St. Charles East High School senior leaning against a historic limestone wall in downtown St. Charles, Illinois.

Senior

Guide

What to Wear & Beauty Tips for Your Senior Session

Everything you need to feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.

Senior pictures are all about celebrating who you are right now. The right outfits, hair, and makeup can make a huge difference in how your photos look and how confident you feel during your session.

Don’t stress! I help guide you every step of the way. This guide is here to make planning easy.

Outfits

Bring 2–3 Outfits (For Signature & Heirloom sessions)

  • Casual

Think jeans, cute tops, sneakers, oversized sweaters or long sundresses

  • dressy

Something you’d wear for graduation, a wedding, homecoming, or a nice dinner like a maxi dress, short dress, romper, or nice blouse

  • Something That Represents You

This is optional, but always fun. These images become some of the most meaningful years later.

Examples: Sports uniform, Dance outfit, Cheer uniform, Musical instrument, Letter jacket, College sweatshirt, Hobby-related outfit, Cap & gown (I have a Central HS cap & gown)

High school senior in blue dress standing on sand at Lighthouse Beach in Evanston, Illinois during sunset photo session
Central High School senior smiling among blooming pink redbud trees at Leroy Oakes Forest Preserve in St. Charles, Illinois.

Accessories

Accessories help create variety without changing outfits. 

Bring things like:

  • Hats
  • Layered necklaces
  • Rings
  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Hair scarves
  • Jackets
  • Cardigan

Don’t overdo it…a few thoughtful pieces go a long way.

Nails can be an accessory themselves! Avoid chipped polish! Stick with neutral colors, French manicure or clean natural nails

Shoes Matter

Yes…people will see your shoes!

Bring shoes that match each outfit.

Ideas:

  • White sneakers
  • Boots
  • Sandals
  • Heels
  • Cowgirl boots
  • Loafers

Clean shoes before your session.

High school senior in a white dress and embroidered black boots sitting along the riverwalk in downtown West Dundee, Illinois during a golden hour senior portrait session by LibbyLou Images.
Close-up portrait of a St. Edward Central Catholic High School senior beside the historic stone wall at Fabyan Forest Preserve.

Makeup Tips

The goal is to look like the best version of yourself…not like someone else.

I recommend wearing slightly more makeup than you do every day because cameras naturally soften it.

Focus on:

  • Even skin tone
  • Defined brows
  • Mascara
  • Soft blush
  • Neutral eyeshadow
  • Lip color close to your natural shade
  • Please avoid spending long days in the sun right before your session. Sunburns are difficult to edit naturally.

If you love spray tans, make sure to get it 2–3 days before your session. Avoid an overly dark shade and moisturize well after!

faq

Most seniors bring 2–3 outfits, depending on the length of their session.

Don’t worry! I have a portable changing tent for you to use.

Yes! Sports equipment, musical instruments, books, flowers, pets, vintage cars, and other meaningful items can make your session uniquely yours.

Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered!

Temporary blemishes are professionally retouched while still keeping your skin looking natural.

If you do, try to schedule it about 1–2 weeks before your session.

Absolutely! You don’t need to worry about knowing how to pose or what to do with your hands. I’ll guide you through the entire session with natural prompts and gentle direction while also capturing genuine candid moments in between. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and connected so your photos look like you, not stiff or overly posed.

Weather is one thing we can’t control, but don’t worry we’ll make sure you have beautiful weather for your session.

If rain, strong winds, or severe weather are in the forecast, we’ll simply reschedule to the next available date that works for both of us. I’ll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your session and communicate with you if changes need to be made.

things to bring with to your session

✔ Water

✔ Comfortable walking shoes

✔ Hairbrush

✔ Makeup for touch-ups

✔ Lip gloss

✔ Deodorant

✔ Bug spray (summer)

✔ Blanket if it’s cold