Your child’s senior portrait session is one of the many activities you will be involved in during their final year in high school. In most instances, seniors schedule their sessions during the summer right before their senior year. However, this is not a hard and fast rule.

If this is the first professional portrait session you’re arranging, the below tips will help you feel more at ease.

The earlier the better. Most senior portrait sessions take place between June and October. It’s a busy time, so the sooner you can schedule a slot, the better. Many parents schedule their sessions 6 – 8 months in advance to ensure they can book a time that works for everyone. If your senior plays sports, you should also take this into consideration when deciding when to book a portrait session. 

Location ideas are optional. If your senior has a location in mind for their portrait session, that’s perfect. However, you don’t need to know where you want to take your photos – we can assist you with that. With that being said, you may want to get some additional suggestions anyway before you make a final decision. 

Plan those outfits. Your senior should know what they’re going to wear ahead of time. It’s also best to have at least 2 to 3 outfits lined up. Some senior portrait sessions allow for more than one outfit. This is also not the time to try an outfit they’ve never worn before. Make sure your senior is comfortable in what they’re going to wear before their shoot, not the morning of. Again, if you need help with some suggestions, we are happy to help!

Professional hair and makeup are not a must. While professional hair and makeup can enhance the senior portrait session experience, this is not a necessity.

Props can be used. You are more than welcome to use props during the session. For example, if your senior plays football, it only makes sense to use a football in some of the shots. These photos should represent who your child is in their senior year and if props can help with that, by all means, bring them along. 

It’s ok to come along. While parents and siblings are welcome at the shoot, keep in mind that this is something your senior might want to do on their own. They may even choose to bring a friend along instead. 

Bad weather may result in rescheduling. If the weather turns bad on the day of the portrait session, you may need to stick to in studio only or reschedule the outdoor portion for a day with more cooperative weather. 

What's next Following the session. We will see you a few days later for you and your senior to join us back at the studio to view the images from the session, pick out your favorites, and to order your albums, wall art, or even get a jump start on those graduation announcements!