SENIOR SESSION GUIDE

session tips, location guidance, shot lists, and more!

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

I am so honored that you’ve trusted me with capturing your senior photos. I’m looking forward to photographing your session and getting to know you better.

In the meantime, this guide is designed to help you create an experience that lends itself to the best photos possible. This will walk you through everything from locations to details, and so much more.

Thank you again for choosing to work with me and feel free to reach out at any point during your planning process.

WHAT TO WEAR

Congratulations! You made it to your senior year. Senior photos are treasured portraits that are meaningful to both you and your family. It is a great a great way to showcase your personality and really tie in each location during your session.

Below you’ll find some handy tips for nailing down the perfect style for you.

what to wear

Senior sessions typically last 1.5 hours. I recommend you bring 2-3 outfits, as you may wish to have different “looks”. Start casual and build up to a dressier outfit.

Below you’ll find some general guidelines to narrow down your perfect outfits.

S E S S I O N S T Y L I N G T I P S

yes

  • Professional hair & makeup

  • Accessories & layers

  • Items that show movement

  • Something comfortable

no

  • Big logos or writing on shirts

  • Small, intricate, or busy patterns

  • Wrinkled clothing

  • Something that isn’t really you

  • On the day of your session, it doesn’t hurt to be extra prepared. Here are a few things you should consider bringing:

    • Makeup and hair supplies for touchups

    • Comfortable shoes for walking (you can change into your fancy shoes when it’s time for photos in case our session involves a lot of walking.)

    • Water and snacks

    • Towel for any sweating

    • Props that help tell your story (i.e. flowers, athletic gear, pets, etc.)

    • Proper undergarments for each outfit

    • A blanket in case you need to change in your car

Featured Galleries

WHERE TO SHOOT YOUR SESSION

Y O U & T H E C I T Y

Grand Rapids has several fun spots that makes for a wonderful backdrop for your photos. A few of my favorite are

  • Amway Hotel

  • Parking Ramps

  • Rosa Parks Circle

  • DeVos Civic Center

  • Grand Rapids Art Museum

I N N A T U R E

We also have plenty of trails and parks that photograph beautifully — specifically during our fall season. Some of my favorite locations are

  • Beaches

  • Provin Trails

  • Grand Ravines

  • Pickerel Lake Trail

  • Silver Lake Sand Dunes

I N D O O R & M I S C E L L A N E O U S

Depending on the season, Grand Rapids has art installations that make for very fun & one-of-kind backdrops for photos. Some businesses also allow photography inside usually with purchase.

Others may require a permit and advance approval such as

  • Meijer Gardens

  • Aquinas College

  • Downtown Market

FROM START TO FINISH

  • About a week before your session, we'll have a check-in to go over all the details like time, location, clothes, etc. to finalize the details of your session.

  • We'll meet at the location you've chosen and start shooting. We will have up to 2 hours together.

    Remember to bring everything you think you'll need for your session, including outfit changes, accessories, water, makeup for touchups, brush/comb, and a parent or guardian.

  • All photos taken will be hand-selected and edited to ensure you have the best of the best of your sessions. Images will be sized for print and social media ready with full printing rights — delivered to you via an online gallery where you can download all of your photos.

    Your full gallery will be delivered to you within 3 weeks from your session date.

    *Please keep this in mind as it may conflict with your yearbook deadline.