Everything You Need to Know for Your Senior Session
Graduating is a huge milestone, and your senior pictures should be more than just a tradition—they should be a celebration of who you are right now. Here is how we make sure your session is fun, relaxed, and totally you.
What’s Inside the Checklist?
I’ve condensed years of shooting experience across the Michiana area into one simple guide. It covers:
The Outfit Essentials: How to mix textures and colors that pop against our local Midwest landscapes.
The "Small Stuff" Reminders: From lint rollers to touch-up powder (and why they matter).
Prep Timeline: What to do a week out vs. the night before.
The Personal Touch: Tips for incorporating props like sports gear, musical instruments, or even your pet!
Serving South Bend and Beyond
I’m proud to capture seniors from all over the region. Whether you're a student in South Bend, Mishawaka, or Granger, or you’re coming from across the border in Southern Michigan, this guide is designed for you. From the collegiate vibes of Notre Dame’s campus to the rustic fields of rural Northern Indiana, we’ll make sure you’re prepared for any backdrop.
Your Senior Session: Stress-Free, Styled, and Ready for the Spotlight
Congratulations! Senior year is a whirlwind of "lasts," but your senior photo session is one of the most exciting "firsts"—the first time you truly get to document the person you’ve become before heading off on your next adventure.
Whether we are chasing the sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan, exploring the urban textures of Downtown South Bend, or finding a hidden floral gem in Northern Indiana, I want you to feel confident, relaxed, and totally you.
Why You Need a Game Plan
Let’s be real: the morning of your shoot shouldn't be spent hunting for a missing earring or realizing your favorite shirt is wrinkled. A great session isn't just about a good camera; it’s about the preparation that happens before the first shutter click.
To help you nail your look and arrive stress-free, I’ve put together the Ultimate Senior Session Checklist.
1. Choosing Your Vibe
Where do you feel most like yourself? Whether you want an urban, edgy look in downtown, a natural sunset vibe at a local park, or a high-fashion editorial look in a professional studio, we will pick the perfect backdrop to match your style.
2. What to Wear (and How Many Outfits!)
I recommend bringing 2 to 3 different looks.
The Classic: Something timeless that your parents and grandparents will love.
The Trendy: Something that shows off your current style and personality.
The Passion: A uniform, a musical instrument, your favorite hobby, or even your college gear for next year!
Pro Tip: Avoid busy patterns or large logos that might distract from your face.
3. Bring Your Besties (Group Senior Sessions)
Don't forget, I offer Group Senior Sessions! If you want to capture the bond between you and your closest friends before you head off to college, we can coordinate a session that includes individual portraits for everyone and plenty of fun group shots together.
4. Professional Hair & Makeup
Want to feel like a model for the day? I can provide recommendations for local professional hair and makeup artists who know how to apply makeup specifically for camera lighting to help you feel extra confident.
5. The Experience
Forget the "stand there and smile" routine. We’ll talk, laugh, and move around. I’ll guide you through poses that feel natural and not forced. My goal is to capture your genuine smile—the one your friends and family recognize.
Timeline
When to Book: Summer and Fall dates fill up fast! Most seniors book the summer before their senior year or the autumn of.
The Reveal: About 2 weeks after your session, you’ll receive an online gallery to view and share your favorite images.
Download Your Free Checklist
Ready to make your senior portraits legendary? Click the link below to grab your copy of the checklist and start prepping for your close-up.