Tips for Senior Pictures | Park City Senior Session Highlight
I had an absolute blast taking these senior pictures this summer! I met Isabella’s mom at a wedding I had photographed earlier in the year, and when she and Isabella were visiting Utah from out of state they booked a session with me! We took full advantage of Isabella’s 2 hour session so that we could get multiple locations, outfits, and get more and more comfortable in front of the camera. Unfortunately we couldn’t do the session in downtown Park City because there was an art festival going on and it was MAYHEM. But, we made the most of it and explored some beautiful scenery right outside the town! Let’s get into it. 🙂
Whether you are a photographer, the senior being photographed, or the parent who is researching about senior sessions, this blog post is for you! We’ll go over some outfit tips for senior pictures, a few unique pose ideas that work almost every time, and I’ll share some tips for how to tell a story through your pictures.
Senior Pictures Outfit Tips
For every senior session I recommend having at least 2 outfits: a dressy casual option, and a dressy option. You could also mix in your sports jersey or some sort of accessory during your session to highlight some of your accomplishments! Musical instruments, band uniforms, cheer pom poms, drill equipment, sports equipment, or anything else that is important to you from your high school experience or just you as a person is usually fair game during your session.
I provide a wardrobe guide to my seniors when they book with me, and I know some other photographers do the same, but Pinterest is also a great place to go to find outfit ideas! Here’s a tip: search for things like “forest senior picture outfits” or “(location) senior picture outfit ideas.” Or “fall senior picture outfits” or “(season) senior picture outfit ideas).” That way pins like where you will be going pop up!
Isabella wore two different outfits during her session. I loved the look of the white/cream with the greenery of the mountains and the meadows that we were in! Her outfits complimented each other by being similar colors, but opposite styles. She had jeans and a tank top versus a dress. This is a great example of the two different outfit looks I recommend for senior pictures.
Senior Pictures Pose Ideas
Most seniors won’t feel comfortable in front of the camera right away. I have found that it is rare to have a senior who has had many solo photo sessions ahead of their senior sessions. Sure, they have usually taken family pictures before, but the vibe of a family session versus a solo senior session are very different. So, it takes a bit to warm up and feel natural.
When starting out senior pictures, I usually do some basic poses to get going. Things like “stand with your hands in your pockets and smile at me” and “Crouch down, drop your shoulder, and look up at me.” Then, I throw in a few others, maybe some sitting poses or variations of standing and looking at me. Once they are comfortable, I throw in some prompts like these:
“I am going to count down from 3, and then say ‘Pose!’ We are going to do this 3 times, and I want you to try a new pose every time I say ‘Pose!’. So, 3-2-1-Pose, 3-2-1-Pose …”
“Walk away from me, toss your hair, and turn to look back at me.”
After a while, you will find that the session gets more and more comfortable, and the poses and prompts will flow more easily! (At least, that’s the goal!)
If you are a senior getting ready for senior pictures and you’re worried about not knowing how to pose, take a moment to visualize some of these prompts from above, and practice in front of a mirror! I tell this to my engaged clients too. Stand in front of a mirror and practice some of your picture smiles. Fake laugh, move your hands around, touch your hair or your elbows, put your hands in your pockets, crouch down and look around, etc. These are all ways that you can start to get a little more used to the poses your photographer might have you do. Even though they might feel a little funny, trust the process! 🙂
Storytelling through your photos
I am a big fan of detail pictures, no matter what kind of session it is. A lot of thought and preparation goes into senior pictures, and I think it all deserves a spot in their gallery. Here are some things that I think are important to remember:
- Jewelry
- Flowers in the hair
- Fun outfit details
- Their hair
- Nails
- Scenery
Here are some of the photos from Isabella’s session that I think really add to the dreaminess of this session:
Join my 2025 Senior Rep Program
If you are in high school and are graduating in 2025, listen up! I recently opened my 2025 Senior Rep Program for Salt Lake County and Utah County high school students! This program is the perfect way to get some incredible senior sessions, make new friends with the other reps, and earn a little cash along the way! You can make around $45 per person that you send my way for their senior pictures. There are bonuses along the way, too, so there is potential for you to make hundreds of dollars in cash!
Why do I do this program, you might ask? Well, I could either spend money on ads and marketing that might not bring my any clients. Or, I could give it back to my amazing clients (you!) for sharing about my business! Basically, it’s just a program to say a huge thank you for hyping me up to your friends. Does that sound intriguing?? Check out this page to learn all about what’s included, look through FAQs, and apply. I hope to have you on the team!
Want to see more of my photography? Check out these blog posts and galleries!
Isabella’s Summer Senior Session <– Full gallery from this blog post!
Gracen’s Spring Lakeside Senior Session
Josh’s Beachside Senior Session
