The Senior Portrait Guide
Everything you need to feel prepared, confident, and completely yourself in front of the camera.
Senior year is full of milestones, new experiences, and exciting possibilities. Your senior portraits are a chance to celebrate this season of life and capture the person you are becoming.
Whether you already have a closet full of outfit ideas or have no idea where to start, don't worry. You don't need to be a model or know how to pose. I'll guide you through the process, from planning your wardrobe and choosing a location to creating portraits you'll love displaying in your home.
Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your senior portrait session with Amanda Corlew Photography.
1. What Should I Wear for My Senior Portraits?
Your outfits should reflect your personality and style. You don't need to buy an entirely new wardrobe or wear something that doesn't feel like you. The best outfits are the ones that make you feel confident and comfortable.
Plan for variety
Think about choosing two or three different looks, depending on your session plans. Aim for variety rather than several outfits that look almost identical.
Classic and polished: A dress, a button-down shirt, a blazer, or another outfit that feels a little more dressed up. This is a great choice for a framed portrait for your parents to hang on the wall.
Casual and comfortable: Your favorite jeans, a well-fitting top, a sweater, or another outfit that feels like your everyday style.
Personal and distinctive: A favorite jacket, a sports uniform, a letter jacket, a college shirt, or an outfit that reflects an interest or activity you love.
You don't have to fit into these categories. They're simply a starting point for planning a few different looks.
Choose colors that photograph beautifully
Solid colors and subtle textures tend to photograph well because they keep the attention on your face.
Some colors to consider include:
- Earthy tones such as rust, olive, camel, and warm brown
- Rich colors such as burgundy, navy, forest green, and deep teal
- Soft neutrals such as cream, beige, gray, and black
- Muted pastels for a softer, lighter look
You can absolutely wear brighter colors or patterns if they suit your personality. The key is choosing something that complements the setting without competing with you.
If you're planning an outdoor session, consider the surroundings and season. Rich colors can look beautiful against autumn foliage, while lighter neutrals and soft colors can complement spring greenery.
Pay attention to fit and comfort
Clothing that fits well will help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera.
Before session day:
- Try on every outfit, including the shoes and accessories.
- Sit, stand, walk, and move around to make sure everything stays in place.
- Check necklines, hems, sleeves, and undergarments.
- Steam or iron clothing ahead of time.
- Make sure shoes are clean and comfortable enough for walking.
Avoid anything that requires constant adjusting. You'll have a much better time when you're not worrying about your clothes.
Don't forget the details
Accessories can make an outfit feel more complete. Consider jewelry, watches, hats, belts, boots, jackets, or other pieces that add personality.
If you wear glasses, bring them! We can plan around them and be mindful of reflections.
Most importantly, choose clothing that feels like you. Trends come and go, but your personality is what will make these portraits special.
2. What Should I Bring?
You don't need to bring a suitcase full of props. A few thoughtfully chosen items can add variety and tell more of your story.
Depending on your interests, consider bringing:
Sports and activities
- Your uniform, letter jacket, jersey, or team apparel
- A ball, glove, racket, or other sports equipment
- Dance shoes, a performance outfit, or other activity-specific items
Music and the arts
- A musical instrument
- Dance shoes or performance accessories
- Art supplies, a sketchbook, or another creative item
School and what's next
- A college sweatshirt or shirt, if you've chosen your next school
- A class ring or other meaningful school memorabilia
- Graduation-related items you'd like to include
Personal touches
- A favorite book
- A hat or piece of jewelry you wear often
- An item connected to a hobby or passion
- Your pet, if we'd like to incorporate them and the location allows it
You don't need to bring something from every category. Choose items that genuinely mean something to you rather than props you think you're supposed to have.
If you're unsure whether an item will work, ask me before your session. We can decide together what makes sense for your plans and location.
3. How Do We Choose a Location?
Your location helps establish the mood of your portraits, so we'll choose one that complements your personality and the look you want.
Depending on your preferences, we might consider:
- Natural settings: Open fields, greenery, trees, and beautiful natural light.
- Architectural settings: Interesting buildings, stone details, textured walls, and more polished urban surroundings.
- A personal setting: A place connected to a favorite activity, interest, or meaningful memory, when access is available.
You don't have to arrive with a location already chosen. I'll help you explore options and select a setting that works with your wardrobe and the overall vision for your portraits.
We'll also consider practical details such as walking distances, available shade, crowds, access restrictions, and the time of day.
Because outdoor lighting changes throughout the day, your session time may be planned around the most flattering natural light. Some locations also require permission or an entry fee, which we'll discuss when planning.
4. Hair, Makeup, and Grooming
The goal isn't to look like someone else. It's to feel like the most confident version of yourself.
If you're wearing makeup
Professional hair and makeup are optional, but they can be a nice way to feel extra prepared. If you choose to do your own makeup, remember that natural light can make makeup appear more subtle in photographs than it looks in a mirror.
A few helpful tips:
- Practice your look before session day rather than trying something completely new at the last minute.
- Bring powder or blotting papers for touch-ups, especially during warmer weather.
- Choose a lip color you're comfortable wearing.
- If you get a haircut or color treatment, schedule it far enough ahead to make any adjustments if needed.
If you're not wearing makeup
That's completely fine! Clean, moisturized skin and your everyday look are all you need. Your portraits should still look and feel like you.
A few finishing touches
- Clean and groom nails.
- Bring a brush or comb.
- Bring any hair products needed for touch-ups.
- Check that clothing is free of lint, wrinkles, and pet hair.
- If you wear facial hair, glasses, or a particular hairstyle every day, there's no need to change it just for your portraits. We want your images to look like you.
5. Getting Ready for an Outdoor Session
Texas weather can be unpredictable, and outdoor sessions can involve walking between locations. A little preparation makes a big difference.
Bring a small bag with:
- Water
- A comb or brush and any needed hair products
- Makeup for touch-ups, if applicable
- Blotting papers or a small towel during hot weather
- Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
- A lint roller and a few basic clothing-fix essentials
- Your outfits and accessories, organized so they're easy to find
For dresses or outfits that wrinkle easily, hang them up during the drive when possible. Keep shoes and accessories together with the outfit they belong to.
If we're photographing outdoors during warmer months, consider bringing a small towel and allowing extra time to cool down between looks. In cooler weather, bring a layer to wear between photographs.
We'll keep an eye on the forecast as your session approaches and discuss any necessary adjustments if weather becomes a concern.
6. What to Expect During Your Session
You don't need to know how to pose or worry about what to do with your hands. That's part of my job!
I'll offer direction throughout your session, helping you with posture, positioning, movement, and natural expressions. You don't need to memorize poses or practice smiling in the mirror.
Some of the best portraits happen when you relax, move naturally, and let your personality come through.
A few reminders:
- Give yourself enough time to get ready so you aren't rushing.
- Eat beforehand and bring water.
- Let me know if there's anything you're especially excited about photographing.
- Tell me if you feel awkward or unsure. We can adjust and try something different.
- Remember that you don't have to love being in front of a camera to have beautiful portraits.
Your session is a collaboration. I'll bring the experience and guidance, and you bring your personality.
7. A Note for Parents
Senior portraits celebrate an important transition for your family, too. This is an opportunity to preserve the personality, interests, and accomplishments that make your senior uniquely themselves at this stage of life.
As you plan, consider how you'd like to enjoy the photographs after the session. A framed portrait can become a favorite piece in your home, while a portrait album lets you preserve a wider variety of expressions, outfits, and memories.
You don't have to decide what you'd like to order before the session. I'll guide you through the available artwork and digital options so you can choose what works best for your family.
My goal is to make the experience personal and straightforward, from planning through the finished portraits.
8. Your Senior Session Checklist
A little preparation helps you arrive feeling relaxed and ready.
The week before
- Finalize your outfits and try everything on.
- Choose accessories and personal items you'd like to include.
- Confirm your location and session details.
- Plan haircuts, grooming, and any professional hair or makeup appointments.
The night before
- Steam or iron your clothing.
- Pack outfits, shoes, and accessories together.
- Gather any sports equipment, instruments, or personal items.
- Set aside a small bag for water and touch-ups.
On session day
- Eat something beforehand.
- Bring water and comfortable walking shoes.
- Arrive with enough time to get settled.
- Relax, have fun, and trust the process!
Ready to Plan Your Senior Portraits?
You don't have to have every detail figured out before reaching out. Whether you have a Pinterest board full of ideas or are starting with a completely blank slate, I'll help you plan a session that feels personal to you.
Let's talk about your senior portraits.
Explore the Senior Portrait Portfolio.
View a few location recommendations.
