Preparing for your Florida Senior Session from a 30A Photographer

What to Wear

Apr 1, 2022

Senior Sessions in Florida are so much FUN! As a 30A photographer, I love working with local Florida Seniors to really capture and document this important time in their lives! Senior sessions are the perfect way to showcase a senior’s unique style or personality. You can also showcase a special talent, sport, or hobby they have. There are so many options and ways to capture this significant life milestone. Here are a few ways to prepare for your Florida senior session to ensure you have a stress-free and fun experience!

Let’s Talk Outfits for your Senior Session!

Have some fun picking your outfits! Go shopping a month before to really find outfits that fit your style. Getting ready for your photoshoot doesn’t need to be stressful. I will totally help by sending you a senior style guide. Between finding the right outfits to getting hair and make-up, it can seem like a lot of work. But it doesn’t have to be. We want your session to be fun, genuine, and 100% you.

I recommend bringing multiple looks, 3-5 is best. Now, we may not need them all, but it is always helpful to have multiple options ready. Don’t forget about how unpredictable the Florida weather is – make sure you don’t have an outfit that will cause you to be too warm or too cold!

Try to avoid loud patterns and colors, they often clash or take away focus from your face. Also, make sure to pick out clothes that fit close to your body, they are always more flattering in photos. No matter your body type, remember that baggy clothing is very difficult to pose and take pictures of.

Make sure you are COMFORTABLE!

Try them on and make sure you are truly COMFORTABLE and CONFIDENT in each of them. The more comfortable you are, the better you will feel. That means the better your photos will look! Bring outfits that range from a comfy/cozy look to more formal. This makes the whole session less stressful and more relaxed because you don’t have to worry about if you picked the right outfit.

Also consider colors, specifically ones that compliment your skin tones. Pick the colors that compliment your eyes, skin tone or hair are perfect! Here in Florida, softer, muted colors photograph best!

Layers are another important factor to think about. Jean and/or leather jackets, flannel shirts, slouchy cardigans and shawls are all great to give us options during a shoot. Remember to include a variety of textures and necklines that keep in line with your style and personality. Think of lace, velvet, leather etc…

Shoes, shoes, shoes! Don’t forget boots, Birkenstocks, heels…whatever is the most YOU. Also, if there’s a prom dress or any other gowns that you have in your closet that you never get to wear, but love, bring it, and we will try to use it!

Let’s talk about the details for your senior session!

It’s all about details when you are starting to plan for your Florida Senior Session! Sure choosing your outfits plays the biggest part in preparing for your senior session. The details are the icing on top of the cake!

Hair, Nails, and Makeup

Senior Ladies (and Guys, too): Your hands will end up in some of your images, so take the time to get a manicure. If you have a class ring that you want to showcase, getting a manicure helps your hands and nails look nice and neat.

Don’t forget to schedule your hair cut or hair appointment within a week of your senior session. This is not a good time to try something new and end up hating the results. Remember-the more comfortable you are, the better the outcome of your photos!

While it isn’t 100% necessary, feel free to go all out! Schedule a professional to style your hair or apply your makeup that day! Professionally done hair and make tends to stand up to the “test of time” nicely, and if there is humidity or wind which is common in Florida, it is a great decision.

Props

Do you have a sport, hobby, or club that represents your high school experience? Consider bringing something to represent your passions, whether it’s an instrument, sports uniform, or dance shoes. If you need help in deciding what is best to bring to showcase your talents, feel free to ask me!

The day before and day of

The night before, make sure you prepare all the items you will need for your session! Don’t wait until the day of because it can be stressful if you are in a rush! Here is a tip: Label each outfit with the number for the order you are wanting to wear them in. Next, take a ziplock bag and label it with the same number to place any jewelry or accessories you are going to wear with that look. This way the day of your session, you are not scrambling trying to find or remember which item went with each outfit.

Make sure to eat the day of your session! Finding yourself hungry during your session is the last thing you want! Pack a snack, even just in case! Also, make sure that you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Think of this as the equivalent of preparing for an audition or interview. This will aid in keeping your skin clear and eyes bright!

Let’s talk about practicing for your senior session!

Practice for the day of your session! I bet you’re laughing right now, thinking, “How in the world do I ‘practice’ for my senior session?” A lot of times people don’t practice the faces or poses they want to see in their photos and as a result, they are unhappy.

To keep from letting this happen, a simple fix is to practice. Whether it’s in the mirror or in front of friends and family, practicing will let you feel much more comfortable when the time comes for your session. With that being said, act natural. Of course, I will guide you on the day of your session, but trying the poses beforehand make it easier the day of! I promise your hands and arms don’t look as weird as you think they do in photos. Most of the time, the best pictures are products of the natural light-hearted moments that showcase YOU.

One last reminder, MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMFORTABLE!

I know I have said it multiple times, but this is so important! Being comfortable is essential in order to achieve a stress-free senior session! You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you are hungry or have any sort of nuisances like itchy clothes. Be comfortable, be relaxed. It will make all the difference in the world and in turn, your session will run just as smoothly and relaxed as you would hope.

Documenting this time of your life is the most important thing to me, and I want your senior session to be a time for you to just enjoy it! Just follow these five tips to assure you have a memorable time and an enjoyable experience. That’s what it’s all about!