What to do the week before your senior session

Senior session prep doesn't have to be complicated. Most of it comes down to a handful of small things done at the right time so nothing feels rushed on the day itself. Here's a simple timeline that works.

Seven Days Out: Decide on Your Outfits

Not kind of decided. Actually decided. Hang everything up, look at the pieces together, make sure each outfit fits the way you want it to, and check that your shoes work with each look. Seven days out gives you enough time to grab anything you're missing without it turning into a stressful last-minute run. Waiting until the night before leaves you with no good options if something doesn't work.

Five Days Out: Get Your Nails Done

If you're getting your nails done for your session, five days out is the right timing. New enough that they still look fresh, far enough out that any small chips have time to get touched up before the day. Your hands show up in more photos than you might expect, resting, reaching, holding things, so it's worth a little thought. Nothing elaborate required. Clean and intentional is enough.

Three Days Out: Take Care of Your Skin

The three days before your session are not the time to try a new skincare product or do anything that might cause a reaction. Stick to your regular routine and add one thing: moisturize consistently. Hydrated skin photographs noticeably better than dry skin, and three days of good moisturizing actually makes a visible difference. Drinking more water than usual helps too. It's straightforward advice because it works.

Two Days Out: Confirm Everything

Double check your session time. Make sure you know where you're going and how long it takes to get there. Lay out your outfits, gather anything you're bringing, and pack your bag. The more you handle two days out, the more relaxed you'll feel on the actual day. That relaxed energy shows up in photos in a way that's hard to manufacture any other way.

One Day Out: Rest

Tired eyes, tired skin, and low energy all show up on camera. Do something you enjoy, go to bed at a reasonable time, and actually let yourself rest. It's one of the highest-impact things you can do for your photos and it costs nothing.

Day Of: Show Up and Have Fun

Eat a real meal before you come. Do your hair and makeup the way you actually wear it. Give yourself enough time to get there without rushing. The prep is done. Now it's just your session, and that part is the good part.

We'll be ready for you.