session. Although it isn’t necessary, we think that these elements will make your senior portraits unique and custom for you! We also believe that in the future, you and your loved ones will enjoy looking back at the things you were passionate about when you were younger. This is your time, so bring whatever feels most important to you!
- Sporting goods
- Varsity jacket/sweater/letter
- Instrument
- Things that represent your hobbies/passion (playbills, skateboard, collection of ______, etc.)
- Rings/medals/trophies
- Biodegradable confetti
- Textbooks
Extras
Because you can’t be over-prepared!
Of course, not everything on this list will apply to you, but here are our general recommendations:
- Lip balm
- Blotting sheets
- Powder
- Tissues/disposable wipes
- Floss
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Lint roller
- Wrinkle release spray and/or travel steamer
- Makeup bag for touch-ups (eyelash glue, lip color, etc.)
- Curling iron or straightener
- Hairspray, hair gel, or frizz spray
- Safety pins
Check out our other helpful blog posts for your senior session:
