Planning Your Senior Photos: A Complete Guide
Congratulations, Class of 2025! You’ve made it to one of the most exciting years of your life—your senior year! It’s a time filled with friendships, milestones, and endless possibilities for the future. Capturing this special moment with your senior photos is an opportunity to reflect on who you are now and where you’re headed next.
So, how do you plan the perfect senior session? Let’s walk through everything you’ll want to consider as you prepare for your perfect custom senior portrait session.
1. Choosing the Right Season for Your Senior Photos
When scheduling your senior session, it’s all about finding a time that fits your vibe and your schedule. Think about when you’re least busy, and can truly enjoy the process.
Love summer outfits and a sun-kissed glow? Late summer or early fall might be perfect for you! August is a perfect still summer look.
Dreaming of cozy sweaters and fall leaves? Autumn is ideal, but keep in mind that these dates fill up fast, and are inconsistent year to year, so book early! Late September and October are usually the best timeframe.
Better late than never: Don’t shy away from a spring session! You'll look fresh and confident, and those photos will still feel up-to-date by graduation. Cap & Gown sessions in the spring are a great way to round out your senior year, and so much fun!
2. Location Choices: Pets welcome!
When planning your senior photos, the choice between studio and outdoor locations offers endless possibilities to make your session unique and personal.
Studio Portraits: Controlled and Versatile
Studio sessions allow for a controlled environment where lighting, backdrops, and settings can be customized to your vision. This is ideal for senior portraits that showcase a polished, professional look or highlight specific activities and interests in a clean, minimalist way.
Sports Portraits: If you're an athlete, consider bringing your sports gear or uniform for a dynamic studio portrait. Using controlled lighting can highlight your strength and dedication, and creative techniques can add an artistic flair, making your sports portraits stand out.
Pets in the Studio: Many seniors love to include their pets in their photos, and studio settings make this easy! Whether it’s a playful puppy or a calm cat, your pets can join you for a few shots in a relaxed, distraction-free environment.
Outdoor Sessions: Natural and Dynamic
For a more relaxed and varied feel, outdoor locations offer stunning backdrops that capture the beauty of the season or your favorite local spots. In St. Louis and surrounding areas, popular outdoor spots can be seen on this page: LOCATIONS
3. What to Wear: Show Off Your Style
Your outfits should reflect you. I recommend bringing at least three different looks for a full session. This could include a mix of casual and dressy outfits to show off different sides of your personality.
Here are a few tips:
Avoid busy patterns or neon colors—they don’t always photograph well.
Focus on pieces you feel confident and comfortable in. If you feel comfortable, you will look comfortable!
Dresses with a little bit of flow are great for movement and variety in your posing.
Don’t forget the details: Your nails, shoes, and accessories will be visible in your photos, so make sure they complement your outfits.
Be sure to let me know if we are incorporating any sports locations or outfits, so we can work them in appropriately!
3. Order of Outfits
Believe it or not, the order you wear your outfits matters! Start with your least favorite look and save your favorite for last. You’ll likely become more relaxed as the session goes on, and the lighting usually gets better as well. Be sure to share your outfit choices with me before your shoot, and I can help pick locations that complement each look.
4. Tanning, Makeup, and Blemishes
Wondering if you should tan before your shoot? Natural skin tones photograph best, but if you want a bronzed look, go for a professional spray tan—just make sure to try it out a couple of weeks before the shoot. As for makeup, go with what feels natural to you. I recommend matte foundation with full coverage, but whether you choose to do it yourself or book a makeup artist, it’s all about enhancing your natural beauty.
Don’t stress about blemishes—retouching can easily handle any imperfections!
5. What to Bring to Your Senior Shoot
Being prepared is key to a smooth and fun session. Here’s what you’ll want to pack:
Outfits (make sure they’re wrinkle-free!)
Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
Jewelry (if you wear it, keep it simple)
Water, tissues, or a small towel to blot sweat
Lip gloss, powder, or other touch-up essentials
Bug spray (I always have some on hand as well)
Any props that represent your hobbies or interests (especially athletes!)
6. A Special Note for Parents
Thank you for investing in your senior’s photos—it’s a decision you’ll never regret! Here are a few ways to make the session go smoothly:
Shop for outfits early so the process is stress-free.
Give your senior some space during the session so they can feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
Compliments go a long way! Hearing positive feedback from you will boost your senior’s confidence and help them shine in their photos.
Trust the process and your photographer. If you have specific ideas or poses in mind, feel free to share them with me, but remember that every session is unique and customized to your senior.
Ask about any senior specials or reserving a fall session + cap and gown session in the spring.
Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate the experience! If you love the results, share your photos, tag your photographer, and consider leaving a Google review to help future seniors.
Have more tips to share or questions about your session? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s make your senior year unforgettable!
Ready to book your senior session? Click here to get started!
I would love to help you with maternity, newborn, children, and family portrait sessions at my studio in Winghaven, MO or for outdoor portraits in the greater St. Charles and St. Louis County areas.
Get in touch today to customize your dream session!
Sargent Photography is a custom portrait maternity, newborn, and family photographer in O’Fallon, Missouri serving the greater St. Charles and St. Louis area.
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