Before we jump into how to prepare for your senior pictures, let us give you an idea of what to expect from your senior session with Stephanie Dupuis Photography.

What to Expect

Most high schoolers have never experienced a professional portrait session before their senior pictures. So everybody feels a little nervous and awkward to start. You don’t know where to put your hands. You don’t know how to stand. That’s normal! Don’t worry – We’ll walk you through it and those jitters will be gone before you know it.

We have photographed a lot of high school seniors so we are used to coaching our seniors about what to wear, how to pose and how to look their best!  We have a ton of great locations that we can suggest for your senior session.  Don’t worry we will keep it simple and fun.  You will be amazed at how much fun you will have and how AWESOME your finished pictures will look!

1 – 3 months before your Senior Session

First, make sure to schedule your senior session early.  Our most popular summer dates can book 2 or more months in advance.  Once you have reserved the date for your session start thinking about what you want your senior photos to look like.  Use Pinterest, google and Instagram to start gathering some ideas.  Also think about how you are going to display your awesome senior photographs.  Have questions?  Give us a call we are happy to help!

1 – 4 weeks before you Senior Session

Consider where you would like your senior pictures taken.  We can recommend a bunch of really awesome spots but you may have a spot that has special meaning to you. Be sure to reach out and let us know if you need help or if there is a specific location you would like to use.

This is also the time to begin thinking about your wardrobe.  Solid colors tend be a lot more flattering then patterns or stripes. Your clothing should fit you well without being too baggy or too tight.

In addition to location and wardrobe begin to think about any special props you may want. This could be a musical instrument, your car, your pet on anything else that is special in your life.  We always tell our clients if they are going to include props make sure they have meaning – it wouldn’t make sense to use a guitar if you don’t play!

Make sure you have scheduled a haircut or time at the salon.  You want to look your best!

The week before your Senior Session

• Iron clothing and put each outfit on a hanger – this goes for both the guys and the girls.  Include any corresponding accessories and jewelry on each hanger (ziplock bags work great for this)
• Make sure your props are clean. Musical instruments, cars and bikes should be freshly cleaned and looking their best.  If your photographs will include a beloved pet make sure to give him / her a bath.
• Drink lots of water all week long to help your skin look its best.
• Make sure to use chapstick if needed.  You don’t want chapped lips during your session.
• Ladies – wait until the night before your session to paint your nails.  Doing this allows the nail polish to be fresh.
• Guys – if you need to shave make sure you do it the night before, not the day of.  Shaving the night before will allow time for any redness to go away.
• Get plenty of sleep all week long and especially the night before your session.

The day of your Senior Session

• Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. Make sure your hands and nails are clean, hair fixed, eyebrows groomed… all of the little things matter. You parents will cherish these photographs for a lifetime, you want to look your best!
• Eat well before your session. Don’t come hungry!  Bring a bottle of water and a snack.
• Bring a pair of every day shoes for walking between locations.  This will help keep your dress shoes or heels clean and your feet comfortable.
• Ladies – bring makeup for touch ups, especially powder and lipstick. Also consider a small makeup mirror.

And the #1 most important thing you can do to prepare for your senior session?! Come with an open mind, a positive attitude and ready to have fun!

Please contact us with any questions as you’re planning for your senior pictures.  We are happy to help!