senior portraits: choosing the perfect time, location & outfits!
Welcome
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
I am so excited to be working with you and I can’t wait for our time together during your senior portrait session!
If you're feeling a little nervous about having your picture taken, don't worry! It’s totally normal. I always tell people that even I still get nervous before having my photo taken—and I do this for a living!
I am a huge fan of senior sessions for a few reasons. First, they allow me to get to know you on a personal level. Making new friends and capturing your story is totally my jam!
Second, you can showcase your personality in a more casual setting that is significant to who you are (and you can even include pets!).
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial if I put together a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I’ll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas and lots more!
- Tracey
I get it. Having your picture taken for 1-2 hours might not be in your top-10 favorite things to do during your downtime. And at first you might feel sort of awkward being in front of the camera. But I think you’ll find that by the end of the session, it’s a lot easier than you thought, and you even had a little fun. I offer quick, abbreviated sessions just for you fellas! Check out my online investment guide for more details. You're gonna love it!
The Guys
A NOTE TO
I've found that there isn’t a “good” or “bad” time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions based on a particular “look” a senior has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Sessions typically last about an hour to two hours and when I can—I love to begin sessions about two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot. If you're an early-bird, let's meet bright & early!
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day—which means that it’s super important to be on time. If you’re late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we’ve finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
Is there a "good" time to take photos?
TIME & LIGHT
While I shoot most of my senior sessions between April and late November, sessions can take place all year. Most of my seniors choose a season based on the location where they want to shoot.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Seasons
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Winter
snowfall, hot cocoa and cozy coats
If you’re planning to take your senior photos during the winter, keep in mind that if your session takes place in the evening, we could begin shooting as early as 2:30pm to catch the sunset. I recommend dressing in layers so that in between photos you can warm up. Make sure you bring a little extra makeup and tissues in case your nose begins running.
Summer
that gorgeous golden glow
In spite of the heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you’re taking your senior photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session.
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Locations
Pennsylvania Senior Session LOCATIONS
I love when my seniors have a location in mind that is special to them and matches their style and personality! The best session locations are often meaningful places; however, I'm also happy to make recommendations. From ski slopes to lavender fields to apple picking and college campuses, the options for senior session locations are endless!
Masonic Village
Conestoga House & Gardens
Harrisburg State Capitol
Ridley Creek State Park
Founders Hall
Kings Gap
CLASSIC & ELEGANT
Downtown Harrisburg
Downtown Hershey
Downtown Lancaster
Lancaster Central Market
URBAN
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Blue Marsh
Mt. Gretna Lake & Beach
Children's Lake in Boiling Springs
Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve
Pinnacle Overlook
Water
Nissley Vineyards
Stracks Tree Farm
The Barn at Silverstone
Country Joy Flowers
Middle Creek
Grings Mill
RUSTIC
Baking
Hiking
Sailing / Boating
Skating
ADVENTURE
The above locations are all beautiful, but I also love exploring meaningful locations with my seniors!
My dogs are a huge part of my family, which is why I love when seniors choose to incorporate pets into their session. Keep in mind that bringing a pet along often means that we’ll need to choose a pet friendly location.
I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then either dropping them off or having a friend take them home. I won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pet's favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot.
Pets
Outfits
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
To achieve a diverse portfolio of images, I recommend choosing at least 4 outfits to wear during your session. Think about color, patterns and styles (casual, dressy, trendy, sporty, etc.). Choose colors that look best on you (ask your friends for help or stand in front of the mirror to see which colors you like best). Colors that make your eyes, skin and smile stand out are what you should wear. Down below are some more tips for both girls and guys.
find it fast:
Solid colors work great, especially for close-ups. The focus will be on you rather than your outfit. Select colors that enhance your skin tone. Clothing should be pressed and on hangers (the camera will totally see the wrinkles!). Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors—especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. I love bright, neon dresses, but I don’t love the neon reflection they add to your complexion.
I love the way larger patterns photograph—just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small—it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Wardrobe Tips
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the girls
find it fast:
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress.
Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with lace sleeves are a great way to help slim arms.
Depending on your location, you might want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress as one of your outfit choices!
They look great in walking and photos with movement.
Choose outfits you feel comfortable in, but don’t be afraid to dress up!
Accessories
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the girls
find it fast:
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Francesca’s
Jessakae
ModCloth
Shop Ruche
Hazel & Olive
Favorite Shops
Lulu's
H&M
Shabby Apple
Vici Dolls
Nordstrom
One Loved Babe
Arden
Filly Flair
American Eagle
Hollister
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the girls
find it fast:
Professionally done hair & makeup lasts longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better for humidity and wind. If you don’t normally wear makeup, you’ll be amazed by how a talented artist can give you a polished look without overdoing it.
I think it’s so important that you look and feel your best for your senior photos—whether you do your hair and makeup yourself or have it done by a pro.
Another tip is to have your hair cut or trimmed two weeks before the session so that your ends are fresh.
Hair & Makeup
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the girls
find it fast:
Although I rarely ever photograph your hands, I recommend having a manicure and/or pedicure done two days before the session. Believe it or not, chipped nail polish does show up in the photos! (It's a good idea for the guys to clean up their nails, too.)
Manicure
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
MANICURE
Outfits
for the girls
find it fast:
Just like the girls, solid colors work well for close-ups. Don't be afraid of patterns, though! If time allows, I suggest choosing one dressy outfit (a suit and tie would be perfect) and one casual outfit. Avoid shirts with logos or graphics on them.
I recommend having your hair cut 1 week before the session and shaving the morning of the session (just be careful not to nick your skin!).
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the guys
find it fast:
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Hollister
Wardrobe
WHERE TO SHOP
Outfits
for the guys
Inclement Weather
what to do if it rains
It’s typical for me to schedule two senior session dates during the spring especially (April showers bring May flowers!). A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps me make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure my seniors get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule two dates at the same time.
I’ll check in the week of your session to confirm the time & location we’re meeting and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for the session and it’s the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain.
Let me know what works best for you—but if the weather looks like it won’t be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12 hours in advance.
Start drinking tons of water right now if you don’t already—it will make your skin and hair healthier, and you’ll feel better!
Try to avoid the sun! Sunburn and tan lines are difficult to retouch. If you’ll be outside a lot in the weeks before your photoshoot, cover up as much as possible and keep the sunscreen handy to avoid tan lines and sunburn.
If it’s been a while since your last haircut, get a trim 3 – 7 days before your session. If you dye your hair, touching up your regrowth 3 days before your photoshoot is ideal.
Start whitening your teeth at home with whitening strips or whitening toothpaste. You'd be amazed at the difference this makes!
More Tips
Props
because cute cows are always a good idea
If you’re planning to bring props to your senior session, please do! Sports medals & awards, sports gear & uniforms, musical instruments, books, balloons, coffee or refresher drinks, farm animals, flowers; you name it—the possibilities are endless!
When it comes to posing for your senior session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for.
Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible while also having the BEST time ever!
"What do I do with
my hands"?
"What do I do
with my hands"?
POSING
Within 1-2 days you can expect to see a sneak peek shared on my Facebook and Instagram pages. Unless I have a holiday closure, you can expect to receive your senior photos between 2 and 4 weeks after your session.
When to Expect Your Images
I know that this guide is long and hopefully it covers everything you need to know to prep for your senior session! However if there is something I missed, or you need a recommendation feel free to email me at
hello@soulfocusmedia.com.