🎓 Senior Photography Resource Guide

Everything You Need to Know for an Amazing Session!

Whether you’ve been looking forward to this moment all year or just booked your session (yay!), this guide will walk you through every step—from planning to outfit tips—so you feel confident and excited for your big day.

📅 1. Booking Your Session

When to Schedule:

  • Ideal timing: Summer or Fall of your senior year

  • Book early (as in now) to lock in your preferred date and season

  • Consider your yearbook deadline or graduation announcements

Best Time of Day:

  • Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) for soft, flattering light

  • Morning sessions also work for crisp, clean lighting

📍 2. Picking the Perfect Location

Choose a location that matches your style and personality:

  • 🌿 Nature: fields, parks, woods, gardens

  • 🏙️ Urban: downtown, murals, cafes, rooftops

  • 🎓 School: campus, sports field, auditorium

  • 💖 Personal: your favorite hangout, coffee shop, or even your home

Pro Tip: Go for locations with multiple looks in one area for variety.

👗 3. Outfits: What to Wear

Aim for 2–3 outfits (more on this below)

💄 4. Hair, Makeup & Grooming

  • Hair should be styled but still feel like you

  • Makeup: opt for natural with a little extra polish (lashes, brows, setting spray!)

  • Guys: trim facial hair, moisturize, bring chapstick

  • Bring a small touch-up kit (brush, oil blotting sheets, hairpins, lip gloss)

  • If you want, your photographer can connect you with hair + makeup services (or, if you book with Hiropix Studios, it can be included)

🎒 5. What to Bring

Pack a small bag with:

  • Extra outfits + accessories

  • Touch-up items

  • Water + snacks

  • Comfortable shoes for walking

  • Props if you want them (sports gear, books, cap & gown, signs, etc.)

📸 6. Posing & Confidence Tips

Not a model? No problem. I’ll guide you through every pose—no awkward hands here!

Here’s how to prep:

  • Practice smiling and movement in the mirror

  • Scroll Pinterest or Instagram for pose inspo

  • Most importantly: relax and have fun

The best photos happen when you feel confident and present.

Honestly…just find some stuff on Pinterest or IG and share it with your photographer!

🎉 7. After Your Session

You’ll receive a sneak peek within a few days and your full gallery reveal within 2–3 weeks. At the reveal, you can:

  • Choose the photos you want

  • Order prints or albums

  • Share your favorites on social media

💬 Let’s Make This Fun

Senior year only happens once—let’s make this session something you’ll look back on and LOVE. I’m here to guide you every step of the way!

Have questions? Need help planning?
📩 hiro@hiropix-studios.com

LOCATION

📸 How to Pick the Perfect Location for Your Senior Photo Session

Choosing a location for your senior photos is one of the most exciting parts of planning your session—it sets the vibe, tells your story, and makes your photos uniquely you. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime shoot.

1. Think About Your Personality & Interests

Your senior session should reflect who you are. Ask yourself:

  • Do you love nature or the city?

  • Are you more casual or dressy?

  • Do you want something timeless or trendy?

Examples:

  • A bookworm might love a cozy library or vintage bookshop.

  • An athlete may want to shoot at their school stadium.

  • A fashion-lover could choose a downtown street or chic boutique alley.

2. Consider the Season

Each season brings different lighting, colors, and scenery.

☀️ Summer: Golden light, tall grass fields, beaches

🍁 Fall: Vibrant leaves, cozy vibes, rich tones

❄️ Winter: Snowy scenes, neutral backdrops, modern urban looks

and…just in case:

🌸 Spring: Blossoms, soft pastels, fresh greenery

Think about what seasonal aesthetic feels right for your photos—and what you’ll feel comfortable wearing.

3. Choose a Location with Variety

Pick a spot that offers multiple locations in one place so you get a range of looks without driving around.

Great options:

  • A city park with nature + skyline views

  • A downtown area with murals, alleys, and cafes

  • A campus with architecture + green spaces

This gives you more content and diversity in your final gallery.

4. Make It Meaningful

Choosing a meaningful location adds emotion and personal value to your photos. Think about:

  • A favorite hangout spot

  • Somewhere that you LOVE going to with your friends

  • Somewhere that represents your future (like your future college!)

These locations tell your story in an authentic way.

5. Think Logistically

Some spots are beautiful, but they come with limitations. Always check:

  • Permits: Does the location require one?

  • Crowds: Will it be packed with people at your session time?

  • Accessibility: Can you walk easily in your outfit/shoes?

Talk with your photographer about timing (golden hour is best!) and possible restrictions.

OUTFITS AND COLORS

👗 What to Wear for Your Senior Photos: A Complete Outfit Guide

Your senior photos should feel like you—just elevated a little! The right outfits will help you feel confident, comfortable, and camera-ready. Here’s everything you need to know to look and feel your best on session day.

1. Start With Your Style

Think about what makes you feel the most you. Your outfit should reflect your personality:

  • Are you laid-back and casual?

  • Trendy and bold?

  • Feminine and flirty?

  • Classic and timeless?

Stick with what you love wearing—just polished and intentional.

2. Plan for 2 - 3 types of looks

Variety is key! Most senior sessions allow time for multiple outfits. Here’s a great formula:

  • Something YOU love to wear.

  • Something YOUR adult in your life would love to see you wear

  • A nice themed look (sport uniform, band gear, college tee, hobby-related outfit)

Multiple outfits give your gallery range and show off different sides of your personality.

3. Choose Colors That Flatter You

Colors can make or break how your photos turn out. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Solid colors are best—avoid busy patterns or logos.

  • Earth tones, neutrals, and pastels work beautifully with natural light.

  • Bold jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, or navy can pop in urban settings.

  • Make sure the color contrasts well with your backdrop and your skin tone, and think about the complementary colors of each type of tones.

Pro tip: Hold your outfit up in front of a mirror in natural light. Does it brighten your face or wash you out?

4. Think About Location When You Choose Outfits

Match your outfit vibe to your setting. For example:

  • 🌳 In nature? Go for soft colors and flowy fabrics.

  • 🏙️ Urban/downtown? Try chic, structured outfits or edgy streetwear.

  • 🏫 At school or on campus? Keep it classic or rep your school colors!

Your photographer can help pair outfits with specific locations.

5. Don’t Forget the Details

The little things matter!

✅ Wear shoes that complement the outfit (or go barefoot in nature!)
✅ Accessorize with simple jewelry, a hat, or layered jackets
✅ Iron or steam your clothes ahead of time
✅ Bring backup items (hairbrush, lint roller, water, etc.)

Hair and makeup should feel like a slightly elevated version of your everyday look.

6. Avoid These Common Mistakes

🚫 Neon or super bright colors
🚫 Distracting logos, text, or loud patterns
🚫 Clothes that don’t fit well or ride up/down
🚫 Trends that you might not love 10 years from now

Stick to pieces that make you feel confident and timeless.

7. Try Everything On in Advance

Do a full try-on at home:

  • Move around, sit, walk, and spin—do you feel comfortable?

  • Have a friend or parent take phone pics to test the look on camera.

  • Make sure undergarments don’t show and everything fits well.

🌟 Final Thought:

When you feel good, you look good. Wear what makes you shine, and your confidence will do the rest. This is your moment—own it!

Need help styling your looks? 📩 I’d love to help you plan outfits that match your location and vibe.

Frequently Ask Questions

…for your photographer.

    • What dates do you have available?

    • How far in advance should I book?

    • How long does the session last?

    • How many outfit changes are allowed?

    • Can we do multiple locations?

    • Do you help with choosing the location?

    • Can you recommend spots that match my style?

    • What’s the best time of day for lighting?

    • Do I need a permit or permission for the location I want?

    • How many outfits should I bring?

    • Do you help with outfit planning or provide a style guide?

    • Should I bring accessories or props?

    • Do you recommend hair and makeup services?

    • Will you help with posing? (I’m nervous!)

    • Can I bring a friend, parent, or pet?

    • What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?

    • When will I get my photos?

    • How many edited images are included?

    • Can I order prints, albums, or graduation announcements through you?

    • Can I post the photos on social media?

    • What’s included in the session fee?

    • Are there any additional costs (travel fees, extra edits, print rights)?

    • Do you offer payment plans?