The 8 Essential Things You Should Know About Senior Portrait Sessions

For High School Seniors (and their Parents!) Who Want to Capture This Big Milestone

Oh, senior year. 🎓 It marks the end of high-school and, for many, the excited anticipation of looming college life. You’re busy with your classes, college applications, school sports, part-time jobs, and all the social life happenings. Somewhere in that storm of activity, you’re also supposed to think about having portraits made to commemorate this important milestone. In other words, it’s very easy to put senior photos to the side… until it’s too late. 🧐

Don’t fret though, I’ve got you. Whether you're a senior who's camera-shy or a parent who's been meaning to Google "Where to get senior pictures near me" for weeks, this post will walk you through it all: why these photos matter, when to book, what to wear, what to bring, and how to make the whole thing actually fun.

1) What Are Senior Portrait Sessions?

Senior portraits are more than just yearbook photos (though yes, you can use them for that too). They’re a way to document who you are right now, in this turning in your life. They showacse your style, your personality, your confidence, your edge, your silliness, your quintessential you-ness.

We’ll choose a Bay Area location or two that feels like you for you session. That could be the beach, Golden Gate Park, a neighborhood skatepark, your favorite bookstore, even your backyard. These photos are meant to really tell the story of who you are before you head off into what’s next.

2) Why Take Senior Portraits?

Here’s the thing: this stage of life is wild. You’re not a kid anymore, but you’re not fully out in the world yet either. It’s exciting and weird and awesome, and totally worth documenting.

Senior photos give you a chance to:

• Celebrate how far you’ve come (you almost made it through high school! 🎉)

• Show off your style and personality.

• Create meaningful gifts for family (ex. graduation announcements, holiday cards, that framed photo for grandma).

• Have photos that feel real and authentic, not stiff and definitely not cringey. 😉

• Have a 🔥🔥🔥 photo in your high school yearbook.

• Also? Senior Portraits Sessions are actually really fun. Even for the camera-averse.

3) When Should You Take Senior Photos?

The sweet spot for most seniors is late spring of their junior year through early fall of their senior year. That way:

• You beat the yearbook deadlines. Many schools have yearbook deadlines in late October or November, while other have later deadlines.

• You’ll be able to use your images for holiday cards and gifts, and have a jump start on graduation announcements.

• You avoid the mad dash of all that happens in the spring semster of your senior year.

Beyond the best time of year to have your Senior Portrait Session, the best time of day to have your session (assuming we’re shooting outdoors) is in the hours closest to sunset. We’ll aim for golden hour (that dreamy hour or so before sunset) for the best and most flattering light. There is also a gorgeous hour or two in the morning, just after sunrise, but I have yet to meet a teen who wants to meet me at sunrise. 😜

4) Where Can I Get Senior Portraits Taken Near Me?

If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve got you covered. Some of my favorite spots for senior sessions include:

• Crashing waves and sea cliffs (think Ocean Beach or Lands End)

• Iconic cityscapes with an urban vibe (think Balmy Alley+the Mission or the Embarcadero)

• Moody redwoods or golden hillside trails (think Redwood Regional or Lafayette Reservoir)

• Iconic San Francisco landmarks (think Palace of Fine Arts or the Golden Gate Bridge)

• Architecture and Landscaped Greenery (think Golden Gate Park or the Presidio)

• Neighborhood Stroll (think cafes, bookstores, and street scenes)

Not sure what suits you best? I’ll help you pick a spot that feels natural and personal. These sessions are collaborative and we’ll plan things together.

5) What Do Senior Portraits Look Like?

Every senior session looks a little different, and that’s the point. I don’t do anything cookie-cutter, cutesy, or overly posed. I like to have a mix of directing you (to help you feel confident in your body), and letting you just move and be on your own while I move around find the best angles from which to capture you. I promise you won’t stand there, not knowing what to do. We’ll capture you being you, which means laughing, moving, goofing around, or striking a serious pose if you’re feeling into it.

Whether you’re wearing your favorite jeans and t-shirt or a full-on prom-worthy outfit, we’ll get a variety of images that feel multi-faceted. Expect a mix of portraits, candids, and movement photos.

6) What to Bring to Your Senior Session

A few things that will help your shoot run smoothly:

• 2-3 outfit changes (more on that below)

• Touch-up items (lip balm, hairbrush, mirror)

• Comfortable shoes for walking

• Accoutrement that tell your story (sports jersey, guitar, skateboard, books, etc.)

• Water, snacks, maybe a parent or friend to hype you up 🙌

Sessions usually last about 90 minutes, depending on how many locations and outfits we’re tackling. Our time together should feel relaxed and unhurried - long enough to get comfortable and long enough for some unexpected moments to unfold.

7) What to Wear at Your Senior Session

For some, this might feel like the hardest part. For others, this is their area to shine. Wherever you fall on this continuim, here’s my advice:

• Choose outfits that feel like you, but levelled up a bit. Think stylish and polished, but comfortable. If you normally dress super-casual, don’t wear something formal. If you normally dress very fashion-forward or sophisticated, feel free to really go for it at these sessions.

• Solid colors, subtle patterns, and textured fabrics photograph beautifully. Earth tones, neutrals, and jewel tones all work great.

• Avoid logos or anything with lettering on it. Same goes for super bright neon colors or reflective fabrics.

• Consider fun accessories - as long as the feel authentic to you. Fun hats, bold jewelry, etc.

• Don’t forget your footwear! Your feet will inevitably show up in some shots so make sure your shoes tie your outfits together.

And remember that layers are your friend - jackets, flannels, cardigans, etc. create easy variety in your photos.

8) Are Senior Pictures Really That Important?

Honestly? Yeah. Not because it’s tradition or because your mom said so (though that too), but because these photos will mean more to you with time. You’ll look back and remember this version of yourself - who you were at the end of one chapter (childhood) and the start of another (adulthood).

If you’re wondering if you will feel awkward, the honest answer is that you might... for the first few minutes. But I promise you that it will pass (and quickly!). No one has ever spent an hour in front of my lens and remained nervous and awkward the whole time. 😉

Ready to Book Your Senior Session?

Let’s make it happen! I’m now booking senior portrait sessions for the Class of 2026, and I’d love to work with you (or your amazing teen). Click below to get in touch or check out more info on my Senior Portrait Sessions here.