Senior sessions are so special and should not be overlooked. I remember my own senior session, we had a few things lined out, but I didn’t really know what I wanted to include in the photos or what to wear! Are you feeling a little lost and maybe a bit confused on how to make the session and photos look like you? Look no further, here are 5 tips to help you plan the best senior session.
1. Find a Date
This one may seem super obvious but stick with me! There are several things that you need to think about when deciding on a date. One of the most important things is making sure your photographer is open on the date you want. Beyond that, it is up to you to decide if you want the bright green of spring, the darker green and flowers of summer, the golden prairie grass of late summer, or the vibrant colors of fall. For me, it was the sunflowers! I’ve always loved sunflowers and it was important to me to include them in my session and the ones with the sunflowers are definitely my favorites.
2. Location
This one is very important as well! Your photographer will probably have some location ideas, but feel free to mention your own. With that being said, you want to make sure the location(s) will fit your personality and will look like you in the photos. The location does affect the overall vibe of the photos, so you want to make sure it fits what you’re going for. For example, if you love your cows, take pictures with the cows. If you love a coffee shop, go there. If you love bridges, find a bridge. If you love open fields, find an open field etc. I think you get the point, pick a location you love! For me, I love old barns so we found an old barn and I loved those photos.
3. Props
Honestly, props can really make a session amazing! It’s your senior session, make it you. There’s so many things you could include to personalize your session. Here’s a short list of some ideas: Animals, Instruments, Car/Truck, Paintings, Your Sport, Hobbies. Your photographer will appreciate knowing if you intend to include anything extra in your session so they can prepare! I personally LOVE including extra things like an animal or instrument or hobby. Bringing something that really fires you up can totally level up your session and make it that much more awesome!
4. Outfits
Oh my, what to wear!?! Choosing an outfit can very well be the toughest part of your senior session. I suggest choosing something that you are comfortable in and love. Most photographers will recommend neutrals and solids. While I agree, those photograph nicely I believe that your senior session should be more about you than about being perfectly “Aesthetic”. Now, this is where having more than one outfit comes in clutch! You can have one nice, aesthetic outfit for the photo mom wants to put up in the house, and then you can have a bright and bold outfit that matches you. I provide my clients with a more in-depth outfit guide when they book with me.
5. Get Relaxed
Don’t let the stresses of life bother you during your session! This is your time to relax and get goofy, bringing a family member or friend is perfect to get you smiling and relaxed. Picking outfits you love, locations that fire you up, and a photographer whom you’re comfortable with will all help you be relaxed and share those genuine happy smiles. My goal is to always capture the JOY, and that’s much easier to accomplish if you’re relaxed and ready for your session!
I hope you enjoyed this and learned something new, if you’re a senior I hope this inspired you to include things in your session to make it the best possible!
Thanks for reading!
-Amanda
