Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | By: Tracy Allard
So you’ve scheduled your high school senior portrait session. Now what. This guide walks you through how to get ready without stress, last minute scrambling, or second guessing. The goal is simple. Show up feeling comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Start with a haircut about one to two weeks before your session. This gives it time to settle and look natural. Stick close to your usual style. Senior portraits should look like you, not a version you barely recognize. If you use product, ask your barber or stylist how much to use and how to apply it so it looks natural on camera. Avoid trying a new style the night before.
Pay attention to grooming details. Trim facial hair a day or two before the session, or clean shave if that’s your look. Clean up eyebrows if needed, and don’t forget nails. Short, clean nails matter more than most people realize in photos.
Lay out all outfits a few days before your session. Make sure everything fits well and feels comfortable. If something is too tight, itchy, or constantly needs adjusting, it will show. Clothes should be clean, wrinkle free, and free of logos or graphics that pull attention away from your face. Solid colors, layers, and simple textures photograph best.
Bring variety. One casual outfit and one more polished look usually works well. Think jeans and a well fitting shirt paired with something more elevated like chinos and a button down or lightweight jacket. If you normally wear hoodies, great. We can work that in. The key is looking like yourself on your best day.
Shoes matter. Clean sneakers, boots, or casual dress shoes all work well depending on the outfit. Avoid bright colors and heavy logos. Well worn but clean shoes are better than brand new ones that feel stiff or awkward.
Check the details. Belts, socks, watches, and undershirts should all be set aside with each outfit so nothing gets forgotten. If you wear glasses, make sure they are clean and smudge free.
If you want to include something meaningful, pull it early. Letter jackets, musical instruments, sports gear, books, or items tied to hobbies are welcome. These help tell your story and add personality to the images.
Pack a small go bag the night before. Include a comb or brush, any hair product you use, lip balm, a lint roller, and a bottle of water. Comfortable shoes for walking between locations are also a good idea.
Get a good night’s sleep and drink water the day before your session. You’ll look more relaxed, your skin will look better, and everything feels easier when you’re rested. If a blemish pops up the day before, no problem, I got you. Leave it alone and I'll remove it in retouching.
When everything is prepped ahead of time, the session itself is easy. You don’t have to think about what comes next. You just show up, follow simple direction, and let me take care of the rest.
Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer, holding the M.Photog., Cr.Photog., and CPP degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), designations held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism.
Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.