How to Prepare for Your Senior Photography Session
Senior year is such an exciting milestone, and capturing it with beautiful, authentic photos is one of the best ways to celebrate everything you’ve accomplished. Whether you’re planning to feature your senior portraits in your yearbook, gift them to family, or hang them proudly on the wall—your session is kind of a big deal!
Feeling nervous? You’re not alone! Many teens (and parents) feel a little anxious about being in front of the camera, but with a bit of planning and the right photographer, your senior session can be relaxed, fun, and totally YOU.
At a Glance: What You’ll Find in This Guide
Inspiration and Planning Tips
You Can Be as Involved (or Hands-Off) as You Want
Not everyone wants to plan every detail and that’s totally fine too! Some seniors prefer to keep things simple: show up, pose, and get it done. Others like to be more involved in planning outfits, locations, and overall aesthetic.
Whichever way you lean, I’ll meet you there. My job is to make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, whether you’re camera-shy or ready to strike a pose.
You’ve Got This!
Preparing for your senior photos doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little inspiration and a photographer who knows how to make it fun, your senior photo session can be one of the highlights of your final year.
If you're a high school senior in Eugene, Springfield, or anywhere in Lane County, and you're ready to book a senior photography session that feels relaxed, fun, and totally personalized I'd love to connect with you. Let’s create something you’ll be proud of now and cherish for years to come.
Get Inspired Before Your Session
One of the best ways to start preparing for your senior session is by collecting ideas. Look around Inspiration is everywhere! Whether it’s scrolling through Pinterest, browsing Instagram, or seeing what your friends are doing, noticing what catches your eye can help you define your own style.
I always love it when seniors send me example images or a mood board. It helps me understand the vibe you're going for whether that's natural and outdoorsy, bold and edgy, or timeless and classic. A shared Pinterest board works great, but even texting a few favorite photos is helpful.
The more you share, the more I can tailor the session to reflect your personality and vision.
Prep Before Your Senior Photo Session
A little preparation goes a long way in making your senior photo session fun, relaxed, and totally stress-free. Here’s what you can do ahead of time to help everything go smoothly on the day of your shoot.
Plan and Pack Your Outfits in Advance
For a typical one-hour senior session, you’ll have time for about two outfit changes, depending on the location and timing. It's a great idea to bring a few outfit options so we can pick the ones that work best with your location and desired look. I’ll help you coordinate once we’re on-site, so don’t worry about overpacking!
Aim to include a variety of styles think casual, dressy, and maybe something meaningful to you (like a team jersey, favorite band tee, or your varsity jacket). Outfits that reflect your personality and fit the setting will make your photos feel more authentic.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Choose your outfits several days in advance, and the night before your session, take a few minutes to pack everything up. This way, you’re not scrambling or forgetting things as you walk out the door.
Here’s a handy packing checklist:
Comb or brush for quick touch-ups
Makeup or powder for any light retouching
Wrinkle-release spray (helpful if clothes were folded or packed)
Extra outfit options
Accessories like hats, jewelry, scarves, ties, etc.
Props that highlight your hobbies or interests sports gear, musical instruments, books, etc.
A towel (especially for warmer weather summer sun in Eugene can sneak up on you!)
Your varsity jacket or any other special clothing you’d like included
What to Wear for Your Senior Photo Session
Choosing the right outfits for your senior session is one of the best ways to make sure your photos reflect your personality and help you feel confident in front of the camera. The right clothes can elevate your session, highlight your best features, and keep the focus where it should be on you.
Whether we're photographing in a local Eugene park, downtown, or a natural setting outside the city, here are some friendly tips to help you dress your best.
Keep It Clean and Simple
When it comes to senior portraits, less is more especially with clothing. Stick to pieces that are visually simple and free of distracting logos, busy prints, or bold graphics. We want your face, eyes, and personality to be the star of the photo not the brand name across your shirt.
Also, be mindful of what you wear underneath. Make sure your undershirts or bras don’t show through or clash with your outfits. If a strapless bra is needed, please bring one we want to avoid visible straps that could take away from your polished look.
Comfort + Fit = Confidence
Choose clothing that fits well, allows you to move comfortably, and makes you feel like yourself. If you'd wear it out with friends or to your favorite spot around Eugene, it's probably a good choice for your shoot.
Think about the location of your session when selecting outfits. For example:
Outdoor locations like Hendricks Park or Mount Pisgah: Earth tones, layers, and textures photograph beautifully in natural settings.
Urban or downtown Eugene: A bit of edge or layering can pop against concrete, brick, or modern architecture.
Outfit Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
✅ DO:
Bring 2–3 outfits for variety think casual, semi-formal, and something personal
Wear colors that complement your skin tone and eye color
Build your outfit around neutrals or soft tones and add pops of color
Accessorize thoughtfully shoes, hats, and jewelry should enhance your look, not overpower it
Dress your whole body every detail matters, especially for full-length shots
❌ DON’T:
Wear neon or super bright colors (unless we’ve discussed a specific creative idea)
Choose outfits with tiny stripes or checks they can distort in photos
Wear clothing with large logos or athletic branding
Go overboard with bold or chunky jewelry delicate and subtle is best (unless you're rocking a signature piece like a favorite band tee we love those!)
Choosing Flattering Styles
Everyone has features they love or feel a little self-conscious about and that's totally normal. Clothing can help highlight your best features and boost your confidence:
Love your legs? Try a cute dress or skirt.
Want to look taller? Heels or wedges can help elongate your frame.
Hoping to draw attention upward? A structured neckline or earrings can do the trick.
Want to create smooth lines? High-waisted pants or tops with shape can be flattering and stylish.
You don’t have to overthink it just aim to wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.
Final Thoughts
Your senior photo session is a celebration of who you are at this moment in time. Whether you're shooting in downtown Eugene, the woods, or a wide-open field, thoughtful outfit choices can help you look and feel amazing.
Still unsure what to wear? I’m always happy to offer guidance! Just send over a few outfit ideas and I can help you coordinate the perfect look for your session location and style.
Should I Do My Own Makeup for My Senior Photos?
One of the most common questions I get before a senior session is: “Should I do my own makeup?” And the short answer is it’s totally up to you!
If it’s in your budget, hiring a professional makeup artist can be a fantastic choice. Makeup artists are trained to apply makeup specifically for the camera. They know which products photograph best, stay put during outdoor sessions, and highlight your natural features without looking heavy or overdone. It’s a great way to add a little polish and confidence to your senior photo experience.
That said, if you feel more comfortable doing your own makeup or prefer to keep things low-key that’s completely okay too! Many of my senior clients choose to do their own makeup and still look amazing in their photos. Here are a few friendly tips to help you get camera-ready on your own:
Easy Makeup Tips for Senior Pictures
Use natural light when applying makeup – This gives you the most accurate view of how your makeup will actually look in your photos.
Start with a primer – It helps your foundation go on smoothly and stay put throughout your session.
Choose a foundation with medium to full coverage – It evens out your skin tone and gives your photos a polished finish.
Go slightly bolder than your everyday look – The camera softens features, so a little extra mascara or blush can help your features pop just keep the overall look natural.
Stick with matte products – Shimmery or glittery makeup tends to reflect light in unflattering ways and can make skin appear uneven in photos.
Keep lips soft and simple – Neutral lip colors or soft pinks work best. Avoid glossy finishes, neon tones, or super dark shades.
Bring your makeup with you – It’s helpful for quick touch-ups, especially if we’re shooting outdoors in warm weather or multiple locations.
Keep It Natural—But Camera Ready
The goal is to look like the best version of you. Your makeup should enhance your features, not cover them up. If you normally wear very minimal makeup, you don’t need to go overboard just add a touch of polish so you don’t feel washed out in front of the camera.
One last tip: bring a translucent powder with you! Changing outfits and moving around during your session can cause a bit of shine, especially on warmer days in the Eugene area. A quick dab of powder helps keep your skin looking fresh and photo-ready.
Worried About Breakouts?
Please don’t stress over minor acne or skin texture. A few blemishes are totally normal, and I can take care of that in the editing process. If you’re dealing with more noticeable breakouts, that’s okay too. My goal is always to make sure your final photos reflect you at your best natural, confident, and glowing.
How to Style Your Hair for Your Senior Photo Session
Your senior portraits should capture you at your best and that includes your hair! Whether you’re keeping it casual or going all out, a little prep and planning goes a long way in making sure you love how your hair looks in your final photos.
Stick to What You Know (and Love)
This isn’t the time to try a totally new cut or color. I always recommend going with a hairstyle you're already comfortable wearing something you’ve done before and know you like. The last thing you want is to get your senior photos back and not feel like yourself!
If you plan to get a haircut or color touch-up, schedule it at least a week before your session. That gives your hair time to settle, soften, and look more natural in photos. Plus, a little growth or "lived-in" texture often photographs better than a super-fresh cut.
Keep It Natural, Not Stiff
When it comes to styling, movement is your friend. Light waves, loose curls, or a softly smoothed-out look all work beautifully in photos. Try to avoid using too much product or heavy hairspray we want your hair to move naturally, not look stiff or helmet-like!
If you’re not confident styling your own hair, consider hiring a local Eugene hairstylist or mobile beauty pro. Many offer hair and makeup packages starting around $150 and can come to your home before your session. It’s a great way to relax and feel pampered before your shoot!
Let Your Hair Reflect You
If you normally wear your hair in a braid, ponytail, bun, or natural curls go for it! You don’t need to change your look to “fit” a certain style. Just aim to enhance your everyday look, not reinvent it. If you’ve been eyeing that Pinterest-perfect updo or elaborate braid, maybe give it a trial run a few days before your session to see how it feels and photographs.
Want to play it safe? Spend a few days leading up to your shoot trying different versions of your go-to styles until you find what feels best. Confidence is key and when you feel good, it shows.
Pro Tips for Picture-Perfect Hair
Schedule trims or color touch-ups at least 7 days before your session
Avoid experimenting with new styles or cuts right before photos
Bring along a small hair kit: brush, comb, bobby pins, hair ties, a mirror, and any touch-up products you might need
Hydrate and condition your hair the night before for extra shine and smoothness
Watch the weather if it’s windy or humid in Eugene on your session day, we may need to adjust styles a bit!
A Note for the Guys
Getting a fresh cut? Awesome just make sure to schedule your haircut at least a week in advance. This gives your style time to settle in and look more like how you wear it on a normal day. That way, you’ll look relaxed, natural, and totally yourself.
Still not sure what hairstyle works best for your location or vibe? I’m happy to offer guidance based on your outfit, session location (whether we're downtown Eugene, at the river, or in a natural park), and overall look. Just reach out we’ll make sure you’re photo-ready from head to toe!
Tanning Tips for Your Senior Photos: Should You or Shouldn’t You?
Let’s talk tanning because your skin tone plays a big part in how your senior portraits will turn out. Whether you're thinking about catching some sun or booking a spray tan, here's what you need to know to make sure your skin looks natural, even, and radiant on camera.
The Best Advice? Keep It Natural
While a little glow can feel great, overdoing it especially right before your session can lead to uneven tones, tan lines, or blotchy patches. Sun tanning or self-tanning lotions often look different through the lens than they do in the mirror. What seems like a subtle bronze in person can appear too orange, too shiny, or patchy in photos and that’s hard to fix in editing.
Your natural skin tone truly photographs best. It keeps your complexion even, your features balanced, and your photos looking timeless. If you really want to add a bit of warmth, consider using a light bronzer on the day of your session instead of relying on tanning beds or sprays.
Avoid Spray Tans and Heavy Tanning Before Your Session
We get it Eugene weather doesn’t always allow for a natural tan! But trust us, skipping the spray tan is one of the best things you can do for your senior photos. Artificial tans can settle unevenly, especially around knees, elbows, and hands. Plus, if the tone is too dark or orange, it can throw off the entire color balance of your images.
And while we can do a lot with retouching, there’s only so much we can fix if your skin tone is dramatically altered the day of your shoot.
Friendly Reminder:
Avoid tanning beds, sprays, or new lotions in the week before your session
Steer clear of sunburns or strong sun exposure redness and peeling are not fun to edit!
Stick with your natural glow or enhance gently with bronzer if you’d like a little boost
Bottom line: your natural skin is perfect just the way it is. A clean, even tone will always look better in your senior portraits than a forced tan. If you're unsure, feel free to reach out I’m happy to give tips that help you look and feel your best for your shoot!
Wearing Glasses in Your Senior Photos? Here's What to Know
If you wear glasses every day, chances are you’ll want to include them in your senior portraits and you absolutely should! Your glasses are part of who you are, and they help tell your story. But lenses can sometimes cause glare or reflections that distract from your eyes in photos.
The good news? With a little planning, we can make sure your glasses look great and your eyes shine through clearly in every shot.
Tips for Reducing Glasses Glare in Your Senior Portraits
Option 1: Use a pair of glasses without lenses
One of the easiest ways to avoid reflections is to bring an identical or similar pair of frames with the lenses removed. If you have a backup pair or can borrow a set from your optician, this is a great option. Many eye care providers will even remove the lenses from your regular frames for free just be sure to ask a few days in advance so they have time to help without a rush.
Option 2: Use an anti-reflective coating
If you plan on wearing your everyday glasses, check if they have anti-reflective (AR) coating. It can significantly reduce glare and make your eyes more visible in the final images. If you’re unsure, a quick call to your optician will tell you.
Option 3: Bring both options
If you’re on the fence, bring your glasses and a pair of contacts if you wear them sometimes. We can always take a few photos with and without glasses to give you variety in your gallery.
Extra Tips for Glasses-Wearers on Photo Day
Clean your lenses before the session – Even tiny smudges or dust can show up in high-resolution images.
Avoid transition lenses – They can darken in outdoor light, making it hard to see your eyes. If you have them, try to bring a clear-lens backup.
Position is key – If needed, we’ll tilt your glasses slightly during your session to avoid catching light—without affecting how they look.
Final Thoughts
Glasses are part of your everyday look, and they can absolutely be part of your senior photos! With a few small adjustments, we’ll keep your images clean, glare-free, and true to you.
If you have questions about how your glasses might photograph or want suggestions for local Eugene opticians who can help prep your frames feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help make sure you feel confident and camera-ready!
Don’t Forget About Your Hands!
It might surprise you, but your hands often make an appearance in your senior photos whether you're resting them on your knees, brushing hair out of your face, or casually leaning against a wall. Hands help add natural movement and expression to your poses, so giving them a little extra TLC before your session is a smart (and easy!) way to elevate your photos.
Quick Tips to Get Your Hands Photo-Ready
✔ Trim and clean your nails
No matter your style minimal, bold, or somewhere in between clean, well-groomed nails make a big difference. Guys, a quick nail trim and clean-up goes a long way. Girls, if you wear polish, check for chips or consider touching up your manicure the night before.
✔ Moisturize before your session
Dry hands can show up more than you think, especially in high-resolution images. A little hand lotion goes a long way! Moisturize your hands and cuticles the night before and again the morning of your shoot for a smooth, fresh look.
✔ Choose nail colors that complement your outfits
If you're getting a manicure, soft neutrals, classic tones, or clean polish-free nails all work well and won't distract from your face or clothing. Bold colors are fine too just make sure they match your style and wardrobe.
✔ Practice hand placement
Not sure what to do with your hands during your session? Don’t worry I’ll guide you! But it can be helpful to look at a few pose ideas online or in the mirror beforehand. Natural, relaxed hands (not stiff or clenched) photograph best.
✔ Remove any temporary writing or stamps
Planning ahead? Try to avoid writing on your hands or wrists (like notes, stamps, or ink doodles) a few days before your session. Even faint marks can show up in photos and may be tricky to edit out later.
A Little Prep Makes a Big Difference
Your hands may not be the first thing you think of when preparing for senior portraits, but they’ll show up in many of your favorite shots. With just a bit of grooming and attention, they can look just as polished and confident as the rest of you!
If you have questions about how to prep your look from head to toe or want a checklist to help you stay organized just reach out. I’m here to help make your senior photo experience in Eugene fun, relaxed, and unforgettable.