Planning for Your Senior Pictures: A Complete Guide
Congratulations—your senior year is finally here! From the first day of class to graduation, this year will be filled with meaningful moments and milestones. Your senior pictures are one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to capture who you are right now.
My goal is to create portraits that showcase your unique personality with sophistication, style, and authenticity. The more prepared you are for your session, the more you’ll love looking back at these images for years to come.
So, what’s next? Let’s walk through everything you need to plan an amazing senior portrait session.
Step 1: Choose Your Session Type
I offer different senior portrait experiences to fit your style and vision. Whether you want a classic session, an adventure session with multiple locations, or something uniquely you—let’s find the perfect fit.
[Nebraska Senior Portrait Photographer | Lincoln, NE | Jen Wilke]
Step 2: Plan Your Outfits
Your outfits are one of the most important parts of your session. Here’s how to choose looks that photograph beautifully and feel authentically you.
How Many Outfits to Bring
Bring 3-4 different outfits to your session. We may not shoot in all of them, but having options ensures we capture a variety of looks. Include both casual/comfortable and formal/dressy options for versatility.
Mix it up with:
- One formal outfit (suit, dress, or dressy separates)
- 2-3 casual outfits that reflect your everyday style
- Optional: athletic wear, team jerseys, or hobby-related items
Choosing Outfits That Reflect YOU
Your senior pictures should feel like you—not like you’re wearing a costume. Pick clothes you love and feel comfortable in.
Ask yourself:
- What colors am I drawn to?
- Which colors complement my eyes, hair, and skin tone?
- What kinds of outfits just feel like “me”?
Need inspiration? Pinterest has thousands of senior outfit ideas to help you plan.
Not sure about something? Send me photos of what you’re planning to wear—I’m happy to give feedback and suggestions!
Bring Your Activities & Hobbies
If you’re involved in sports, dance, music, or other activities, bring your gear! Your team jersey, dance costume, instrument, or sports equipment are all part of your high school story. These items add personality and meaning to your portraits.
Head-to-Toe Planning
I’ll take both close-up and full-length photos, so plan your outfit from head to toe. That means coordinating:
- Tops and bottoms
- Shoes and socks
- Accessories
- Hairstyle and makeup
Outfit Tips: Color, Texture & Style
Color Choices
Bold colors and warm tones photograph beautifully. Think jewel tones, earthy neutrals, and rich colors that complement your skin tone.
Avoid:
- Thin stripes (they can look distorted on camera)
- Neon colors (they can reflect unflattering light on your skin)
- All white or all black (these can wash you out or lose detail)
Pro tip: If one outfit has a pattern, keep your other outfits solid. This gives you variety without overwhelming the photos.
Texture & Layers
Have fun with layers and different textures! Look for:
- Cozy sweaters
- Denim jackets
- Leather or suede
- Flowy fabrics
Mixing textures adds visual interest and dimension to your portraits.
Accessories Matter
Accessories complete your look and show your personality. Don’t forget:
- Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings
- Watches
- Hats, beanies, or headbands
- Belts
- Sunglasses
These small details make a big difference in your final images!
Preparation Checklist
Before Your Session:
✅ Try on everything – Make sure outfits fit well and you feel comfortable
✅ Iron your clothes – Transport on hangers to prevent wrinkles
✅ Plan your shoes – Make sure shoes/boots go with each outfit
✅ Haircut timing – Get your haircut about 2 weeks before (not the day before!)
✅ Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session for glowing skin
✅ Avoid sunburn – Protect your skin so you look and feel your best
✅ Check the weather – Look at the forecast if we’re shooting outdoors
The Night Before:
✅ Get great sleep – Well-rested = natural, radiant photos
✅ Prep your outfits – Have everything laid out and ready
✅ Charge your phone – You might want to share behind-the-scenes content
Day of Your Session:
For Everyone: ✅ Bring water and snacks (especially for longer sessions)
✅ Bring a small towel for warm weather sessions
✅ Arrive with a positive attitude and ready to have fun!
For Girls: ✅ Practice your hair and makeup beforehand
✅ Bring makeup and hair products for touch-ups
✅ Paint nails the night before or have them done professionally
✅ Bring hairspray to tame your flyaways
For Guys: ✅ Shave the morning of your session
✅ Bring a comb or styling product for touch-ups
What to Expect During Your Session
Feeling a little nervous? That’s completely normal! Here’s what you can expect:
I’ll guide you through everything. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands—that’s my job! I’ll direct you through poses, expressions, and locations to make sure you look natural and confident.
We’ll have fun. I promise! Most seniors tell me they were nervous beforehand but ended up having a blast. We’ll chat, laugh, and create images that feel authentic to who you are.
Your session will fly by. Between outfit changes, location switches, and capturing different looks, the time goes quickly. Just relax, be yourself, and trust the process.
Ready to Book Your Senior Session?
Your senior year deserves to be celebrated! Let’s create portraits that capture this moment—your personality, your style, your story.
Contact Jen Wilke Photography | Nebraska Family and Senior Photographer or view my senior portrait gallery at Nebraska Senior Portrait Photographer | Lincoln, NE | Jen Wilke for inspiration.
Have questions? I’m here to help! DM me on Instagram or email me at [jenwilkephotography@gmail.com].
