Your senior year is filled with exciting milestones, and your senior portraits should be one of the most fun and memorable experiences of the whole journey! At Foppiano Photography, I specialize in creating a relaxed, confidence-boosting experience that reflects who you truly are. Discover What to Expect at Your Senior Session | St. Louis Senior Photographer with this guide.

Whether you’re celebrating your final year with a bold fashion-forward shoot or something soft and classic, here’s everything you need to know about your session—and how to prepare like a pro.

Before Your Session: How to Get Ready

Prepping ahead of time makes your session more enjoyable and your photos even better. Here are a few tried-and-true tips from a seasoned St. Louis senior photographer:

1. Choose and Prep Your Outfits

Think of your outfits as the storytelling pieces of your shoot. I recommend planning 2–4 different looks:

•A casual everyday outfit

•Something dressy and polished

•An outfit that reflects a hobby, sport, or future goals

•Bonus: cap & gown or letterman jacket

Pro Tip:

Make sure everything is ironed and wrinkle-free. I can’t Photoshop out wrinkles, and they’re one of the easiest ways to make great clothes look messy. Bring everything on hangers so they stay smooth during transport.

2. Don’t Forget the Shoes

Shoes matter more than most people realize! Be sure they’re clean, coordinate with each outfit, and make you feel confident.

If you’ll be wearing sandals or going barefoot, make sure your toenail polish is fresh and clean. Same goes for fingernails—neat nails make a big difference in close-up shots. I recommend avoiding neon or overly bright polish that can distract in photos.

 

3. Bring Touch-Up Essentials

Even if your makeup is flawless at home, some touch-ups are totally normal—especially after changing outfits or being outdoors.

Be sure to pack a small bag with:

•Lip gloss or lipstick (this fades the fastest)

•Powder (for shine)

•Hair brush or bobby pins (just in case)

If you’re working with a professional makeup artist, great! Just make sure they know you’ll be photographed in natural light, so avoid overly shimmery or glittery products.

4. Get Everything Together the Night Before

Avoid day-of stress by prepping everything the night before. Set out your outfits (bring them to the session on hangers), pack your accessories, and make sure your shoes, makeup, and hair tools are ready to go.

Bonus Tip:

Charge your phone, drink lots of water, and try to get a good night’s sleep. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to shine!

 

What Happens on Session Day

Your senior photo session is a celebration—it should feel like one!

 

1. We Meet & Review Your Outfits

We’ll meet at the chosen location, go over your wardrobe, and decide on the best flow for outfits and spots. Each location is chosen to match your personality and style, whether that’s urban, nature-inspired, or something in-between.

 

2. Easy, Natural Posing (No Experience Needed!)

I’ll guide you every step of the way with flattering poses, movement cues, and natural expressions. Whether you’re camera-shy or selfie-obsessed, I promise we’ll have fun. No stiff poses or awkward moments here—just the best version of YOU.

 

                            

 

After the Session: What’s Next

You did it! After your session, I carefully sort through the best images and hand-edit them to bring out their full beauty.

Here’s what to expect:

•Full proof gallery in 1-2 weeks

•Ordering session to select your prints, album collections, wall art, and keepsakes

Whether you want digital downloads, heirloom albums, or beautiful wall art, I’ll help you turn your photos into lasting memories.

 

Let’s Make This a Day to Remember (Now that you know What to expect at your senior session)

I know getting in front of the camera can be a little nerve-wracking, but I promise—once we get started, you’ll feel relaxed, confident, and maybe even a little glamorous. I hope this guide of What to Expect at Your Senior Session | St. Louis Senior Photographer has helped you feel more comfortable and has helped you prepare for your next session with me at Foppiano Photography. As always, please reach out if you need more help.

This session is about celebrating who you are at this incredible moment in time. I can’t wait to capture it.

See you soon—let’s make photo magic!

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