How to Prepare for Your Senior Photo Session (Without the Stress)
Senior photos should feel exciting, not stressful.
But I know that for a lot of seniors (and parents), there’s a moment where it starts to feel a little overwhelming.
What should I wear?
What if I feel awkward?
What do I even do during the session?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
The good news is, you don’t have to have everything figured out to have an amazing session.
My entire approach is designed to make this feel easy, relaxed, and actually fun.
You Don’t Have to Know What You’re Doing
This is the biggest thing I want every senior to know going into their session:
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You don’t need to be “good in front of the camera.”
That’s my job.
I guide you through everything in a way that feels natural, so you’re not standing there wondering what to do. Most seniors start a little unsure, but within minutes, they’re laughing, moving, and completely forgetting about the camera.
Every client that has booked with me said they loved that all my clients looked natural and relaxed. I know how to put my clients at ease and help that shine in their photos!
Choosing Outfits That Feel Like You
One of the most common stress points is figuring out what to wear.
My advice? Keep it simple and true to you.
Choose outfits that:
You feel comfortable in
Reflect your personality
You would actually wear (sometimes just slightly elevated)
Soft, neutral tones and textures tend to photograph beautifully, but the most important thing is that you feel confident in what you’re wearing.
I also help guide you through outfit choices before your session, so you’re not figuring it out alone.
In my senior sessions we’ll do up to three outfits changes. This gives you the opportunity to show off different sides of your personality and tell your senior story.
We Plan Your Session Together
Before your session, I take time to get to know you.
What you like.
Your personality.
The kind of vibe you’re drawn to.
In fact, all my clients get a client questionnaire that helps me get to know you, talk about ideas and preferences, and really tailor the session to you!
This helps me create a session that actually feels like you.
Whether you’re more outgoing and playful or a little quieter and laid back, your session will be shaped around that. You’re not expected to fit into a certain style, we build it around who you are.
Picking the Right Location
The location plays a big role in how your session feels.
Some seniors love open fields and golden light.
Some prefer wooded areas or water.
Some want something a little more unique.
I help you choose a location that matches your personality and the overall feel you’re going for, so everything comes together naturally.
Along with the three outfits changes, we can go to up to three different locations. Again, this is all about showing all the different sides of your personality, interests, and senior memories.
What the Session Actually Feels Like
This is where a lot of the nerves start to fade.
My sessions are very laid back.
We walk, talk, laugh, and move around. I’ll give you simple direction when you need it, but nothing feels stiff or overly posed.
You’re not expected to stand in one place and smile at the camera the whole time.
In fact, the best moments usually happen in between.
By the end of the session, most seniors tell me it felt way easier (and more fun) than they expected.
What Parents Are Saying
“She made my senior feel so comfortable right away. We were both nervous going in, but it ended up being such a fun and easy experience.”
“The whole process felt so simple. She helped with everything ahead of time, the guides were so helpful, and the session itself didn’t feel stressful at all.”
“Kelly Jacobi Photography was an Amazing experience! Kelly is professional, down to earth and super talented at her craft. We were lucky enough to secure bookings for senior photos for my daughters. We were ecstatic with the results. Absolutely gorgeous! We can’t thank you enough! Definitely above and beyond our expectations! We loved every single photo!”
Thinking About Booking Your Senior Session?
If you’ve been feeling unsure or putting off senior photos because it feels overwhelming, I hope this helps you take a breath.
It doesn’t have to be complicated.
As a senior photographer in the Wausau Wisconsin area, my goal is to create an experience that feels relaxed, natural, and true to you; from planning all the way through your session.
I’ll guide you through every step.
