Grand Rapids Senior Photographers

Let's Prep for Your Senior Session!

We're so excited you have chosen us to capture your senior photos! Throughout this guide, you'll be given some tips and tricks on making your senior experience fantastic.

Welcome!

Meet Your Senior Photographers

Karlee & Keysha

We’re a duo based in Ionia and Grand Rapids, and we love capturing high school seniors all across West Michigan (and beyond!). Whether it’s a downtown vibe, a field at golden hour, or your favorite hangout spot, we’ll travel to create a session that feels true to you.

How To Prepare

Properly preparing for your senior session will help minimize stress on the day of and the days leading in to your senior portrait experience!

Plan your outfits ahead of time – Choose 2–3 outfits that represent your personality and style. Think casual, dressy, and something in-between. Avoid loud logos or busy patterns.

Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free – Bring outfits on hangers if possible to keep everything looking fresh.

Accessorize with intention – Hats, jackets, jewelry, or sports gear can be great additions, but keep it simple so they don’t distract from you.

Keep grooming natural and neat – Trim nails, clean shoes, and brush or style your hair the way you feel most confident.

Avoid trying new skincare or hair products right before your session – Stick with what your skin and hair are used to in the days leading up.

Hydrate and get a good night’s sleep – Feeling rested makes a huge difference in how you look and feel in your photos.

Think about props that reflect you – Musical instruments, sports gear, books, pets, or anything else meaningful to you.

Practice your smile or poses in the mirror – It may feel silly, but it can help you feel more confident on camera.

Touch Up Kit- We provide a touch up kit at each of our senior sessions. This includes a Hairbrush/comb, powder, blotting papers, and safety pins just in case. Feel free to bring extra make up (if you wear it) and your own lip balm to use during the session.

If you wear glasses, see if you can get a similar pair with no lenses, or see if you can have the lenses on your glasses taken out for the session to avoid a glare.

Be sure to pack proper undergarments that match your outfit choices.

Avoid heavy makeup or SPF-heavy products that reflect flash – Natural makeup tends to photograph better.

If you're wearing heels, also bring comfy shoes to walk between spots – You’ll thank yourself!

Consider a manicure – Hands often show in close-ups, so clean or polished nails are a plus.

Shave or trim facial hair the day before (if needed) – Give your skin time to calm down after shaving.

Bring a comb or product for touch-ups – Wind and humidity happen!

Iron your shirts, especially collars – A crisp look goes a long way in photos.

Extra tips:

Location, Location, Location!

Waterfront

Urban

City

Studio

Country

Park

Pick locations based on your favorite places to visit. An area that represents your personality and style. We will walk you through choosing the best locations for your photoshoot.

General Guidelines

Shoes Matter Too

The Extras

What to Wear for Your Senior Photoshoot

Stick to solid colors or simple patterns – Neutrals, earth tones, and jewel tones look great on camera and keep the focus on your face.

Avoid bold logos or distracting graphics – These can take attention away from you and may look dated over time.

Bring layers and textures – Jackets, cardigans, denim, flannel, scarves—these add interest and options.

Think about your location – Choose colors and styles that complement the setting (urban vs. natural, studio vs. downtown).

Comfort is key – If you feel awkward in it, it’ll show in your photos. Wear what makes you feel confident!

Your footwear will show in full-body shots, so make sure it complements your outfit.

Clean sneakers, boots, or dress shoes work well. Avoid worn-out or very bright shoes unless they’re a part of your personal style.

Accessories: hats, jewelry, sunglasses, or a letterman jacket can be great—just keep it simple.

Props: musical instruments, sports gear, books, or anything meaningful to you can add a personal touch.

Emergency items: lint roller, safety pins, hairbrush, and backup clothes/shoes just in case.

Your senior photos should reflect you. Your style, your personality, and your vibe. Here are a few tips to help you look and feel your best on camera:

Props & Pets

Your senior photos should tell your story. Think about what you’d love to look back on years from now. Do you play a sport, drive a car you’re proud of, or play an instrument you love? Maybe you want to dress up in your prom outfit, relax on a fun couch, or include other meaningful props that reflect who you are right now.

And don’t forget your furry best friend! We love when pets join in for a few photos, it’s the perfect way to capture the special bond you share.