Prep Like A Pro: Essential Tips For A Flawless Senior Photo Session

As you prepare to graduate from high school and begin the next phase of your life, senior photos are the perfect way to mark this huge moment. However, a senior session is often the first professional portrait shoot for most teenagers and can be a little intimidating. How do you dress? How do you pose? Should you bring props?

Feeling a bit nervous about your senior session is completely normal, and it's okay to have questions. That's why we've created this guide: to address your concerns and ensure you feel completely prepared to capture this significant milestone with some amazing photos!

Schedule early

While your graduation may be in May or June, it's crucial to schedule your senior photos well in advance. Consider the season you prefer for your photoshoot and book your session at least two months ahead. Senior sessions fill up quickly, especially in the fall, so the earlier you secure your session, the more in control and prepared you'll feel!

Get inspired

Once your session is booked, start looking around for inspiration. While your photographer will have plenty of awesome ideas for your images, if there's something specific you want a shot of, be sure to let them know! Pinterest and Instagram are both great places to find images you like, and you can even check out some of our previous senior sessions to get an idea of the kind of images we can create. We have a plethora of ideas on the G Photography by G Pinterest page.

Choose what to wear

Having a few outfit options for your senior session is a good idea. You'll want something casual, like jeans, a T-shirt, and something more formal. If you play a sport or participate in an extracurricular activity like band, you may also want to take photos in your uniform. Avoid loud patterns or neon colors that can wash out your skin and draw attention away from you and your smile.

If you wear glasses, consider picking up a cheap pair that looks similar and popping out the lenses. Glasses can easily cause glare and ruin an otherwise perfect photo, but if they're part of your everyday look, you definitely want to include them. Another option is doubling up and taking each image, both with and without your glasses, just in case of glare.

Make sure you're comfortable

When choosing your outfits, remember that comfort is key. Opt for clothes that allow you to move freely, especially when it comes to your choice of shoes. Comfort should take precedence over style, but if you're set on wearing heels, bring some sneakers for walking.

Think about props

A senior portrait session should reflect your personality, your interests, and your accomplishments throughout your high school career. If you play an instrument, consider bringing it along to include in your photos. If you play a sport, bring your equipment. There are various ways to include props in your photos, and we will help you by integrating them into your images. You can even bring along a pet if you have one! Just make sure Mom or Dad comes along to handle the pet while we take the rest of your photos.

Practice self-care

A little pampering can go a long way in helping you look your best. In the week before your senior session, be sure to drink plenty of water to give your skin a fresh, healthy look. You also want to get plenty of sleep so you look well-rested, especially the night before your session.

Ladies, if you plan to paint your nails, wait until the night before. Chipped nail polish will be noticeable in some of your images.

Guys, if you plan to shave, do it the night before your session. Shaving right before may make your skin red or irritated. Shaving the night before gives that redness a chance to disappear before you get in front of the camera.

Don't rush

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and get to your session location on the day of your session. Rushing will stress you out, and we definitely don't want that! Take time to eat a good breakfast and bring a snack and a water bottle for later in the day.

Show off your personality

Your parents will want some nice posed photos, but be bold and show off your personality in your images, whether that's a funny face or a goofy pose. Your senior session should be a fun experience, not just something to get through. We'll do everything possible to help you feel comfortable and ensure you're having a good time. After all, the best images are the ones that capture your authentic personality!

Relax and trust your photographer

The most important thing you can do is take a deep breath, smile, and let your photographer guide you through your whole session. They're experts on posing, lighting, and ensuring you get images you'll be eager to share with your family and friends!

More About G Photography by G

At G Photography by G, we take the lead on your photo ideas to create a memorable portrait session that allows you to enjoy the moment and the memories.

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Gwendolyn R. Houston-Jack, affectionately known as "G", is a Certified Professional Black woman photographer and luxury family portrait artist who consistently delivers photo session joy. As a lifelong storyteller, her style of photography aligns with her message of family, self-love, inclusion, and defining beauty for oneself. G curates and decorates homes with wall art and heirloom albums and serves Arlington, TX, including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area and Houston.