Senior portraits are a rite of passage, celebrating the culmination of years of hard work and the exciting journey ahead. These portraits are more than just a photo—they’re a reflection of your personality, your achievements, and your unique style as you prepare for the next chapter of your life. At Krys DeRosa Photography, I’m committed to making sure your senior portraits are as special as this milestone moment. Here’s how you can make your session stand out and truly capture the essence of who you are.


1. Choose Outfits That Reflect Your Style and Personality

Your senior portraits should showcase your individuality. One of the first steps in preparing for your session is selecting outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Think about the things you love and incorporate them into your wardrobe choices. Here are a few tips to help with outfit selection:

  • Multiple Looks: Bring a few different outfits to create variety. You can start with something casual, like jeans and a favorite shirt, and then switch to something more formal, like a dress or a suit. This gives you different moods and options for your final gallery.
  • Colors & Patterns: Consider colors that complement your skin tone and background. Solid colors or subtle patterns work best, as they keep the focus on you. Avoid busy patterns or logos that can be distracting.
  • Personal Touches: Don’t forget to include accessories like jewelry, hats, scarves, or even a prop that holds special meaning to you—such as a musical instrument, sports equipment, or a book. These little details can help tell your story.

Tip: Bring a mix of options so you can change outfits and capture different looks, allowing your photos to feel dynamic and full of personality.


2. Select Meaningful Locations

Where you choose to have your senior portraits taken can make all the difference. The right location can add depth and meaning to your images, turning them into something truly unique. Here are a few location ideas to make your session stand out:

  • Nature-Inspired Backdrops: Beautiful outdoor settings like parks, beaches, gardens, or fields can provide natural light and stunning scenery, perfect for capturing relaxed, authentic moments.
  • Urban & Industrial Spots: If you prefer something modern and edgy, consider shooting in urban areas with graffiti walls, bridges, or cityscapes. These locations can give your portraits a fresh, vibrant feel.
  • Sentimental Locations: Do you have a place that’s meaningful to you, like the sports field where you played, a library, or the coffee shop where you hang out with friends? Including a location that holds significance will make your portraits even more personal and memorable.
  • Studio & Custom Setups: If you want more control over the environment, a studio session offers a clean, timeless backdrop. We can also customize props and backdrops to fit your personality and interests.

Tip: We can even mix indoor and outdoor settings to give you a variety of looks in your final gallery.


3. Play with Posing and Candid Moments

While it’s nice to have a few traditional posed shots, senior portraits should also include natural, candid moments that show your true self. Here are a few ways to get the perfect balance of posed and spontaneous shots:

  • Natural Poses: I’ll guide you through simple, natural poses that keep you relaxed while still flattering your body. Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, I’ll ensure you look effortless.
  • Incorporate Movement: Shots of you walking, twirling, or interacting with your surroundings can add energy and dynamism to your session. Movement is a great way to capture genuine emotion.
  • Laugh & Have Fun: The more relaxed and confident you feel, the better your photos will turn out. Don’t be afraid to laugh, dance, or do something silly—those candid moments can lead to some of the most memorable shots.

Tip: Be yourself! The best photos come when you’re having fun and feeling at ease.


4. Bring Props & Personal Items

Senior portraits are the perfect opportunity to incorporate meaningful props or items that represent who you are and what you love. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Sports Gear: If you’re an athlete, bring along your jersey, football, basketball, or any equipment related to your sport.
  • Musical Instruments: If you’re into music, bring your guitar, violin, or any instrument you play.
  • Hobbies or Achievements: Include items that reflect your hobbies, like a camera if you’re a photographer, a book if you love to read, or a cap and gown if you’ve recently graduated a special program.
  • Favorite Items: If there’s a cherished item, such as a necklace, hat, or something sentimental, feel free to bring it along to add that personal touch.

Tip: Props should feel meaningful, not overwhelming. We’ll use them in a way that complements the overall feel of your session.


5. Focus on the Details

Your senior portraits are all about showcasing you, so don’t forget the smaller details that make you, well, you:

  • Hair & Makeup: If you want to go the extra mile, consider having your hair and makeup professionally done. It can help you feel extra confident, and I’ll guide you on how to keep it looking natural and flattering for the session.
  • Nails & Accessories: Pay attention to the details, like clean nails or a subtle bracelet or ring. These little touches can elevate your look without distracting from the overall image.
  • Confidence is Key: The most important element in your senior portraits is how you feel. Walk into your session with confidence, knowing that this is your moment to shine. I’ll help guide you through poses and make sure you look your best.

Tip: Feel free to bring a friend or family member for support! Having someone there can help you feel more at ease during the session.


Let’s Make Your Senior Portraits Unforgettable

Senior portraits are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so let’s make them as special and unique as you are. At Krys DeRosa Photography, I’m here to guide you every step of the way to ensure your portraits turn out exactly as you envision them. Whether you want to showcase your personality, your interests, or your journey, together we’ll create photos that reflect who you are today and the exciting future ahead.


Contact me today to book your senior portrait session and let’s make this milestone unforgettable!

Make sure to enjoy the experience, and trust me to capture the true essence of this exciting time in your life. 😊