Your Senior Session Prep Guide

Everything you need to know before we shoot!

Hey! I am SO excited to be your senior photographer. Senior year is a big deal and your photos should feel like you — not a posed, stiff version of you, but the real, genuine you. That is exactly what we are going for together.

Here is everything you need to know to make sure your session goes smoothly and you feel your absolute best!

How It All Works

Step 1: Book your session You are here! Once you are booked, you will receive a short questionnaire from me. Please actually fill it out — it helps me get to know you and make sure we are set up for an amazing session.

Step 2: Pre-session check-in About a week before your session, I will reach out to confirm all the details — time, location, outfits, props, the whole thing. This is a great time to ask any last minute questions.

Step 3: Session day Show up, be yourself, and have fun. That is literally all you need to do. I will handle the rest.

Step 4: After your session I will post a sneak peek on social media within a few days. Your full gallery will be delivered within 2-4 weeks. Keep your yearbook deadline in mind!

Your Prep Timeline

When You Book

  • Lock in your hair, nail, and makeup appointments NOW if that is your thing. Those books fill up fast.
  • Start a Pinterest board of poses or vibes you love and send it my way — I am absolutely here for it.

1-2 Weeks Before

  • Start pulling your outfits together. Think about what feels like you — not what you think you are supposed to wear.
  • Gather any props you want to bring. Varsity jacket? Instrument? Dance bag? Graduation gown? Bring it all and we will figure out what works.
  • Remove tags from anything new you are wearing. Trust me on this one.

3-5 Days Before

  • Try everything on — including accessories. Check for visible bra straps or underwear lines now, not day-of.
  • Skip the spray tan. I know, I know. But self-tanner can show up orange in photos and there is no fixing it in editing. You are going to glow without it!
  • Start drinking more water. Hydrated skin photographs beautifully. It is that simple.

1-2 Days Before

  • Pack everything into one bag — outfits, props, accessories, all of it. Do not leave it to morning-of you.
  • Touch base with me to confirm the plan.
  • Drink more water!

Day Of

  • Bring: all outfits and accessories, any props, water, chapstick, makeup for touch ups, a brush or comb, and oil blotting sheets if you use them.
  • Give yourself extra time to get ready so you are not rushing.
  • Take a breath. You are going to do great!

A Few Things I Want You to Know

Your photos should look like you. I am not here to make you look like someone else. If you have acne, we can retouch it — just let me know your preference. If you want to rock your natural skin, we do that too. You are in control.

Candid is always better than posed. Some of my favorite shots happen when we are just talking and laughing between poses. Do not stress about knowing what to do — I will guide you the whole way.

Bring what matters to you. Hobbies, sports, pets, a special location — if it is part of your story right now, it belongs in your session.

What to Wear

How Many Outfits Should I Bring?

Girls

I always recommend bringing more than you think you need — seriously. Sometimes something that looked great at home just doesn't feel right on session day, and that is totally fine! Having options takes the pressure off.

At minimum, plan for two outfits — typically one dressier look and one more casual. This alone gives your gallery great variety even in a shorter session.

Most girls end up bringing three to four outfits total with mix-and-match tops and bottoms. Include a long and short dress if you can! Bring the options and we will narrow it down together when you arrive — just plan to get there a few minutes early so we have time to do that! I generally recommend starting with your dressiest look while your hair and makeup are the freshest.

Guys

At minimum, bring two — one dressy and one casual. This gives your gallery great variety and your parents will love you for it.

Don't stress about where to change — I bring a portable changing tent to every session so you are never stuck changing in a parking lot or a gross public restroom. It is roomy, private, and easy!

Outfit Tips for Everyone

  • Try everything on ahead of time — move around in it, raise your arms, sit down, crouch down. If it is going to be a problem, find out now not day-of.
  • Skip the logo tees. Unless it's your school or the college you're headed to, branded tops date your photos fast.
  • Think about your location. Your questionnaire helps me give you specific guidance on what will and won't work with the background.
  • Wear what makes you feel good. If something makes you self-conscious at home, leave it at home. Confidence photographs beautifully.

A Few Extra Tips

Girls

  • Colors over all-black or all-white. Solid black and white can wash out your skin tone on camera. Soft colors, pastels, jewel tones, and anything that feels like you tend to photograph beautifully.
  • Add a layer or a statement piece. A jacket, scarf, belt, or bold necklace adds dimension and makes your photos pop. Think of it as the piece that pulls the whole look together.
  • Don't forget accessories — hats, jewelry, fun shoes. They give your hands something to do and add personality to your shots!
  • Hang everything on hangers once you have decided what you are bringing. Future you will be very grateful.

Guys

  • Go with plain or subtly patterned shirts. When in doubt, a solid colored tee always works.
  • Fit matters. If you are rocking an untucked button-down, go slim fit. Boxy shirts add width — nobody wants that.
  • Match your socks to your pants. Black with black, brown with brown. Simple rule, easy win.
  • Bring a belt. It is the number one most forgotten item at guy sessions. Do not forget the belt.
  • Wear your watch if you normally wear one.
  • Shoes should match the vibe. No beat-up sneakers with dress pants!

Bring Your Story

In a sport or have a hobby? Bring your jersey, uniform, equipment, trophies — whatever represents who you are right now. Pets and vehicles are also fair game. This session is all about YOU.


A Few Last Things

  • Get your haircut 1-2 weeks before — not the day before. Give yourself time to figure out how to style it. (Guys, this one's especially for you!)
  • Avoid sunburn in the days leading up to your session. A red, peeling nose is hard to edit.
  • Don't stress. Show up, be yourself, and have a good time. That is all!

Questions?

I am always just an email or DM away. Reach out anytime at thelynxlens@gmail.com or find me on social @thelynxlens.

I cannot wait to celebrate YOU. Let's make some incredible photos!

— Ashley, The Lynx Lens