all the things you need to know for your
Senior Session
Let's have some fun!
Senior and graduate photography in San Antonio, TX
Senior Portraits might be my all time favorite sessions! I absolutely love meeting my clients and learning all about their studies and plans for the future!
This is your time to celebrate your accomplishments and put them on full display!! I've created this guide to help you plan for your session including some tips on outfit planning, things to avoid and what to bring with you! Use the content in this guide as suggestions, but feel free to reach out to me at any point in the planning process to chat about how we can make it personal to YOU and create images that you will look back on and love for years to come.
I can't wait to work with you!
outfit planning!
OK LET'S DO SOME...
01
Be Yourself
The NUMBER ONE, most important thing to remember when planning your outfits: if it’s not comfortable to wear in real life, it won’t make you feel confident on camera! If you do not like fitted clothing or super baggy clothing then leave them at home! If there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self- conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! I also recommend trying to steer clear of anything that you have to constantly adjust or is at risk of being revealing. You’ll be doing lots of moving and posing, so if the outfit is super low-cut…you’re at risk of things slipping while we shoot!
Be Comfortable
At risk of sounding cheesy…staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. When you look back at these images in 20+ years…you’ll want them to truly reflect YOU! If you aren’t someone who ever dresses up or enjoys being fancy…don’t feel like you need to go buy a fancy dress just for photos. If you don’t enjoy being girly and wearing frilly dresses or lots of makeup…then leave them at home! Don’t feel pressured to buy anything new or outside of your usual style just because you are getting photos taken. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this exciting season of life… so don’t change a single thing about ya!
02
Bring Options
Outfits allow for variety in your photos! In general I advise to bring at least 1 fancy/formal outfit, which includes a dress, nice slacks and a button up top or blouse. For the fellas, blazers or sport coats are always a nice touch!
For a casual option, have fun with it! Jeans & a Tee or even better, your favorite school shirt!
I'll keep saying it, but remember to stay true to yourself when choosing your outfits. If you have multiple options and aren't sure which to choose, I can help!
03
Play with Textures
Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit can make a huge difference.
I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses with epic trains or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!
04
outfit planning!
OK LET'S DO SOME...
Be Comfortable
At risk of sounding cheesy…staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. When you look back at these images in 20+ years…you’ll want them to truly reflect YOU! If you aren’t someone who ever dresses up or enjoys being fancy…don’t feel like you need to go buy a fancy dress just for photos. If you don’t enjoy being girly and wearing frilly dresses or lots of makeup…then leave them at home! Don’t feel pressured to buy anything new or outside of your usual style just because you are getting photos taken. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this exciting season of life… so don’t change a single thing about ya!
02
Bring Options
Outfits allow for variety in your photos! In general I advise to bring at least 1 fancy/formal outfit, which includes a dress, nice slacks and a button up top or blouse. For the fellas, blazers or sport coats are always a nice touch!
For a casual option, have fun with it! Jeans & a Tee or even better, your favorite school shirt!
I'll keep saying it, but remember to stay true to yourself when choosing your outfits. If you have multiple options and aren't sure which to choose, I can help!
03
Play with Textures
Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit can make a huge difference.
I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses with epic trains or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!
04
The NUMBER ONE, most important thing to remember when planning your outfits: if it’s not comfortable to wear in real life, it won’t make you feel confident on camera! If you do not like fitted clothing or super baggy clothing then leave them at home! If there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self- conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! I also recommend trying to steer clear of anything that you have to constantly adjust or is at risk of being revealing. You’ll be doing lots of moving and posing, so if the outfit is super low-cut…you’re at risk of things slipping while we shoot!
At risk of sounding cheesy…staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. When you look back at these images in 20+ years…you’ll want them to truly reflect YOU! If you aren’t someone who ever dresses up or enjoys being fancy…don’t feel like you need to go buy a fancy dress just for photos. If you don’t enjoy being girly and wearing frilly dresses or lots of makeup…then leave them at home! Don’t feel pressured to buy anything new or outside of your usual style just because you are getting photos taken. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this exciting season of life… so don’t change a single thing about ya!
Outfits allow for variety in your photos! In general I advise to bring at least 1 fancy/formal outfit, which includes a dress, nice slacks and a button up top or blouse. For the fellas, blazers or sport coats are always a nice touch!
For a casual option, have fun with it! Jeans & a Tee or even better, your favorite school shirt!
I'll keep saying it, but remember to stay true to yourself when choosing your outfits. If you have multiple options and aren't sure which to choose, I can help!
Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit can make a huge difference.
I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses with epic trains or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!
not booked yet?
THINGS TO AVOID:
You will be doing a lot of moving throughout your shoot, so wearing pieces that have to sit juuuuust right or that are at risk of slipping aren’t a good idea. And, if pieces are super thin or sheer, it may be see-through in your photos or easily show sweat marks in the summer months.
1. Pieces that are sheer, too fitted or potentially revealing
This is something that may slip your mind as you are planning your outfits…but it is SO important! Be sure to bring along multiple bras if you are wearing something strapless or that requires a sticky/backless bra. And wearing a neutral pair of undies is the best way to go to ensure it’s not showing through anything!
2. The wrong undergarments
We will be doing a lot of moving around, sitting, walking, etc. at your shoot. If the material of your outfit easily wrinkles...you may want to be careful. Pay close attention to textures and remember that not everything is as easy to edit out as you may think! Editing out wrinkles from a dress can take hours PER PHOTO...which can result in your images taking a lot longer to get back or requiring additional fees for extensive edits.
3. Pay attention to wrinkles
There is a difference between pops of color vs wearing neon colors. Really bright, saturated colors can actually reflect back up on your face and add green and pink tones that can be unflattering. Don't be boring by any means, just be mindful of the colors you choose. Not sure? Ask me!
4. Neon Colors
highlight your interests
just be you!
If you play a sport that is a huge part of your high school career...we need to highlight it! You can bring along your uniform + equipment (volleyball, softball, etc.) for some really fun photos. You can also consider adding in any medals, trophies or letters you have to highlight
I photograph a lot of Law School and Grad School student and I love when they bring their books to take photos with! You've spent soooo much time studying, show off what you've learned!
As a photographer and artist myself, I love finding creative ways to highlight your talent! If you paint, write, read or are a photographer yourself... let's show that off! We can find some really fun ways to highlight this, and I would love to have you bring along any pieces you are proud of to incorporate in your images!
Incorporating your favorite things into your pictures can be really creative...and also really funny! Have a coffee obsession? Are you someone who can't live without your daily Starbucks Pink Drink? Have a Chick-Fil-A obsession? In love with your car or have a shopping addiction? Let's brainstorm together to find some fun ways to highlight these things at your shoot!
Favorite Things
Hobbies + Artists
Academic
Athletics + Sports
If you already have your cap and gown before your shoot (or want to order a cheap one on Amazon) - we can get cap & gown images at your session!
cap & Gown photos
Because the gowns typically look a little like a potato sack (let's be honest), I typically photograph my seniors with them un-zipped to be a bit more flattering! I recommend wearing a sundress underneath - something white or neutral looks really traditional and timeless underneath the gowns. I also recommend a neutral pair of heels! We will get images with it both zipped and un-zipped, as well as with the cap and without - just so you have tons of options!
Pick the right dress underneath!
Don't forget to bring the tassel for the top of your cap (most highlight your graduating school year!) as well as any additional cords, awards or elements that you want to highlight!
If you choose to decorate your cap, doing it before your shoot allows us to get the cutest detail photos of it!
Bring your tassel & regalia!
Not booked yet?
Aside from choosing your outfits (which we are diving into next, don’t worry!) - choosing your LOCATIONS is a huge part of what will determine the overall style and aesthetic of your images. It also takes a little bit of logistical planning to map out where we will shoot and the travel time between locations. Overall, there are a few things to keep in mind when picking where to shoot:
Let's talk locations...
are they a big deal?
YEP. This is hard to understand if you aren’t a photographer but hear me out: if you have the most beautiful garden location in mind with tons of fluffy flowers and manicured walkways…but it’s in the DIRECT sunlight all day long…it’s actually not an ideal place to shoot. It would be better to have the session in a random field on the side of the highway with gorgeous back-light coming through the trees…because the LIGHT is what makes the biggest difference in the whole world! Trust me on this one!!
It’s actually not the location that matters most…it’s the LIGHT!
While the location of your shoot totally matters…it may not matter quite as much as you think. The majority of the images in your final gallery will be close-up images…meaning you can’t see a whole lot of the background. What you CAN see is the colors, light and overall “feel” of the location. The point is: don’t get so caught-up and stressed over one specific location. Choose a “vibe” that you want…and I can help
you pick spots that will make that happen!
Try to think of an overall “feel” or “vibe” for your shoot…and let this guide your location choices!
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location options
These are examples of common location types or “vibes” that my seniors want for their shoot. While one location is included in the Simple and Classic package, we move around a lot to get lots of variations! The below locations are not the ONLY spots we can have a session! I love to scout locations so if you know a certain look you want to acheive, let me know and we can brainstorm!
Common Places: Phil Hardberger Park, Madla Park, Joshua Springs Park, Cibolo Nature Center
Rural + Rustic
Common Places: Eilan - La Cantera, Landa Library & Gardens, the McNay Art Museum
Classic Architecture
The Pearl is a great option for variety! You can get a more urban/industrial look PLUS some photos down by the river and around pretty plants!
The Pearl
The college campuses around town are very pretty and have great spots! Plus it's a perfect way to highlight where you've spent most of your time!
On Campus
Now, for the slightly less fun part...let's address a few quick things that could go wrong at your session. These are some frequently asked questions that I get about common problems that can pop up...and I want you to feel as prepared as possible! I've been doing this for almost a decade....so I've seen it all! And I'm confident that we will get you amazing images no matter what gets thrown our way!
Frequently Asked Questions
This is by far the most asked question I get about things that could go wrong, which makes total sense...because bad weather happens all the time! If there is bad weather in the forecast for your shoot, rest assured that you have options and I am MORE than happy to reschedule! I typically wait until we are 24 hours out from the session to make a final decision about weather because it changes so often.
If there is a 50% chance of rain or LESS: It is TOTALLY up to you whether you want to move forward with trying to shoot, or if you'd prefer to reschedule to another date. If we shoot and it DOES rain...we will have to finish the session despite the weather (we can't do two shoots if you decide to move forward but the weather doesn't cooperate). But we can make some REALLY cute photos happen in the rain!!! However, if you have your heart set on glowing light and bright images...I'd recommend rescheduling to be safe.
If there is a 50% chance of rain or MORE: My professional recommendation in these scenarios is to reschedule. Even if it doesn't end up raining, it's always better to be safe than sorry, especially if you are really excited about bright, sunset light in your photos!
Wind: There has only been one time I've had to reschedule a session for bad wind...and it was CRAZINESS! Typically, we can shoot despite the wind if we are strategic with WHERE we shoot. But if there are crazy gusts and you would prefer to move to a day when we know your hair won't have flyaways... we can make that happen!
Fog: Typically, fog is only an issue with sunrise shoots.... but I've had it happen! If there is severely thick fog, it will impact your images because they will be cloudy and grey...which is not my typical shooting style that you booked me for.
Cloudy: I have a lot of seniors who get worried about cloudy days because they think their images won't be as bright and beautiful...but rest assured, that's not true!! Cloudy days are actually AMAZING for photographers...because it means there are no harsh shadows!! Unless it is a seriously grey day with heavy fog or severe storm clouds...cloudy days are our friend!! AND they aren't as hot!!
Yes! I highly recommend bringing someone with you to your session who can assist with holding items/outfits as well as be an extra set of eyes to make sure all of the details are just perfect. Your friends and family can even jump in for a group photo!
I also get asked a lot - what about my pet? YES, bring them!! I've photographed so many cute cats & dogs with my grads! If you plan on bringing them, then for sure have a friend or family member come with you to assist.
I always suggest having at least make up done for photos! I do this for myself when taking photos and it always give me a little extra boost of confidence! I work with various Hair/Make Up Artists in town and am happy to send suggestions on who to book!
When deciding whether to bring confetti poppers or champagne, consider the location and if those items are allowed. On most campuses, there are spots where students are popping confetti or getting in a fountain for champagne pics!
However, if we're having our session in a public place, like the McNay, the Pearl, Landa Library, etc., confetti should not be used. Confetti is almost impossible to clean and can harm wildlife which we definitely don't want to do!
