March 22, 2023

How to Prepare for Your Senior Portrait Session

FILED IN: Portraits

Hi! I am Callie and I am a senior portrait photographer in Savannah, Georgia. I am soooo excited to share some tips on how to make the most of your senior portrait session!

Senior portrait sessions are a rite of passage for high school seniors. These sessions capture the essence of who they are at this pivotal moment in their lives, and serve as a lasting memory of their time in school. Preparing for a senior portrait session may seem daunting, but with a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure that your session is a success.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for your senior portrait session:

  1. Choose your outfits carefully: The clothing you wear in your senior portraits will play a big role in how your pictures turn out. Choose outfits that are comfortable, stylish, and represent your personality. Avoid clothing with large logos or busy patterns, as they can be distracting in photographs. Consider bringing a few different outfits to your session so that you have options to choose from. I would steer away from patterns with thin lines as they can look a little warped due to the curvature of the camera’s lens. I ADORE shooting dresses with some movement.
  2. Practice your poses: JK that is totally my job and WHAT I DO BEST! 😂 It is super important for me to tell you right now that you do not have to worry about “knowing what to do with your hands” and what to do to end up with photos that you absolutely love of yourself! I have got you, boo.
  3. Make a list of things that really make you happy… like, if you had a week of vacation and no responsibilities- what would you do? Often times this really sparks some fun and meaningful shoot ideas.
  4. Choose a location: Talk to your photographer about the location of your session. Whether you choose a historic district, waterfront property or the beach, make sure it’s a place that you feel comfortable and that reflects your personality.
  5. Bring props: Props can add a personal touch to your portraits and make them more unique. Consider bringing items that represent your hobbies or interests, such as a musical instrument or a sports jersey.
  6. Get your hair and makeup done: Consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done before your session. This can help you feel more confident and camera-ready. If you opt for this, for the love of pete, be kind but firm on the final result looking like you. If you see something that you’d like fixed before you leave the chair- get it done!
  7. Communicate with your photographer: Finally, make sure to communicate with your photographer about any specific ideas or requests you have for your session. They are there to help you capture your vision and create portraits that you will cherish for years to come.

Preparing for a senior portrait session may seem overwhelming, but with these tips, you can ensure that your session is a success. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself and have fun!

If you’d like to see a full gallery, you may do so here!

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