Senior Portrait Prep Guide
This is your no‑stress, no‑panic, “Todd’s got you” guide to getting ready for your senior portrait session. Nothing complicated. Nothing fussy. Just simple, practical steps to make your session smooth, fun, and way easier than you think.
The Night Before
A little prep the night before saves a lot of forehead‑slapping the day of. Here’s what to do:
- Gather your outfits and put them on hangers (not in a laundry basket).
- Pack accessories — jewelry, watches, hats, hair ties, clips, etc.
- Set aside shoes for each outfit.
- Check for wrinkles (your future self will thank you).
- Make sure your props are ready — sports gear, instruments, uniforms, etc.
- Charge your phone.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Seriously.
What to Bring
Bring multiple outfits — the key is variety. Bring outfits that only your mom would like, AND bring some outfits that would make her say, “You’re not wearing THAT for your senior pictures!” Bring more than you think you’ll need. I’d rather send you home with unused outfits than have you slap your forehead and say, “I should’ve brought that hoodie… or my bibs with all the fish gut stains … or that sundress… or that leather jacket.”
Here’s your bring‑it list:
- All outfits you’re considering (yes, all of them)
- Accessories
- Shoes
- Hair ties, clips, brush/comb
- Powder or blotting papers
- Chapstick
- Props (sports, hobbies, instruments, etc.)
- Water
Avoid neon, high‑contrast patterns, and white stripes — they tend to overpower the portrait. Layers add variety without full outfit changes.
Hair, Makeup & Grooming
Keep things natural and polished. You don’t need professional makeup — but you can if you want to.
- Matte makeup photographs better than shiny
- Avoid glitter
- Bring powder or blotting papers
- Bring a brush or comb
- Check for dry skin
- Avoid major haircuts right before your session
- Avoid sunburn (your skin will not thank you)
We’ll help with shine, flyaways, and small adjustments.
Props & Personal Items
Bring anything that feels like “you.” These items make your portraits personal and meaningful.
- Sports gear
- Instruments
- Hobbies
- Pets (yes, really)
- Cars
- Letter jackets
- Uniforms
During the Session
You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands. You don’t need to “perform.” I guide you through everything — natural posing, real expressions, movement, confidence, and all the little things that make portraits feel authentic.
We’ll photograph:
- Indoor studio looks
- Outdoor Photo Park looks
- Sports, hobbies & personality portraits
- Cap & Gown portraits
- Family & Buddy Add‑Ons
After the Session
A few days after your session, you’ll come back to the studio for your ordering appointment. This is where you’ll see your images, choose your favorites, and select prints, wall art, albums, and digital options.
We’ll walk you through everything — no pressure, no rush.
Explore the Senior Experience
Below you’ll find quick links to every part of the Senior Portrait Experience. Whether you’re choosing a session, exploring style ideas, preparing for your day, or browsing real senior portraits, this section gives you easy access to everything.
Prints and products are purchased separately — you’ll choose your favorites at your ordering appointment. See Senior Pricing below.
KenMar Photography
1120 N. Hickory Farm Ln
Appleton, WI •
(920) 734‑5328
