THE JOURNAL
Your senior photography session should be fun! Follow my favorite photoshoot tips as a Minneapolis senior photographer.
Fall is well underway, and if you’re graduating soon, it may feel like you’re deep into senior year!
Your time is probably occupied by Friday night football games, homecoming dances, and all the college prep—more than you’d care to imagine. My advice? Soak it all in!
Documenting this stage is always so fun because there’s a certain energy that comes with this stage of life. Seniors have a zest for life that’s contagious!
Many students schedule their photos to be taken in the summertime before their senior year, but for those last-minute planners, there’s still time to get incredible senior pictures—thanks to Minnesota’s beautiful fall landscape!
7 steps to enjoy your senior photography session
Loving your senior photography session involves more than just showing up—it’s about preparing mentally and physically to make the experience memorable, comfortable, and fun.
Here are some senior photography tips to help you enjoy and make the most of your senior photoshoot.
1. Choose a senior photographer you connect with.
Your first step is to find a senior photographer whose style you love. You can do this by looking through their Instagram feed or their website portfolio to get a sense of how they photograph.
You’ll also want to find a senior photographer who makes you feel comfortable. A good rapport with the photographer will help you feel more relaxed, leading to natural and authentic photos. You can usually determine if they’re a good fit by having a quick chat on the phone or meeting them for coffee. I always offer free calls to seniors and their parents to ensure we’re the best fit.
Every photographer is different, so if you want to laugh out loud and frolic through the field, then I’m your gal!
2. Wear outfits you feel comfortable in.
Next, pick outfits that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable. While you might feel like you need to run out to the mall or add a bunch of clothes to your cart, don’t be afraid to look through your closet first and pick out your tried and true outfit staples.
I always recommend bringing a few options for variety, but please make sure they are outfits you’re comfortable moving around in. Trust me, you’ll want to trade those high stiletto heels for something more relaxed. Your feet (and photos) will thank you.
3. Incorporate personal interests or hobbies.
I encourage my clients to add personal touches to their senior photography sessions. You can start by bringing items that represent your passions—whether it’s a musical instrument, sports gear, or even your pet.
This makes your photos look unique and feel more personal, highlighting who you are during this special time. This way, when you look back at your senior photos, you can remember all the things you enjoyed during your senior year!
4. Pick a location that resonates with you.
When in doubt, choose locations that are meaningful to you. No matter if it’s your favorite park, a beach, or an urban setting you love, you’ll feel more like yourself in locations that represent you.
Familiar or special places can help you feel more at ease and make the photos more significant but some clients choose to explore new places and infuse a sense of adventure into their session. Not sure what this looks like for you?
As a Minneapolis senior photographer, I know ALL the best spots this city has to offer! I have several go-to Twin Cities senior photography locations. Whether you’re an outdoorsy person or a fan of the big city, I’ve got you covered!
5. Practice posing and smiling in the mirror.
I know it may seem strange at first, but you’d be surprised how much it helps! Of course, I’ll be there to guide you throughout the session, but practicing in front of a mirror can help you feel more comfortable with different poses and facial expressions.
Familiarizing yourself with how you look can boost your confidence during the session. Not only that but if you have a favorite side or angle that works best for you, I can take that into account when photographing you.
6. Be open to creative ideas.
Some prompts a senior photographer may give you could sound goofy, but it’s best to trust your photographer’s expertise. That means being open to trying creative or unconventional poses, locations, or angles. When it works, it can often result in the most unique shots. Even when it doesn’t work, you’ll have a good laugh with your photographer and bond over it!
7. Keep a positive mindset.
If things aren’t going perfectly—whether it’s because of unpredictable weather (hello Mother Nature) or a small wardrobe malfunction—stay positive. Sometimes unexpected moments create the best memories and photos.
Let’s say we have a windy day. I love to play with what the weather is gifting us to create a fun and unique session! I’ll always try to find a safe spot where the wind is blocking us so we can get a great yearbook photo, but otherwise, I lean into the craziness of Minnesota weather! Life is more fun when you take what the day throws at you.
Booking your Minneapolis senior photography session
By preparing ahead of time, focusing on what makes you feel confident, and embracing the experience, you’ll remember your senior photography session fondly.
Class of 2026? Join my mailing list to have first dibs when my schedule goes live next spring!
