Getting Ready for Your Senior Photo Session: What to Bring, How to Prepare, and How to Show Who You Are

Senior photos aren’t just about looking good, they’re about capturing who you are in this season of life. Your interests, accomplishments, style, and where you’re headed next all deserve to be part of your session. Senior photos are a chance to celebrate everything you’ve worked toward, and my senior photography sessions in Southern California are designed to feel relaxed, personal, and completely authentic

Whether you’re counting down the days to graduation or still deciding what comes next, this guide will walk you through exactly what to bring, how to prepare, and how to make your senior photos feel personal, meaningful, and completely you.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Senior Photos

The location you choose plays a huge role in how your senior photos feel. Before picking a spot, think about what environments feel most natural to you and best reflect your personality.

Some seniors feel most confident surrounded by nature, while others love the energy of a more urban setting. There’s no right or wrong choice . The goal is choosing a location that feels like you. Check out below how a location can determine the mood or vibe for your photos:

• Open fields or trails → soft, timeless, relaxed
• Beach locations → effortless, Southern California vibes
• Downtown or urban areas → bold, modern, editorial
• Meaningful places → personal and story-driven

Senior sessions in Corona and Senior sessions in Orange County take place in familiar, meaningful spots, and I help every senior choose a location that fits their style, comfort level, and vision for their photos. I always help guide location choices based on your outfits, personality, and the overall look you want. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

What to Bring to Your Senior Photo Session

Outfits (yes—plural!)

I recommend bringing 2–3 outfits so we can create variety while keeping the session relaxed, natural, and totally you. Don’t wear clothes you wouldn’t normally wear. Your outfits should feel like you, just slightly elevated. Confidence always photographs best, and that starts with clothes you’re comfortable in. I recommend bringing a casual and a somewhat dressy outfit to your shoot. Check out my recommendations below:

• Mix casual and polished looks
• Neutral bases photograph beautifully. Don’t dress is loud colors unless it fits your personality.
• Texture and layers add interest
• Avoid loud logos unless they’re meaningful.

If you’re unsure how outfits, locations, and timing all come together, I walk every senior through the process during their senior photo experience.

Shoes

Yes, shoes matter, and yes, comfort matters too (unless we’re on the beach… then we go barefoot!) I recommend bringing:

• One pair that completes your outfit for photos
• One comfortable pair for walking between locations

Shoes often show more than you expect, especially in seated or walking poses, so choose something that fits the overall vibe of your session. We can always switch them out as we go.

Cap and Gown

Cap and gown photos are completely optional. Some seniors love having them, while others prefer a more modern, lifestyle-focused session. You might want to include a cap and gown if:

• You want a classic graduation look
• Your school requires them for announcements or photos
• You want a mix of traditional and modern images

If you don’t have your cap and gown yet, that’s totally okay! Senior photos don’t need them to be meaningful.

Accessories and Personal Items

This part is my absolute favorite because this is where your senior session becomes truly personal. Think about what you were involved in during school, what you love doing outside of school, and where you are going next. Played sports? Bring equipment or gear! In dance or cheer? Bring pom-poms or ballet slippers! Played an instrument? Bring it! Have a vintage car? Lets photograph you in it! You can bring anything that describes you! Here is a list of things you can bring to your session:

• Sports gear or uniforms
• Musical instruments
• Letterman jackets
• Books, sketchbooks, or art supplies
• College merch or acceptance letters
• Hobbies you’ve dedicated time to
• Pets
• Your new ride

This approach is exactly why my senior photography sessions focus on storytelling — not stiff posing — so your images reflect who you are, not just what grade you’re in.

These details tell your story, not just that you graduated, but who you were while you were there.

Touch-up essentials

A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to feeling confident during your session. Lip balm, blotting papers, hair ties, bobby pins, and a small mirror can be lifesavers between shots. Come with clean, dry hair, avoid trying new products right before your session, and keep makeup natural and camera friendly. Most importantly, arrive relaxed. I’ll guide you through posing, movement, and expression. You don’t need modeling experience to look amazing.

Final Thoughts

Your senior photo session is about capturing who you are right now, before everything changes. With thoughtful locations, meaningful details, and a relaxed approach, your photos become more than just portraits. They become memories you’ll carry with you forever.

If you’re ready to start planning a senior session that feels meaningful and stress-free, you can explore my senior photography experience or get in touch to begin planning your session.