SENIOR SESSION GUIDE
Glad you're here!
I’m so so excited about your senior session coming up and to welcome you into the #rrpsenior family!! The Session Guide below is full of information about outfit tips and tricks, location ideas, hair and makeup, and most importantly - what to expect at your session! If I ask you to do anything, it's to read through this full guide. All the questions you're probably wondering should all be answered right here in this guide and will be the best resource to prepare you for your shoot and ensure a GREAT session!!
no need to feel nervous
Beyond anything else, if there's one thing that I want you to know, it is that you do not need to feel nervous or feel any type of pressure coming into your senior session. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You can come in with ideas in mind, or not. My job is to help plan an amazing session just for you, guide you and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and have the best dang time of your life!! I know it can feel a little awkward being in front of the camera at first, but I promise that after the first few minutes you are going to be having a blast and get comfortable working it in front of the camera!!
no need to feel nervous
Beyond anything else, if there's one thing that I want you to know, it is that you do not need to feel nervous or feel any type of pressure coming into your senior session. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You can come in with ideas in mind, or not. My job is to help plan an amazing session just for you, guide you and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and have the best dang time of your life!! I know it can feel a little awkward being in front of the camera at first, but I promise that after the first few minutes you are going to be having a blast and get comfortable working it in front of the camera!!
a few notes from yours truly
#1
no need to feel nervous
Beyond anything else, if there's one thing that I want you to know, it is that you do not need to feel nervous or feel any type of pressure coming into your senior session. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You can come in with ideas in mind, or not. My job is to help plan an amazing session just for you, guide you and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and have the best dang time of your life!! I know it can feel a little awkward being in front of the camera at first, but I promise that after the first few minutes you are going to be having a blast and get comfortable working it in front of the camera!!
a few notes from yours truly
#1
no need to feel nervous
#2
POSING
When it comes down to posing, I GOT YOU! I will guide you throughout the entire session with natural and fun poses to be sure you look your best in all the photos!
I know there are so many cute poses on TikTok and Pinterest, and if you see something you love, share it with me! This is your session and if you want to do a pose you saw on TikTok, let's do it girl.
But ALSO, if you're thinking, "I have absolutely no idea what to do!" No need to worry, because I have a full gallery of poses in my head at all times!
#2
#3
I am including this section because it plays a vital role in your session and I can not stress it enough!
Please try your very, very best to arrive on time! Your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets, and once the sun has set, we lose our light and can no longer shoot
If you arrive to your session even 10-15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session!
If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, sadly, we will have to reschedule for my next earliest available date which may be 3 or even 4 months out from your original date!
Give yourself extra time for getting ready, grabbing those last minute details, packing the car, time in case you forget something, and traffic.
#3
ARRIVAL TIME
#4
#4
WEATHER
One of the BIGGEST questions I get asked is, "What if it rains?!"
Obviously no one wants to take their senior portraits on a rainy day! Don't worry, I won't make you take photos on a nasty day just because it's the day you booked.
If the forecast is calling for rain on the day of your session, I typically hold off until 24-48 hours before the session time to make a decision. Why? Because the weather can be SO unpredictable and I don't want us to reschedule your session too early because of what the forecast predicts.
If the forecast is 75% or higher, we will definitely reschedule. If it is anywhere between 50-75% chance, I will leave it up to you to decide. Anything below 50% I typically will still try to photograph your session unless it is just too gross outside. We know how VA weather can be! Often, the sun peeks out at session time!
Gorgeous, glowy light like the photos throughout this page is ideal, BUT cloudy days can still be just as beautiful!! Trust me! The photos in the gallery here were taken on an on/off drizzly day because we were unable to change dates due to timing and we still caught some beautiful light!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEASON
May - August
Summer is one of my favorite seasons for senior sessions! Almost always guaranteed for a sunny day and flowers are still in bloom all around! Nothing beats a summer evening glow either. The best part though, these sessions take place anywhere from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. because the sun sets so late! Perfect for if you play sports or have activities you can't miss, summer might be your best bet!
Summer
This arrow and all the rest on this page are clickable!
Fall
September - early Nov
FALL!!! Everyone's favorite and for good reason! Fall is one of the best seasons for your session because, A) beautiful weather and amazing temps, and B) we love fall trees and cute sweaters! During October time frame, the sun definitely begins to set earlier, so keep that in mind as you think about how soon or late in the fall to book. Sunset in the fall ranges anywhere between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. so sessions typically start around 4:00ish (depending on your date).
Winter
Mid Nov - early March
Winter, not everyone's first thought of a time for photos BUT the less busy season could actually be perfect for your schedule! Winter is usually pretty cold and typically grey without as much pretty greenery in sight. However, in the case your session lands during this time, there is hope! If we bear the cold, we can always turn a beautiful location into something stunning. Winter golden hour is magical in it's own right. Sunset in the winter can be around 4:00 p.m., so sessions start early - around 2:00!
Rio's session to the right was in February!
Spring
March - April
SPRING!! The second favorite time of year for senior sessions, and a personal fav.... JK fall and spring are tied for me! End of March through early May you are guaranteed pretty flowers and warmer temps, only downside is a higher chance of rain or cloudy days. But hey, if there are flowers around, we can always make it work! Sunset in the spring can be anywhere between 6:00 - 8:00 p.m so your session will start between 4:00 - 6:00.
LOCATION IDEAS
LOCATION TIPS
These photos are meant for you to carry with you through life as a reminder of this season. When it comes to choosing a location, you may want to pick somewhere that holds a little bit of meaning to you. Is there a place you frequently love exploring? If not a specific place, think about the things you love to do! Do you tend to go to the beach? Like exploring new places? Or is there a certain vibe or season you really love? Like beautiful flowers in the spring or the colorful leaves in the fall?
Your photos will feel authentically you if we shoot somewhere you love. Of course, you can always choose a pretty location that you’ve never been to before. I've got some great suggestions for you right below!!
OTHER LOCATIONS
FORT MONROE
CNU
City center + parking deck
Norfolk Botanical Gardens (permit policy)
Your school
OTHER LOCATIONS
FORT MONROE
CNU
City center + parking deck
Norfolk Botanical Gardens (permit policy)
Your school
OUTFIT TIPS & TRICKS
OUTFIT TIPS
I'm going to be honest here! Choosing what outfits you will wear for your session is a HUGE decision. Your outfits will literally make or break your senior portrait session and I don't say that lightly! I know that might sound like I'm putting some pressure on the choices, but I've seen it one too many times and don't want that to happen for you, friend! This next section will walk you through some tips and some great examples of what to wear for your senior session!
I always suggest to bring multiple options with you. Different vibes, different styles, some dressed up, some slightly more casual, etc. If you booked a Basic Senior Session you only need to plan for one outfit but Classic Senior Sessions are typically able to include up to 4 outfits within the timeframe, so make it worth it and get all the variety you would like! Here's a quick list if you're thinking, "okay, tell me exactly what to wear!"
THIS IS WHAT i WOULD BRING
Booked a Basic senior session but would like to upgrade to a classic senior session??
no worries!
just send me an email!
Booked a Basic senior session but would like to upgrade to a classic senior session??
no worries!
just send me an email!
#4
#3
#2
#1
2. CUTE top + SKIRT
COMBO WITH HEELS
1. Romper or jumpsuit with cute shoes
3. SHORT OR LONG DRESS
WITH fun HEELS, SANDALS,
OR BOOTS
4. jeans or unique pants with cute top
WANT TO SEE SOME SESSIONS
WITH GORGEOUS OUTFITS?!
Miss Rylee had all the perfect looks for her session!! AH! Take notes. She started off in her jean skirt. This outfit was such a perfect start. Then she changed into the most gorgeous burgundy dress for our street and garden photos. Her next was a sweater top, jeans and stylish tennis shoes, perfect for the college campus area. Finished off with her cheer uniform, letterman's jacket, and poms!
Rylee
click on the name to see THE full blog post!
WANT TO SEE SOME SESSIONS
WITH GORGEOUS OUTFITS?!
Ramsie's outfit choices fit perfectly with her location and really made her stand out! We started off with the blue top, white jeans, and sneakers - adorable. Then changed into her college tee with the jean skirt. These were great for her announcements! Her last outfit choice was soo perfect for the setting! We started near the fountains with colorful flowers and finished up with the last of the golden light in front of the hanging white flowers and teal arbor. We even took a few film photos here too! It was so perfect.
ramsie
click on the name to see THE full blog post!
WANT TO SEE SOME SESSIONS
WITH GORGEOUS OUTFITS?!
Kendall's session in Yorktown was the perfect balance of outfit styles and locations! She started with a cute, patchwork style dress (that had pockets = more pose options!) Next was the blue romper with her summery wedge sandals - I loved the texture here and it really popped against all the green! We had to be sure to feature her college choice WVU and she even had matching tennis shoes! Last was possibly my favorite - the soft pink two piece wiith ruffled skirt that was *perfect* for golden hour & sunset on the beach!
kendall
click on the name to see THE full blog post!
WANT TO SEE SOME SESSIONS
WITH GORGEOUS OUTFITS?!
Miss Rylee had all the perfect looks for her session!! AH! Take notes. She started off in her jean skirt. This outfit was such a perfect start. Then she changed into the most gorgeous burgundy dress for our street and garden photos. Her next was a sweater top, jeans and stylish tennis shoes, perfect for the college campus area. Finished off with her cheer uniform, letterman's jacket, and poms!
Rylee
click on the name to see THE full blog post!
WANT TO SEE SOME SESSIONS
WITH GORGEOUS OUTFITS?!
Ramsie's outfit choices fit perfectly with her location and really made her stand out! We started off with the blue top, white jeans, and sneakers - adorable. Then changed into her college tee with the jean skirt. These were great for her announcements! Her last outfit choice was soo perfect for the setting! We started near the fountains with colorful flowers and finished up with the last of the golden light in front of the hanging white flowers and teal arbor. We even took a few film photos here too! It was so perfect.
ramsie
click on the name to see THE full blog post!
WANT TO SEE SOME SESSIONS
WITH GORGEOUS OUTFITS?!
Kendall's session in Yorktown was the perfect balance of outfit styles and locations! She started with a cute, patchwork style dress (that had pockets = more pose options!) Next was the blue romper with her summery wedge sandals - I loved the texture here and it really popped against all the green! We had to be sure to feature her college choice WVU and she even had matching tennis shoes! Last was possibly my favorite - the soft pink two piece wiith ruffled skirt that was *perfect* for golden hour & sunset on the beach!
Kendall
click on the name to see THE full blog post!
COLORS + NEUTRALS
When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that will either stand out or colors that will be softer, allowing you to be more of the focus. Also consider colors that will compliment your skin tone. Royal blue or light blue, soft pinks or bubblegum pinks, olive greens or emerald greens, jewel tones, are all example of colors that photograph beautifully! Try to mix in some neutral pieces as well. We can spice these up with layers or accessories if needed, but sometimes locations can have a lot going on in the background, so having some neutral pieces allows us to focus on your gorgeous self!
ADDING LAYERS
Adding layers to your outfits always looks really great in portraits while also creating a chance for more variety - aka more photos !! A cute top paired with a shacket in the fall, or a dainty tank top paired with a denim jacket makes for great opportunities for posing and adding in "props"!
ACCESSORIZE
The final piece to any outfit is always adding in an accessory!! I always lean to the side of a statement earring and simple necklace, or you can flip it and do a statement necklace and simple earrings. Another super fun look are stacked bracelets or layers of necklaces! Try to incorporate some type of statement accessory into each outfit and mix them up throughout.
Accessorizing doesn't just have to be jewelry either, it can be a pair of sunglasses (which always turn out SO cute) or a floppy hat in the warmer months, or a scarf or cute beanie in the fall.
There are seriously SO many fun ways to spice up your look by adding in accessories. PLUS, they make for some super cute poses to mis it up a little bit!
BE COMFORTABLE
My top outfit tip is that if you don't feel comfortable in the outfit you choose or just feeling really unsure about it while trying it on, odds are you are still going to feel uncomfortable the day of the session! In every outfit you choose, you should feel 110% confident and love the fit you are in!
Not only that, but you should also feel comfortable enough that you can move around in them. I'll probably have you sitting, maybe even laying on the ground at some point, walking and dancing and doing some other movement poses, so be sure you are feeling confident in your outfit pieces!
CLICK ME FOR OUTFIT INSPO!
TIME FOR SHOPPING!
altAr'd state
Rent the runway
sweetest stitch
traveling chic boutique RVA
lulu's
abercrombie
hello molly
pink lilly
show me your mumu
VESTIQUE RVA
BEAUTY ADVICE
BEAUTY ADVICE
This can be a tricky topic because I know that not everyone may have the budget to invest in another thing for their senior session. However, this really is a once in a lifetime experience, and if you're able to, I highly recommend that all of my seniors opt in to getting professional hair and makeup done before their session. This makes a hugeee difference in your images, so why not make it the best it can be?!
If this is not in your budget, plan to wear heavier make up than normal. Including blush and lipstick, or lip gloss, that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. What you can see in person doesn't always show up as detailed in camera. So going a little extra glam with make-up will be a huge help to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it! I also highly recommend wearing false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices anywhere you buy makeup!
#1
Why hire a pro?
You are already investing in a professional photographer, so why not visit your favorite stylist to make sure that your images look their absolute best?!
Professional hair + makeup artists literally do this all day long, and specifically to make sure you look fabulous in photos! Your daily makeup may look amazing in person, but it often does not show up in camera the way you may see it in the mirror. Professionals however, know what the camera needs but not over do it. Hiring a pro isn't going to make you look different, it's just going to enhance your natural beauty and be sure the camera picks up all that youthful beauty!!
Best part is, they'll give you false eyelashes to make your eyes pop AND shape your eyebrows to perfection. And you know we love a good eyebrow arch!
#2
#3
Can I do it myself?
Senior portraits aren’t just about showing up and taking pictures — they’re a full experience and a celebration of your journey so far. To truly enjoy it, it helps to feel your best from the start. That’s why I recommend having your makeup professionally done if you can— it takes the pressure off and lets you show up feeling confident, polished, and ready to have fun. When you feel good, the whole experience becomes even more memorable!
You totally can!! But unless you are just a makeup genius, trying to do your own makeup really well can be stressful. Professional camera equipment picks up every little detail. Professionals makeup artists know how to put it all on right to ENHANCE your natural beauty, not hide it!
It's an experience!
RECOMMENDATIONS
Beauty by tiffany
makeup
Bella Vita Artistry
Makeup
Blush 757
makeup
Anywhere beauty by Shae
makeup
makeup
Salty salon
(salon i go to in yorktown)
blushtones & flawless on site
makeup & hair often working as a team
i'd recommend getting in touch with your fav local hair stylist!💖
hair
CLICK THE NAME TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE!
MANICURE
One last tip!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or distracting patterns. French manicures, white, light and natural colors all photograph best!!
WHAT TO BRING
PROPS + CAP & GOWN
Props can really make your session feel more like you. If you play a sport, are a dancer or cheerleader, or in the band, feel free to bring those unique items to incorporate into your session.
Or maybe you love those Pinterest photos of the gorgeous picnic setups with the charcuterie boards and pretty lemonade glasses, let's set that up and make this unique for you!
Some classic graduation items include apparel or a pennant flag from your future college—and of course, your cap and gown!
For cap & gown photos, plan to wear a solid color dress and heels! This would be one of your outfit choices to consider. I recommend white or a lighter color that pops against the color of your gown, and it should be shorter than the length of your gown. You will also want to be sure to have your tassel and if you have received any cords or other regalia, please feel free to bring those along to incorporate too!
P.S. I will never make you wear the cap if you're worried about messing up your hair! We can either do this at the very end, or hold it in some creative poses as a prop! :)
PROP INSPIRATION
POST SESSION
POST SESSION
After your senior session is complete and we’ve captured some incredible moments, I’ll be spending time carefully selecting and editing your top images to bring out the very best in each photo.
Sit tight – everything is in the works! I can’t wait for you to see how it all comes together.
Don't forget to follow me on instagram & facebook to see your next day preview!
1. FULL GALLERY
2. BUYING PRINTS
You will receive the full gallery within 2-3 weeks. I’ll keep you in the loop so you know exactly when to expect the photos. When they’re ready, you’ll receive a link to an online gallery where you can download and share with friends/family.
Photographs aren’t meant to just live on our screens, which is why I recommend printing your photos. Through the online gallery you’ll be able to purchase prints and products, so you can have tangible reminders of the love you share!
I know you will want to post them all, as you should!!! Good thing there's TikTok and Insta to share all the photos on! When you post, don't forget to tag me so I can see! @rachael.reid.photography
3. SHARE ALL THE PHOTOS
#1
Your Gallery
Your online gallery will be a beautiful and easy-to-use space where you can view, download, and share your images with ease. I want you to feel completely free to enjoy and share your photos, so there will be no watermarks, and every image will be available to download in high-resolution. On the next page, you’ll find some helpful information to guide you through your gallery and everything it has to offer!
I will send you all the steps you need to know when I send your gallery, but in case you'd like to know those details now, please follow the arrows below!
One of the best parts about your online gallery is the SHOP! The parents especially love this part! You can order prints, canvases, posters, albums, even graduation cards right in the shop! The professional print lab is guaranteed to provide you the highest quality product and all images come out true to color. Plus, orders are shipped directly to you! No driving to CVS to pickup your prints.
#2
Ordering Prints
Read through these tips before ordering!
Adjusting the Crop
When choosing different size prints and products, be sure to check the crop of the image before adding to your cart! When you choose different sizes, it pulls right from whatever is the center of the image. Just be sure there's no weird lines of cutting off your feet or someone's head!
Drag & Drop Album Design
Directly from your gallery it is SUPER easy to design your album too! Simply choose the size the cover style, and the cover material you like, then it will take you to the design page. It's easy and FUN to drag and drop your favorite images right onto the page. You can chose from pre-made layouts on the right hand side and customize to your liking. When you're finished, click "review" and approve your album before adding to the cart!
I recommend the 10x10, 12x12, or 11x14 size! The leather and linen covers are my favorite!
DISCOUNT CODE
Don't forget to use your discount code at checkout!! Just because I love ya and want you to have the BEST images printed out to cherish, I want to help you save a little bit!
Use code "CONGRATS" for 15% off your order!
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