Tempe Senior Photographer: The Senior Portrait Packing Checklist

Senior photos were one of the things I looked forward to most about graduating. Out of everything that happened my last year of school, they made graduating finally feel “real”. Plus it was an opportunity to truly express who I was at that moment in time.

As a senior photographer, one of the most frequently asked questions I get is: “What should I bring to my session?” It’s been way too long since I’ve had my own senior photos done, so what I packed and what I’m going to suggest you pack is a little different. But some things just don’t change with time.

I want you to feel absolutely prepared for the day of your shoot. The checklist below should cover everything you need to bring to your senior photos. Whether you’re booking a petite session or a full senior session or an adventure session, this list should cover everything you need.

If you can, I recommend packing what you need the night before and get a good night of sleep, so you can show up and just enjoy your session! A big tote bag will do. You know…like the ones they always give as free gifts with a purchase at Victoria’s Secret? That size!

What to Bring to Your Senior Photo Session

No. 1 Cap & Gown

Okay, first, you can’t forget your cap & gown. Don’t leave your place without it! For the best, cleanest-looking photos, I recommend steaming your gown and stole before your session. You don’t have to get fancy at the dry cleaners, you can simply hang them up on the shower door a few days before your session. The steam from your showers should smooth everything out. Or if you’d like you can purchase a steamer, like this one, and a few passes of steam over your gown should take care of all the wrinkles. During your session, I recommend keeping your regalia in a garment bag so nothing gets wrinkled or dirty.

No. 2 Extra Outfit / Change of Clothes

If you purchase either the Full or Adventure Senior package, you’ll have the chance to do an outfit change or two in your session. My rule of thumb is one outfit for every 30 minutes in front of the camera but I leave it up to my clients to decide if they want to do a change or not. Make sure you neatly pack those outfits away (maybe consider that garment bag again!), including jewelry and other accessories you want to wear.

No. 3 Comfortable Shoes

It’s likely that we’ll be walking a bit during your session, so it would be wise to pack an additional pair of shoes. Save your feet and make sure you bring some sandals or slip-on sneakers. You’ll feel so much better walking between photo spots knowing you’re not ruining your good shoes or building blisters on your feet!

No. 4 Basic Makeup Kit

You don’t need to go crazy with the makeup you bring to your shoot. I find there’s not a lot of time to touch up everything during our time together. With that in mind, just bring the basics. My recommendations: blotting sheets, powder, lip color, tissues/disposable wipes, and floss. Yes, floss. It might seem random, but you never know when you might have something in your teeth! And don’t worry, I typically have things like blotting sheets, tissues, hairspray and a few flossers on me as well.

No. 5 Props

Props, wait what?? Props aren’t necessary for your portrait photos, but if you love the idea of incorporating some creativity in your session, leave room in your bag or car for a few fun things! Some prop ideas include a special stuffed animal (yes even teens still have some lovies, no shame), coffee from your favorite shop, your instrument if you’re a musician, equipment if you’re an athlete, tools of the trade if you’re an artist…you get the idea. This is your time, so bring whatever you enjoy, feels important to you, or use in your daily life. Props is where we get to make this session absolutely unique to YOU!

No. 6 Water Bottle & a Snack

Arizona is HOT y’all and dehydration is no joke! Even in our cooler months (are there any, really?) it’s important to hydrate. I recommend bringing a bottle of water or a reusable water bottle with a straw attachment, so you don’t ruin your lip color. If you know your shoot will be longer than an hour, you can also bring some light snacks to fuel you throughout your session.

No. 7 Small Towel

This might feel like a weird one, but many of the seniors I work with want to hop into fountains or we find ourselves at the Salt River getting wet. If you end up doing something similar, bring a small, lightweight towel so you can dry your feet and body.

No. 8 Family or Loved One

If this is your first time taking photos, I highly recommend bringing a loved one to your senior shoot, so you feel more relaxed on the day of your shoot. They’ll help you smile, laugh, and just be yourself. If you end up bringing a pet to your shoot, bringing someone else will absolutely help, so they can keep your pet happy while you take your photos. If you’re wanting to do a session with a friend group, ask me about that and we can make that happen as an add on to your package.

The most important part of your senior shoot is that you feel like yourself. Do what feels natural for you and just have fun. You’ll enjoy yourself more and you’ll be so much happier with your photos if you do things that make you feel 100% comfortable and showcase you! So I have just one more question….are you ready yet? Let’s get to work!

Tempe Arizona Senior Photographer | Shannon Ly Photography

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