5 Essential Tips to Look and Feel Your Best for Senior Pictures in Metro Detroit, MI!

As a photographer in Metro Detroit, a parent myself and former middle school teacher of over a decade, I love celebrating and capturing the excitement of senior year! It's a such a big milestone for your graduate and for your family! To help your senior feel confident and prepared for their session, I’ve put together a list of essential tips to ensure their senior photoshoot runs smoothly:

-5 Essential Tips for Senior Pictures-

1. Outfits & Styling

• Choose 2-3 outfits: A mix of casual and dressy looks gives variety.

• Stick to timeless colors: Neutrals, earth tones, and soft pastels photograph beautifully. Avoid neon colors, loud logos, or too much pattern.

• Consider textures & layers: Soft fabrics like linen, flowy dresses, or structured jackets add depth to photos.

• Comfort is key: Pick outfits you feel confident and comfortable in. If you’re constantly adjusting something during your photo session, it’ll show in the pictures.

• Consider details: Do you have sentimental jewelry or other prop additions to your outfits that would be meaningful in photos?

  
  

2. Location & Vibe

• Think about your personality: Do you love nature, city vibes, or something unique like a library or coffee shop?

• Season matters: Fall leaves, spring blooms, summer sunsets—each season creates a different mood. What mood to you want to capture?

• Communicate with your photographer: If you have a location in mind, share it! If not, ask for recommendations. Plan with your photographer about where you would like to take your photos in advance. As your photographer I will plan your session based on location wishes and capturing the best lighting possible. If we are going with outdoor photos, my favorite time to capture you is that glowy Golden Hour!

  
  

3. Hair & Makeup

• Keep it natural (or slightly elevated): The goal is to look like yourself on your best day.

• Matte makeup works best: Shiny products can reflect light oddly in photos.

• Hair prep: A fresh cut (a week before) or styled in a way that makes you feel confident.

• Nails count! Even if you’re not doing a full manicure, make sure they’re clean and neat.

  
  

4. Personal Touches

• Props or hobbies: Sports gear, musical instruments, books, or even a pet can add personality.

• Cap & gown? Some seniors like to include graduation elements in their session. If you would like to please communicate with me about these wishes so there’s enough time for these photos.

• Letterman jacket or college merch? Fun to include and great for celebrating your journey!

5. Avoid Rushing Before your Session

• Eat and hydrate beforehand: No one looks their best when they’re hangry!

• Give yourself enough time: Avoid rushing before the session—it helps with feeling relaxed and natural in front of the camera. Lay out all of your outfits and pack all the essentials the day before your photoshoot. Make sure to steam wrinkles in your clothing and if you have several clothing changes during your session, make a plan for how you are going to change (I recommend a large bed sheet if we are in the middle of an outdoor location with no bathrooms nearby).

Preparing for your senior photo session is all about showcasing your personality and feeling confident in front of the camera. Choosing the right outfits, location, and styling will help bring your vision to life, while small details like hair, makeup, and personal touches add a unique touch to your photos. Communicating with your photographer, planning ahead, and giving yourself plenty of time to relax will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. With the right preparation, your senior photos will beautifully capture this exciting milestone in a way that feels authentic to you!