You’ve booked your senior pictures with a photographer, now what do you do? I’ve created a senior session prep checklist for you to make sure you have everything you need to make sure your session goes smoothly. Some of these tips are for both ladies and gents, and some are for just the ladies, you can either read through them all or skim over if they don’t apply to you!

• Start shopping for your outfits. Start from your closet, if not head to the stores. You don’t want to wait to til the last minute to find an outfit. Remember to make sure that these outfits reflect you and your style but that you can sit, lay down and squat in.
• Practice hairstyle multiple times until session
• Haircut/color appointment (gals)

 

• Narrow down your outfits (bring at least one outfit you feel confident in, one outfit your parents like an outfit appropriate for your yearbook photo)
• haircut/color appointment (guys)
• ​I recommend not to spend any time outside in the sun for extended periods of time the week of your session. Tan lines and sunburns are extremely hard to photoshop out and may require an extra fee for extra editing outside of my normal editing.
• nail care – ladies, if you’re wanting your nails to be painted for your session now is the time to do so.

 

Want to take it a step further? Make a prep kit! Fill it with items that you may need in case of outfit emergency or touch ups with make-up. Here are some ideas for your prep kit:

• safety pins
• stain remover
• lint roller
• blotting papers
• deodorant
• bobby pins
• mirror
• hair gel/spray

 

• Lay out your outfits and accessories
• undergarments for outfits chosen – no visible bra straps, etc
• shoes for all outfits chosen – make sure to pack a pair of comfortable shoes to walk in if your shoes for outfits aren’t
• props chosen (and communicated with me) 
• towels/blankets for makeshift changing room
• Glasses (remove lenses or practice putting on those contacts to ensure we don’t get lens glare)
• More important: Get lots of sleep

 

• Shave (guys face; girls legs, underarms)- spend a little more time on shaving to avoid nicks and rashes. 
• Eat. Something substantial, but not too heavy.
• Make sure to check in ahead of time if the weather looks like it might be cloudy or stormy, don’t worry, I do my best to stay in constant contact leading up to your sesh on this
• Show up on time or be there a little earlier to ensure we can maximize our time together
• Relax and rest up for the evening, we’re gonna have so much fun!!

 

I wish you the best of luck for your big day! Hopefully this senior prep checklist will set you up for success. Haven’t booked your senior portrait session yet but wanting to? Shoot me a message! I’d love to help you out!