Preparing for Your Grad Session

Since 2021, I’ve captured graduation moments for students at more than 20 high schools and universities across Cincinnati, Columbus, and throughout Ohio. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot—sometimes the hard way—about what makes a senior session run smoothly. In the beginning, I didn’t always prepare my grads as well as I could have, and I’ve since realized just how important the little details are.

With that in mind, I created this guide to help you feel confident and prepared for your senior photography session. These are tips I’ve gathered over the years, but remember, they’re just suggestions! The most important thing is to make this session your own and enjoy the experience.

Preparation

The key to a great session starts with taking care of yourself. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your session, stay hydrated, and eat something beforehand so you have the energy to enjoy the shoot. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready—prep everything the night before, from outfits to accessories, so you’re not rushing. On the day of your session, block out time for hair, makeup, or any final adjustments, and plan ahead for travel. Arriving early helps you settle in, avoid stress, and gives us more time to get comfortable with the location.

What to Wear

When choosing outfits, simplicity is key—you should be the focus of your photos, not your clothes. Light colors generally work best since graduation stoles and robes tend to be darker, creating a nice contrast. Try to avoid busy patterns like plaid, polka dots, and stripes, as they can be distracting in photos. If you love bold colors, consider bringing them as a second outfit option. The night before, make sure to iron or steam your clothes to remove any wrinkles, and don’t wait until the last minute to take your stole out of its package—it will have fold lines that can show in pictures. If you already have your stole, try it on with your outfit ahead of time to ensure everything matches well.

For the Ladies

If you’re wearing heels, bring a pair of flats or flip-flops to walk around comfortably between shots. When it comes to makeup, even if you’re going for a natural look, applying it slightly heavier than usual will help it show up better in photos. A great way to test your makeup is by standing near a window and seeing how it looks in natural light a few days before your session. For hair, this isn’t the time to experiment with something new—stick to a style you know you love and that makes you feel confident. Lastly, if you’re wearing light-colored clothing, make sure your undergarments are light as well, so nothing shows through. While a strapless bra isn’t a must since the stole will cover the straps, it can be helpful depending on your outfit choice.

For the Guys

If you’re planning to get a haircut, try to schedule it about a week before your session. Some guys don’t like the way they look right after a fresh cut, so giving it a few days to settle can make a difference. If you have facial hair, you don’t have to shave, but a little grooming goes a long way—cleaning up your beard or mustache will help you look polished in your photos.

Accessories & Props

Accessories can be a great way to add personality to your session. Feel free to bring jewelry like necklaces, rings, or bracelets, but try to keep them minimal so they don’t overpower your look. If you wear glasses, keep in mind that they can cause glare in photos. If possible, remove the lenses or consider taking some photos without them. Smartwatches like Apple Watches and Fitbits may be convenient for everyday use, but they can be distracting in photos, so I recommend leaving them at home.

Props can also add a fun, personal touch to your session. Your stole and cords are a great way to highlight your academic achievements, and your graduation cap and tassel can be used for classic shots—including the iconic cap toss! Some grads bring books that were meaningful to them, a calligraphy board to write a thank-you message, or even champagne for a celebratory pop at the end of the shoot (don’t worry—I’ll guide you on how to do it right). If you’re heading to grad school, bringing gear from your next school is a great way to showcase your transition. Flowers, especially a bouquet, also add a beautiful element to the photos.

Other Essential Items to Bring

Because we’ll be moving around, it’s always a good idea to bring a small towel or handkerchief to dab away any sweat, especially if it’s a warm day. Staying hydrated is also important, so bringing a bottle of water is highly recommended. A small hand mirror can be useful for quick touch-ups, but the most important thing to bring is your smile and a great attitude!

Final Thoughts

The best senior sessions happen when you’re relaxed and having fun. Don’t stress about being perfect—this session is about celebrating you and capturing this milestone in your life. I’ll guide you through poses and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

If you have any questions before the session, don’t hesitate to reach out. I can’t wait to work with you and create amazing photos that you’ll treasure for years to come!