Senior Session Prep Guide
Welcome!
I’m so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with you! Your senior session is all about capturing who you are in this season of life—your personality, style, confidence, and everything that makes you unique.
This guide is here to help you feel completely prepared so your session is relaxed, fun, and stress-free. If you have questions at any point, don’t hesitate to reach out!
What to Expect
• Every session is fully guided. I’ll direct you through flattering poses while also capturing natural, candid moments.
• Don’t worry if you’ve never had professional photos taken before—you don’t need to know what to do. That’s my job!
• We’ll laugh, move around, and create a variety of images that feel authentic and natural.
• I want your gallery to feel like you, so don’t be afraid to show your personality!
The Week Before
✔ Finalize and try on every outfit.
✔ Make sure everything fits comfortably.
✔ Steam or iron clothing.
✔ Remove tags, lint, loose threads, and stickers.
✔ Clean your shoes.
✔ Schedule haircuts about 5–7 days before your session so everything looks natural.
✔ If coloring your hair, do so about one week beforehand.
✔ Moisturize daily leading up to your session (especially elbows, knees, and hands).
✔ Stay hydrated—it truly helps your skin glow!
✔ Avoid getting significant sunburns or spray tans within a few days of your session.
What to Wear
The biggest advice?
Wear something that feels like YOU.
If you’re uncomfortable in your clothes, it will show in your photos.
Outfit Ideas
Bring 2–3 outfits if your collection includes outfit changes.
A great variety usually includes:
• Something casual
• Something dressy
• Something that shows your personality or hobbies
Colors That Photograph Beautifully
Neutrals
Earth tones
Cream
Olive
Rust
Black
White
Denim
Burgundy
Navy
Soft blues
Sage
Warm browns
Please avoid these:
• Neon colors
• Large logos
• Busy graphics
• Tiny stripes (they can create visual distortion)
• Wrinkled clothing
• Athletic shoes (unless they fit your outfit)
Hair, Makeup & Grooming
Hair
Wear it however you feel most confident!
Whether that’s:
• Straight
• Curled
• Beach waves
• Natural texture
Bring a brush and hairspray for quick touch-ups.
Makeup
Professional makeup photographs beautifully, but it’s absolutely optional.
If doing your own makeup:
• Slightly more definition than everyday makeup photographs best.
• Defined lashes help your eyes stand out.
• Powder helps reduce shine.
Guys
• Fresh shave or neatly trimmed facial hair.
• Trim facial hair the day before.
• Clean up nails.
• Moisturize lips.
Accessories
Accessories add personality!
Consider bringing:
• Hats
• Jackets
• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Flowers
• Books
• Instruments
• Sports equipment
• Cap & gown (if you’d like)
• College gear
• A meaningful family heirloom
Bring Anything That Represents YOU
This session is about telling your story.
Bring items like:
• Sports equipment
• Musical instruments
• Dance shoes
• Art supplies
• FFA jacket
• 4-H projects
• Your vehicle
• Pets (pre-approved)
• Hobby items
• Anything meaningful to your high school experience
Confidence Tips
Don’t stress about posing.
I promise…
You do not need to know what to do with your hands!
I’ll guide every pose from head to toe.
The best photos happen when you relax, trust the process, and simply enjoy the experience.
Weather & Reschedules
Ohio weather can be unpredictable.
If we need to adjust due to rain or severe weather, I’ll contact you as soon as possible.
If you’re sick, please reach out so we can reschedule. I want you looking and feeling your best.
During Your Session
Don’t worry about:
• Looking awkward
• Being “photogenic”
I’ll coach you through everything.
Expect lots of movement, walking, laughing, spinning, sitting, and natural interaction.
After Your Session
• I carefully cull and prepare your preview gallery.
• You’ll receive your preview gallery where you’ll choose your favorite images.
• This is also where you’ll have the option to purchase additional images if you’d like.
• Once your selections are finalized, I’ll hand edit each image in my signature style.
• Your final gallery will then be delivered with easy download instructions.
• You’ll also have access to my professional print lab for beautiful prints, canvases, graduation announcements, albums, and wall art.
Common Questions
Can I bring a parent?
Absolutely! Parents are always welcome.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes! Friends are welcome to come for encouragement—as long as they don’t distract from your session.
Can I bring multiple outfits?
Absolutely! The number of outfit changes depends on your collection.
Can I include my pet?
Yes! Just let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.
What if I feel awkward?
Almost every senior tells me this before their session.
By the end, they’re laughing, relaxed, and usually say,
“That was way easier than I expected!”
Final Checklist
✔ Outfits steamed and ready
✔ Shoes cleaned
✔ Hair finished
✔ Makeup touch-up items packed
✔ Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
✔ Accessories packed
✔ Props packed
✔ Phone fully charged
✔ Arrive 5–10 minutes early
✔ Relax and have fun—I’ve got the rest!
Location & Contact
HWhaley Photography / HWP Studios
📍 Alliance • Marlboro, Ohio
🌐 hwhaleyphotography.com
📱 330-581-2896
I cannot wait to capture this unforgettable milestone and create images you’ll look back on for years to come!