Senior year is a big deal! It’s loaded with activities, milestones accomplishments, and memories. The high school senior year is also one of the most exciting (and maybe bittersweet) – for the seniors and their parents. Senior portraits are all about celebrating these milestones and preserving the memories, so years from now, you can look back and relive the excitement and joy of your teen’s senior year. As a mom, you have a front-row seat to this moment, and with just a little prep, you can help your senior shine during their session.
Here’s my guide to help make sure your senior is ready for the big day—from outfits to last-minute tips to keep things fun and stress-free.

Step 1: The Outfits
Picking out the right outfits can make a huge difference in their photos, but don’t overthink it.
Keep it authentic
The outfits should reflect your senior’s real style and personality. If they’re all about jeans and a hoodie, we can work with that. If they love a classic blazer or a flowy dress, that’s perfect too. The goal is to make sure they feel comfortable and confident.
Mix it up
I always recommend a few different looks for variety:
- A casual outfit that’s totally “them.”
- Something a little dressier—think a suit, a sundress, or something polished.
- And maybe something that shows off their hobbies or interests, like a sports jersey, band uniform, or even a favorite T-shirt with character.

Compromise is Key!
Sometimes your high school senior has a vision that doesn’t quite match yours (girl moms, I feel your pain). And that’s okay—celebrate the differences! My best advice is to find a balance. Let your high school senior choose a few outfits they love, even if they’re not your favorites. The catch? They also let mom and dad pick an outfit or two that you love. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Don’t forget accessories
A hat, scarf, necklace, or even their letterman jacket can add that extra touch. The key is to keep it simple and meaningful.

Step 2: Getting Camera-Ready
Senior portraits are all about looking and feeling great, and a little prep can go a long way.
Hair tips. If they need a haircut or trim, schedule it about a week before the session. This gives it time to settle but still look fresh. On the day of the shoot, stick to styles they’re comfortable with—nothing too fancy or stressful.
Skin care. Remind them to stay hydrated and stick to their usual routine. This isn’t the time to try out new products or masks (we don’t want any surprises). A little moisturizer and lip balm can work wonders for a natural glow. Also, go light on the self-tan – especially a day or two before the session.

Breakout Alert! – It happens, and it’s nothing to stress over. Avoid the temptation to try and make blemishes “disappear” – you know what I mean here. The more you fiddle with a breakout the more that can lead to redness and puffiness that’s tough to fix. The good news? I can use a little Photoshop magic to smooth out skin blemishes, so no worries!
Makeup or no makeup? It’s totally up to your senior! If they don’t usually wear makeup, it’s perfectly fine to add a little to accentuate their natural features—think soft touches to highlight the eyes, lips, and cheeks. This can help ensure they don’t look washed out under the lights.
For those who love makeup, keep it subtle and don’t overdo it. Girls, I know you adore your lashes, but be careful—long lashes can cast funky shadows under the eyes or even make the eyelid appear droopy if they’re not perfectly straight. And trust me, that’s not something Photoshop can easily fix! Apply those lush lashes with care.
If your senior opts for professional hair and makeup, make sure the artist knows how to create a camera-ready look. The goal is to enhance their natural beauty, not to overdo it. Just a little polish can go a long way in helping them look and feel their best!
Hands and nails. Make sure to have them to clean and trim their nails before a session. Neutral or no polish is best, but honestly, as long as they feel good, it’ll show in the photos. This applies to guys and girls both.

Step 3: Day-of Essentials
The day of the session can feel like a whirlwind, but with a little prep, it’ll be smooth sailing.
Pack a session bag. Here’s what I suggest bringing:
- Outfits everyone agreed on (and maybe a few extras just in case).
- Shoes—yes, even comfy ones for in-between shots.
- A brush, comb, or whatever they need for quick touch-ups.
- Makeup & hairspray for small fixes.
- Water and a snack—because hangry seniors aren’t happy seniors.
- Props like sports gear, instruments, or anything that feels like “them.”
Get some rest. A good night’s sleep makes a world of difference. And try not to do too much before your session. School / work is okay. But not a marathon.

Be on time. This one’s important! Plan for traffic, wardrobe malfunctions, and anything else life might throw your way. The less rushed you feel, the more fun the session will be. And outdoor lighting waits on no one.
Keep the mood light. My favorite sessions are the ones where everyone is relaxed and laughing. Crack jokes, play their favorite playlist on the way to the session, and remind them that this is about celebrating who they are. NO PRESSURE!
Okay Moms – Relax and Enjoy the Show!
Your job during the session is simple: sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! I may ask for your help now and then with outfits or a quick hair fix, but try not to coach your senior too much when it comes to smiles or poses. It can make them feel self-conscious, and that awkwardness can show in the final photos.
A little encouragement is always welcome—just remember to keep it positive and let them shine. Trust me, we’ll work together to capture their best moments!

Step 4: Trust the Process
I’ve got you! Once you’ve done all the prep, it’s time to hand over the reins and trust me to do my thing and let your high school senior be the star of the show.
Share your vision. If there are specific poses, props, or ideas you have, let me know ahead of time. I love it when moms and seniors come with ideas—it makes the session even more personal. This is why the session consultation is so important! I’m always more creative when I have time to prep.
Relax and enjoy it. This session is about celebrating your senior and the incredible person they’ve become. Let me guide the session so you can just soak it all in. We’ll get beautiful, natural shots that you’ll treasure forever.

Senior Portraits Are Worth It – You’ll Never Get This Time Back
I know senior portraits are an investment, but they are also a gift to yourself and your senior. These photos capture a moment in time that you’ll never get back—before graduation, college, and whatever exciting adventures come next. They’re more than just pictures—they’re memories, milestones, and maybe a few tears (happy ones, of course).

Senior portraits are one of those “lasts” before they graduate, and I want to make sure it’s a memory both you and your senior will look back on with a smile. With a little preparation, they’ll feel confident, and you’ll walk away with photos that truly capture this amazing season of life.
If you’re ready to book a session or just have questions, reach out—I’d love to help. Let’s create something beautiful together. Click this link to get started: CONTACT ME
