Preparing for your Senior Session
What to Wear
The goal is simple: look like the best version of yourself. Choose clothes that fit well, feel comfortable, and reflect your personality.
Plan to bring 2–3 outfits, ideally a mix of casual and dressier looks. Layers are a great way to add variety without changing your entire outfit. A jacket, flannel, hoodie, or button-up over a T-shirt can create several different looks.
Before your session:
Try everything on to make sure it fits comfortably.
Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
Choose shoes that are clean and in good condition—they'll be in your photos, too.
For the best timeless images, avoid:
Large logos or graphics
Bold text
Neon colors
Clothing that's extremely trendy and may look dated in a few years
If you're unsure about your outfit choices, send me photos beforehand—I'm always happy to help. Pinterest is also a great place to find inspiration.
What to Bring
Please bring:
2–3 outfits on hangers
Any accessories or personal items you'd like to include
A water bottle
Make It Personal
The best senior photos reflect who you are.
Consider bringing items that represent your interests or hobbies, such as:
Sports equipment or a letterman jacket
Musical instruments
Books
Your car or truck
Fishing, hunting, or outdoor gear
Anything that tells your story
Want your dog or another pet in a few photos? Absolutely! Just plan to have them join us at the beginning or end of your session, and bring someone who can take them home or keep them occupied when they're not being photographed.
Session Details
Most senior sessions begin about three hours before sunset, when the light is at its best. Sessions typically last up to two hours, although guys' sessions are often a little shorter.
Not a fan of evenings? If you're an early bird, we can also schedule your session shortly after sunrise. Morning light is just as beautiful, locations are usually less crowded, and it's a great option if you have a busy evening schedule or simply prefer mornings.
A few days before your session, I'll confirm your start time and we'll talk through location ideas. Most sessions include 2–3 nearby locations, giving us a variety of backgrounds without spending too much time driving.
If you're worried about being in front of the camera, don't be! Most guys tell me they aren't sure what to do, and that's completely normal. I'll guide you through everything—from where to stand to what to do with your hands—so you can relax and enjoy the experience. My goal is to make the session easy, comfortable, and actually fun.
Final Touches
A few small details can make a big difference:
Trim and clean your fingernails.
If you shave, shave the day of your session (or the day before if your skin is sensitive).
If you're planning a haircut, schedule it about 1–2 weeks before your session so it has time to settle in and look natural.
Stay hydrated and get a good night's sleep the night before your session.
Your Proof Gallery
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're interested in something you don't see, I also offer custom products including albums, metal prints, image blocks, image cubes, wall art, and more.
Your senior photos deserve more than a spot on your phone—I highly encourage printing your favorites so you can enjoy them 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 and create some amazing senior photos!