Mistakes to Avoid for Your Senior Photos: A Guide to Perfect Memories

To ensure your photo session goes smoothly and results in stunning pictures you'll cherish forever, here are some crucial mistakes to avoid.

1. Do Ask Your Friends and Do Your Research Online Before Booking

One of the most important steps in preparing for your senior photos is selecting the right photographer. Don’t just go with the first one you find or the cheapest option. Instead, do your homework.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Ask your friends for recommendations and look at their senior photos for reference. Research photographers online, read reviews, and check their portfolios. This will give you a good sense of their style and reliability, helping you make an informed decision.

2. Do Make a Plan for Your Outfits, Hair, Makeup, and Styling

A common mistake is underestimating the importance of planning your look for the photo shoot. What you wear and how you style yourself will significantly impact the final photos.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Plan your outfits in advance, considering different styles that reflect your personality. Coordinate your hair and makeup to complement your clothing choices. This preparation ensures you feel confident and look your best on the day of the shoot. I offer styling and video chat before your shoot where we go over your outfits!

3. Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute

Procrastination can lead to a rushed and stressful photo session. Waiting until the week before your desired shoot date to book can limit your options and increase the chances of things going wrong.

How to Avoid This Mistake

Book your photographer well in advance, ideally a few months ahead. This gives you ample time to plan your outfits, scout locations, and ensure everything is perfect. Early booking also ensures you get a spot with your preferred photographer and can avoid any scheduling conflicts.

4. Do Not Get a Spray Tan Unless You Have Experience

A spray tan might seem like a good idea to achieve a sun-kissed look, but it can often lead to unnatural results that are difficult to edit out in photos.

How to Avoid This Mistake

If you want a tan, opt for natural sun exposure or use a gradual tanning lotion. If you must get a spray tan, only do so if you've had it done professionally before and are confident in the results. Be cautious, as uneven tans, especially on your hands, can be very noticeable and challenging to correct in photos.

5. Think about this being a FUN experience not a stressful thing to check off

Getting your photos done by a professional can be a lot of fun. Hire someone who know how to pose you and make things look and feel effortless. This is a really fun year full of lots of milestones. Let these photos be fun and not a chore. Trust me your mindset can make all of the difference in how your images turn out! We always end up having fun I promise!