Preparing for Your Senior Session
I'm so excited to photograph this special season of your life! My goal is for you to feel confident, beautiful, and completely yourself. A little preparation goes a long way, so I've put together a few tips to help you make the most of your senior session.
Most seniors tell me they're a little nervous because they've never had professional photos taken before—and that's completely normal! I'll guide you through every pose, expression, and movement, so you never have to wonder what to do. My goal is for your session to feel relaxed, fun, and completely stress-free.
Location & Timing
Most senior sessions begin about three hours before sunset, when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. Sessions typically last up to two hours.
If you're an early bird, we can also schedule your session shortly after sunrise. Morning light is just as beautiful, locations are often quieter, and it's a wonderful option if mornings work better for your schedule.
A few days before your session, I'll confirm your start time and where we'll meet. If we feel like your chosen location doesn't offer enough variety, we can always head to a second nearby spot to add even more beautiful backgrounds to your gallery.
If the weather doesn't cooperate, don't worry—we'll simply reschedule for the next available date with beautiful light.
What to Wear
Choose outfits that make you feel confident, comfortable, and like yourself.
Plan to bring three outfits with a mix of casual and dressier styles. Layers such as denim jackets, sweaters, cardigans, or a simple flannel shirt are an easy way to create several different looks without changing your entire outfit.
Before your session:
Try on each outfit ahead of time.
Take a few photos of yourself with your phone to make sure you love how everything fits. Photos often reveal wrinkles, fit issues, or distracting details that are easy to miss in the mirror.
Make sure your clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
Choose shoes that complement each outfit—they'll be in your photos too!
Wear clothing that allows you to walk, sit, and move comfortably.
For timeless images, avoid:
Large logos
Bold lettering or graphics
Neon colors
Clothing that's extremely trendy and may look dated in a few years
If you can't decide what to wear, send me photos of your outfit choices. I'm always happy to help!
Accessories
Accessories are a wonderful way to personalize your look.
Bring hats, jewelry, scarves, sunglasses, a fresh bouquet of flowers, or anything else that complements your outfits. Simply changing accessories or adding a jacket can completely transform your look without needing another outfit change.
Undergarments
The right undergarments make a big difference.
Choose nude or coordinating undergarments whenever possible.
Make sure straps won't show.
Avoid undergarments that create visible lines under fitted clothing.
Bring the appropriate undergarments for each outfit.
Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup are one of the best investments you can make for your senior session. If it's within your budget, I highly recommend it—you'll feel amazing, and it really shows in your final images.
If you're doing your own makeup:
Wear slightly more makeup than you normally would since cameras naturally soften it.
Even out your skin tone with foundation or concealer.
Define your eyes with mascara and eyeliner.
Finish your look with lipstick or lip gloss.
Bring your lip color along for touch-ups during the session.
If you're planning to get your hair cut or colored, try to schedule it 1–2 weeks before your session so it looks natural and settled.
Sun & Skin
Try to avoid getting sunburned or developing noticeable tan lines before your session, as both can be distracting in photos.
Limit prolonged sun exposure during the week leading up to your session, and avoid trying any new skincare treatments or products right beforehand.
Nails
Your hands will appear in many of your photos, so don't forget about your nails.
Clean and neatly trimmed nails are perfect.
Neutral or classic polish photographs beautifully.
If you wear nail polish, make sure it isn't chipped.
The Week Before Your Session
A little preparation can make a big difference! Here are a few simple tips to help you look and feel your best:
Drink plenty of water.
Get a good night's sleep before your session.
Avoid trying new skincare products or treatments.
If you regularly spray tan, schedule it a few days before your session so it has time to settle. If you don't normally spray tan, now isn't the time to try one for the first time.
Wax or shave 24–48 hours before your session (if needed) to allow any redness or irritation to fade.
Moisturize your skin and lips.
Wash your hair the day before your session if that's when it styles best.
Most importantly, relax and trust the process. I'll take care of the rest!
Bring a Friend (or Mom!)
You're welcome to bring a parent or a friend along to your session! They can help carry outfits, keep track of your belongings, and cheer you on throughout the evening.
Having someone you feel comfortable with can help you relax and make the experience even more enjoyable. Just keep the group small so we can stay focused, move efficiently between locations, and create the best possible images.
What to Bring
Please bring:
Your outfits on hangers
Shoes for each outfit, plus comfortable walking shoes
Accessories and jewelry
The appropriate undergarments for each outfit
Hairbrush or comb
Hairspray
Makeup for touch-ups
Mirror
Lipstick or lip gloss
Lint roller
Water bottle
Bug spray if we'll be photographing in fields or wooded areas
What to Expect on Session Day
When we meet, we'll spend a few minutes getting to know each other and looking over your outfits before we get started. We'll begin with some simple, natural poses to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
As the session goes on, you'll relax, gain confidence, and before you know it, posing will feel completely natural. We'll laugh, explore beautiful locations, chase the best light, and create a wonderful variety of images that truly capture your personality and this exciting season of your life.
My hope is that your senior session is more than just another item on your to-do list. I want it to be a fun, memorable experience that leaves you feeling confident, beautiful, and excited to see your photos.
After Your Session
Within a few days after your session, you'll receive an email with a link to your online proof gallery.
Your proofs will be lightly edited and watermarked. Simply mark your favorite images, and I'll use those selections to complete the final professional edits.
To keep everything on schedule, please make your selections as soon as you're able.
Your fully edited, high-resolution gallery will be delivered within two weeks of receiving your favorites.
Your Final Gallery
Your final images will be delivered through the same online gallery.
Once you receive your gallery, please download your images and back them up in a safe place.
You'll also be able to order professional-quality prints and products directly from your gallery. You're welcome to print elsewhere, but I can only guarantee color and print quality when orders are placed through my professional lab.
If you don't see exactly what you're looking for, just ask! I offer custom products including lay-flat albums, image blocks, image cubes, metal prints, wall art, and much more.
Your senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone. My hope is that these images become more than digital files—they become artwork on your walls, gifts for your family, and memories you'll look back on for years to come.
Questions?
If you have any questions before your session, don't hesitate to reach out.
Edina Merkel
330-634-3422
I can't wait to work with you! We're going to have so much fun creating images you'll treasure for years to come