I’m truly honored you chose me as your senior photographer. Senior year is a big deal, and I want this to be relaxed, fun, and easy.
This guide covers everything you need to know so you feel prepared, not overwhelmed. Outfits, locations, what to expect, and how it all works.
My promise as your photographer is that I will make you look and feel like the best version of YOU! I want your shoot and your images to reflect exactly who you are, and I’m here to help ensure we make that happen. 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.
Welcome, and thank you so much for being here!
Can't wait to see you!
xo, Linda
Most seniors show up a little nervous, and that’s completely normal. My job is to make you feel comfortable fast, guide you through everything, and make sure you look amazing without feeling stiff or awkward.
I’m known for finding beautiful light and using it in a way that makes you look your best. Backlight, direct light, golden hour, I know exactly what to do with it. I’ll also help with posing, what to do with your hands, and how to move so everything looks natural.
My goal is simple. You’re going to look good and feel good.
about me
Hi, I’m Linda, and I’m so excited to work with you!
Timeline + What's Next
Now that you’re booked and it’s official, here’s what happens next.
Please be sure to fill out the questionnaire I send you. This helps me customize your session and highlight your personality. The more I know about you and what you want your photos to feel like, the more fun and relaxed your session will be. If you have any special requests, you can note them there.
Questionnaire + Style Guide
The Week Before
About a week before your session, I’ll reach out by text to check in, look at outfit ideas, and finalize the plan. If you want, we can also do a quick FaceTime or call. We’ll confirm the exact start time and meeting location closer to the date since I plan sessions around the light.
The Shoot Day
It’s finally here! I’ll be in touch by text the morning of your session, and I’ll be around all day for any last-minute questions. Your session will be anywhere from about 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the package you chose.
Your Session Experience
Wondering what your session will be like? See the details below.
the First 15 minutes
When you arrive, we’ll take a quick look at your outfits together and decide what we’re starting with. Even if you sent me photos ahead of time, seeing everything in person helps me map out what will look best in each spot and create a clear game plan.
Posing + Shooting
After we look through your outfits, we’ll start shooting. I’ll guide you the entire time so you’re never standing there wondering what to do. I’ll tell you how to stand, what to do with your hands, and how to move so everything looks natural and flattering. We usually spend about 20–30 minutes per outfit, and I often save your best outfit for last.
What To Bring
Besides your outfits, please bring hairspray, a brush or comb, and bug spray.
Changing Outfits + Locations
Some locations have bathrooms we can use, but most seniors change in their car, and that works just fine. I’ll let you know when it’s time to change and where we’re heading next so everything stays easy and organized.
Being On Time
Please be on time! We’re shooting based on the light, and if we lose it, we can’t get it back. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early. If you hit traffic or run into a delay, just text me.
Please bring a parent (usually mom). She’s a huge help with outfit changes, carrying things, and cheering you on. Feel free to bring a friend too! Friends make you laugh and bring out the best smiles.
Choosing outfits does not need to be stressful, and you do not need a closet full of options. Ideally, I like my seniors to prepare 2 to 3 outfits, along with any coordinated accessories if they feel natural to you.
Please arrive at your session in your favorite outfit, and I will take a quick look at the other outfits you bring along. We will make sure to photograph you in at least two outfits, so a quick change will happen.
What to Wear
This is the fun part!
For The Girls
Okay ladies, now we can have some fun. Choosing outfits for your senior session can feel overwhelming, but let’s not make it that way. I am here to help as much as you want and make this as easy and fun as possible.
I love seeing what my seniors choose to wear because it is always a reflection of who they are in this moment in their lives. Below are a few ideas to get you started.
Bring 2 to 4 outfits ranging from casual to a bit more dressy.
For a Casual Look
- Jeans with a cute tank top, cropped T shirt, or a light colored blouse paired with white sneakers.
- A flowy sundress with a light denim jacket and sandals or a simple wedge is also a great casual option.
For a Dressier Look
- A classic white dress with bare feet is a very popular look, especially for beach sessions.
- A romper paired with a wedge heel.
- A wrap style top or dress, which looks great on almost everyone.
- A more structured dress with dressier shoes or boots.
Choosing outfits
Layers + Accessories
Layers and accessories are great for adding both style and variety. Jackets, sweaters, scarves, hats, jewelry, and glasses all help personalize your look.
Express yourself and highlight your favorite features.
A quick note about tanning:
A little color is great, but please be careful with tanning before your session! Being in the sun too long can cause issues if it leads to sunburn or peeling skin, which unfortunately cannot be fixed in editing. Unfortunately, I also cannot remove tan lines. Wear sunscreen!
Spray tans and self-tanner can photograph orange or uneven and often transfer onto clothing. Heavy self-tanner is also very difficult to correct in editing. If you do use self-tanner, I recommend doing it well in advance and keeping it very natural.
If you’re unsure, natural skin tones always photograph beautifully. When in doubt, keep it simple and feel free to ask me if you have questions.
It’s a good idea to wear at least some make-up. I recommend emphasizing your eyes and lips more than trying to cover every tiny blemish. Lightly applied foundation or powder photographs well, and I can retouch any current blemishes during editing. A slightly darker lipstick shade than you normally wear also photographs really well. Feel free to bring a few options and I can help you choose before you apply.
If you want to have your hair professionally done, a blowout the day of your session is a great option. The goal is simple: you want your hair to feel like you, just a little more polished.
hair
Hair, Makeup & Nails
makeup
Don’t forget your nails! Your hands will be close to your face in a lot of poses, so make sure your nails look the way you want them to. Try to avoid chipped polish or busy patterns. French manicures, light natural colors, or even no polish at all photograph best.
nails
A few quick tips:
- Make sure your undergarments work with the outfits you’ve chosen! Strapless bras, sticky bras, or bra tape are often helpful. Bring options just in case.
- Avoid pieces that are sheer, too tight, or potentially revealing. You will be moving around a lot during your session, and you want to feel comfortable and confident the entire time.
- If something feels uncomfortable or you’re constantly adjusting it, it’s probably not the right choice. Comfort shows in photos.
- Steam/iron your clothes before arriving at your session. Hang them in the car and change at the session location.
Places to Shop:
I mentioned it earlier on in the guide, but I'm going to say it again: buying new clothes is NOT required for your senior session! Sometimes it's actually BETTER to use clothes you already have that you know are true to YOU and your day-to-day style. But if you want to use your session as an excuse to shop a bit - I'm going to share some of my favorite spots!
For The Guys
Guys usually either don’t think much about what they wear, or they think about it a lot. Either way, I’ve got you covered and we’ll keep it simple.
Plan to bring 2 to 3 outfits that range from casual to a little more dressy.
For a Casual Look
- Jeans and a T shirt with an open button down layered on top, paired with non athletic sneakers. Bring a few different color shirts. Quick changes based on location can make a big difference.
- Khaki shorts and a polo shirt with low profile sneakers or boat shoes.
- Light colored pants with a denim button down shirt and sleeves rolled up.
For a Dressier Look
- A button down shirt with khaki pants and a V neck sweater or jacket.
- A sweater layered over a T shirt, paired with loafers or boat shoes.
- A crew neck sweater with dark pants and dress shoes.
- Dark denim jeans with a V neck tee and a blazer, finished with dress shoes.
Choosing outfits
A few quick tips:
- Avoid bright white whenever possible!!
- Avoid large patterns or bold graphics unless it works specifically with one of our locations.
- Layers always look good. Jackets, sweaters, and sport coats add variety without needing a full outfit change.
- SHOES! They matter more than you think. Clean sneakers, loafers, or dress shoes can completely change the look.
- Steam/iron your clothes before arriving at your session. Hang them in the car and change at the session location.
Places to Shop:
I mentioned it earlier on in the guide, but I'm going to say it again: buying new clothes is NOT required for your senior session! Sometimes it's actually BETTER to use clothes you already have that you know are true to YOU and your day-to-day style. But if you want to use your session as an excuse to shop a bit - I'm going to share some of my favorite spots!
Sports, Hobbies + Personal Touches
One of the easiest + best ways to customize your senior experience is to add in some of your favorite things that you do every day! I've had seniors want to highlight the sport they play, their favorite foods, their love for reading, shopping or flying planes... I've done it ALL! Use this section of the guide to start brainstorming ways we can creatively incorporate what makes you YOU!
Athletics
If you play a sport, this is a great way to celebrate a huge part of your high school years. Feel free to bring your uniform, equipment, letter jacket, or anything meaningful from your sport. We can capture a few images that highlight this side of you without it taking over the entire session.
Cheer + Dance
Cheer and dance deserve their own moment. Whether it is your uniform, shoes, or a few simple movements, these sessions are always fun and full of energy. We will capture both classic portraits and a few dynamic shots that show your personality and confidence.
Hobbies + interests
Love music, art, photography, writing, or something else entirely? Bring it. Instruments, sketchbooks, cameras, books, or anything you enjoy can add a personal touch to your session. These details help tell your story and make your photos feel truly unique.
Favorite Things
Sometimes it is the little things that say the most. Coffee, your car, a favorite jacket, sunglasses, or something you are rarely without. If it matters to you right now, it can absolutely be part of your session. We will keep it subtle so your photos still feel classic and not trendy.
The most important posing tip I can give you is to take a deep breath and relax.
Trust me. I’ll guide you the whole time and pose you in a way that looks natural, flattering, and like YOU. These are just general tips. On shoot day, I’ll talk you through everything.
Thoughts About Posing
Quick tips:
- Stand with your weight on one foot
- Forehead slightly forward and down (feels weird, looks great)
- Hands relaxed and open (no fists)
Girls Posing Tips
Guys Posing Tips
Quick tips:
- Stand with your weight on one foot
- Forehead slightly forward and down (feels weird, looks great)
- Hands relaxed and open (no fists)
Aside from choosing your outfits, choosing your locations is a huge part of what will determine the overall look and feel of your photos. It also takes a little planning to map out where we’ll shoot and the travel time between locations if we decide to do more than one.
Let's Talk Locations
Are they a big deal?
Instead of getting stuck on one exact place, think about the overall feel you want your photos to have. Beach, park, urban, flowers, classic, relaxed. Once we know the vibe, choosing locations gets much easier.
Here’s the truth: I’m always choosing based on light first. The way the light hits, where the sun is, and how it moves through a space is what makes the photos look so good. That’s why I might have you stand in a spot that doesn’t seem “obvious” at first. I promise there’s a reason.
IT’S ACTUALLY NOT THE LOCATION THAT MATTERS MOST. IT’S THE LIGHT.
Location Details
THINK ABOUT THE OVERALL VIBE
I’ve spent years learning how to find beautiful light and use it in a way that makes you look your best. So if I suggest a spot that seems random, it’s not random. It’s because I know what it’s going to look like in the final images.
TRUST ME ON THIS PART
About 3 to 4 weeks after your session, you will receive an email from me with a link to your private online gallery. This gallery will include your fully edited images along with instructions for viewing, downloading, and accessing your photos.
After Your Session
Gallery Delivery
While I always emphasize the importance of quality prints, it’s important to me that you also have access to your digital files. Each collection includes a set number of digital images. Once your gallery is delivered, you’ll be able to download your images directly from your gallery.
The digital files you receive are high-resolution and sized so you can print on your own if you choose. They are also able to be shared online.
Yes. Your online gallery includes access to my professional print shop, which offers a variety of high-quality products including prints, albums, canvases, matted prints, framed prints, and more.
All prints and products ordered through your gallery are professionally produced. The colors and clarity will match what you see on your screen. Unfortunately, this level of quality and consistency is not always guaranteed when ordering through consumer print options, which is why I strongly recommend ordering through my online shop.
CAN I ORDER PRINTS AND OTHER PRODUCTS?
HOW DO I GET MY DIGITAL FILES?
Absolutely! All digital images included in your collection are high-resolution and accepted by yearbooks. If your school provides specific sizing requirements or deadlines, I’m happy to help. I can also send a yearbook image ahead of full gallery delivery if needed.
WILL I BE ABLE TO SHARE AN IMAGE WITH THE YEARBOOK?
Take a look below at the most common questions I'm asked about senior sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t worry. I won’t make you have your session in the rain. I watch the weather closely in the week leading up to your session and will be in touch if it doesn’t look promising. Most of the time, we won’t make a final decision until the day of the session since forecasts can change quickly. If needed, we’ll choose a mutually agreed-upon rain date.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Totally normal and not a big deal at all. Everyone gets temporary blemishes from time to time, and I’m very good at removing them. You’ll still look great in your final images, so try not to stress about it.
my skin is breaking out. help!
Try to avoid heavy tanning, self-tanner, or sunburn in the days leading up to your session. I cannot edit tan lines, and self-tanner can appear orange or uneven on camera. A little natural color is fine. Just be mindful so your skin looks its best.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID RIGHT BEFORE MY SESSION?
I take many images during your session, but not every photo makes it into the final gallery. I remove duplicates, test shots, missed focus, unflattering expressions, and anything that would dilute the overall gallery. You’ll receive a carefully curated collection of my best work.
CAN WE SEE ALL THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE?
Arrive on time, bring your outfits steamed and ready, and don’t overthink it. I’ll guide you through everything. The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be.