Boston Senior seated on a walking bridge at the Acton Arboretum for his senior photos. Senior Session Prep

PREPARE FOR YOUR SENIOR SESSION | Massachusetts Senior Photography

Senior Photo Session, Senior Photo Tips, Senior Session Prep

If you’re wondering how to prepare for senior session in Boston or surrounding areas, you’re not alone. One of the biggest concerns I hear from seniors and parents is whether they’ll know what to do. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. This post will walk you through exactly what to do in the month, week, and days leading up to your senior session so you can feel confident, relaxed, prepared and ready to enjoy the experience.

Preparation: THE MONTH BEFORE YOUR SENIOR SESSION

Once you have booked your senior session, it’s time to prepare for your senior session and step one is to start pinning!

Using Pinterest can be one of the best ways to prepare for your session. Pinterest has tons and tons of inspiration and picking things that appeal to you can help you give me an visual picture of exactly what you are looking for in your session.

What types of things should you pin?

Showing a sample of Pinterest pinned items to help prepare for your senior session.

  • Clothing ideas
  • Hair styles
  • Makeup looks
  • Poses you like
  • Locations
    • check out the places you might be considering for your session (i.e, Plum Island, Boston Public Garden, Wayside Grist Mill, etc.)
    • Check out my Blog HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST LOCATION FOR YOUR SENIOR PHOTOS here for some time
  • Prop ideas

Preparation: THE WEEK BEFORE YOUR SENIOR SESSION

At this point in preparing for your senior session, your focus should be to finalize your looks for your session by trying on everything. This includes a final check of each outfit, including trying on shoes, accessories and more, to make sure it is exactly what you want for your session. Once you have tried everything on, make sure it is all clean, ironed and ready to go on session day.

And one really important reminder, if you are considering a tan, make that appointment at least 3 days prior to your photo session date. This will allow time for the tan to develop and look its best on your skin.

Preparation: THE DAY BEFORE YOUR SENIOR SESSION

Preparation for your senior session is in it’s final stages now. It’s time to get a manicure and pedicure! Having your nails done for your photos is great because there will be poses where your nails show and you want them to look great! I highly recommend a neutral color so that your nails go with all your outfits and will look great in photos for years to come.

Lay out your clothes, pack them up and double check that you have everything you need. Don’t forget the right undergarments! If you need a strapless bra or sticky boobs for a certain outfit, don’t forget to pack it! And make sure you have a neutral color, so nothing shows through!

Flat lay senior outfits on bed with accessories to prepare for your senior session
Flat lay outfit of jeans, a blouse, a dress plus shoes and jewelry to prepare for your senior session.

The best way to pack your clothing is to have the clothes hanging. It is a great idea to put everything together that goes together. So jewelry and accessories can be put in individual baggies like a Ziploc and attached to the hanger of that outfit.

Preparation: YOUR SENIOR SESSION DAY

All the preparation for your senior session is essentially done now and it’s show time! Drink plenty of water and make sure you got plenty of rest the night before. Be sure to eat well so you aren’t hungry during your session and if you need to, bring a snack and water with you. If nothing else, bring water since your mouth will get dry from all the smiling you’re about to do!

If you chose a session with hair and makeup, arrive at the studio in comfy clothing with no makeup and clean dry hair that has not been flat ironed. Don’t forget to bring your Pinterest ideas to show the artist what you want for your hair and makeup!

You’ll get dressed in your first outfit when we arrive at your first location. If you chose The Confidence Session, arrive in comfortable clothes to your first location.

Most seniors tell me they’re worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera. The truth is, almost nobody shows up knowing exactly what to do. That’s completely normal. I’ll guide you through posing, movement, expressions, and everything else throughout our time together so you can relax and focus on having fun. You don’t have to know how to pose. That’s my job.

My best advice on session day, relax! Trust me and know that I will make sure that your session is the best it can be.

A NOTE FOR PARENTS

Senior year goes by incredibly fast. Between college applications, sports, activities, and graduation planning, it can feel like everything is moving at lightning speed. Senior photos are one opportunity to slow down and celebrate who your child is right now. My goal is to make the process easy for both seniors and parents so everyone feels supported from start to finish. And that’s why it’s important that your senior take all the steps to really prepare for their senior session.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Preparing for your senior session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning and the right guidance, you’ll be ready to enjoy every part of the experience. If you’re still looking for your senior photographer, check out my website here.

If you’re still unsure about outfits, locations, or any part of the process, just ask. I’ll walk you through everything so you can feel confident and comfortable from the moment you book until your final images are delivered.

Want more info on how to prepare? Check out WHAR SEASON IS BEST FOR SENIOR PHOTOS BLOG POST here.

FAQ’s

Q: When should I book my senior pictures in Massachusetts?

A: Most seniors book 3-6 months before their preferred session date. Fall dates are especially popular and tend to book first. Consider when your yearbook photo is due and work back from there. Most senior photographers deliver your gallery up to a month after your session.

Q: What should I wear for senior pictures?

A: I recommend bringing a mix of casual, dressy, and somewhere-in-between outfits to give your gallery variety and reflect your personality. For more detailed information, check out my WHAT TO WEAR BLOG POST here.

Q: Should I get professional hair and makeup done?

A: Professional hair and makeup can help you feel more confident and camera-ready. Two of my sessions include Hair and Makeup however if you would rather do it yourself, we can chat about that once you’re booked.

Q: What if I’m awkward in front of the camera?

A: Most seniors feel this way at first. I’ll guide you through everything, so you never have to wonder what to do next.

Q: How long does a senior session last?

A: Session lengths vary depending on the experience you choose. My sessions are as short as one-hour in length up to three-hours long. Each session allows for plenty of time for outfit changes and locations.

Q: Can I bring props or include my hobbies?

A: Absolutely. Sports equipment, musical instruments, pets, vehicles, and hobby-related items help make your session unique to you.

Planning your senior photos and still have questions?

Whether you’re trying to choose the right location, figure out what to wear, or decide which session is the best fit, you don’t have to have it all figured out. I’ll guide you through the entire process so you can feel confident and prepared every step of the way.

Ready to start planning your senior photo experience? Contact me here and let’s create a session that feels like you.