T&T: What to bring to your Senior Portrait Session

Checklist of important items for your session

Congratulations. You have scheduled your senior portrait session and the day is approaching soon.  Now you start thinking about outfits and props and poses you like.  If you have booked with me you will have gotten a senior portrait planning guide that walks you through all the steps of planning for your session and what you should be doing and when. 

Today, I wanted to talk to you specifically about what things you should be bringing to your senior portrait’s session.  The most obvious of course is your outfits and your props. Your outfits consist of clothing, shoes, jewelry etc. Props consist of any items that mean something to you that you would like to showcase in your session.  But did you know there are quite a few other items that you should bring to your session that will help ensure your session to be a success.  I want to talk over these items in detail so you can understand how they can be beneficial to you at your session.  I have also put together a checklist that you will find in both my senior portrait planning guide and I have added it below. 

IMPORTANT ITEMS TO BRING:

Makeup Bag –

It is so important to bring your makeup to do touchups in between poses and outfits.  We will be walking around and depending on the weather you could get a little sweaty and you want to make sure that you have your makeup handy to handle the extra glow as well as touchup lipstick and blush as we go.  Changing into other outfits can sometimes mess up your makeup so it is important to have essentials handy to fix this issue.

Makeup remover wipes –

Let’s say you want to have a different color lipstick for one of your outfits.  The best thing is to have a makeup remover wipe handy to wipe away the lipstick so you can apply a new one.  Also, it is very possible that as you walk around and get sweaty your mascara may run a little.  Makeup remover wipes can come to the rescue.

Blotting Paper –

As mentioned above you will more than likely get a little sweaty as we walk around the location, and you are in a variety of poses.  Depending on your skin type you may already have oily skin.  Blotting paper can help take away that greasy look and keep makeup from running. 

Mirror –

I recommend bringing a hand mirror with you so that you can check yourself in between poses and outfit changes.  If you need to reapply makeup or touch up hair this is a must have to make sure you can see yourself looking your best.

Chapstick –

With all the smiling and walking and moving around lips tend to get a little dry.  I always recommend having Chapstick or lip balm on hand to help with this.  We want your lips to look nice and fresh and not dry and cracked!

Curling Iron/Straightener –

Now this one is a little more difficult depending on the location.  However, you can usually find car adapters that let you plug in items into your car.  A lot of new cars have plugs available.  There are also cordless curling irons and straighners.  These items are handy to touch up your hair in between outfit changes, especially if you are wanting to do another hairstyle for different outfits.

Hairbrush/Comb –

I can’t stress enough how important these are.  You always want to be able to comb down the fly away hairs or put hair back into place.  If there is any bit of wind your hair can get a little unruly.  Having a brush or comb can help tame those locks.

Hairspray/Hair Gel/Frizz Spray –

These work so great in helping keep hair where you want it especially on windy days or when changing and your hair gets messed up. 

Bobby Pins/Hair Clips/Hair Ties –

These can be life savers.  Let’s say it is really windy at your session.  Your hair is flying all over the place.  Having these items can help save the day.  We can use them to change hair styles, keep hair in place and I’ve even used them to clip down outfits. 

Safety Pins –

Imagine being at your session and your outfit isn’t looking right or you have a tear in one of the items your brought.  Maybe the sundress isn’t staying on your shoulders, and you keep seeing your bra.  Having safety pins can turn these minor issues into nonissues.  A cleverly tucked safety pin here or there can keep from turning your outfit choice into a real nightmare.

Deodorant –

Oh YECK yes!  If you feel sweaty and gross you will not feel yourself or look your best in your images.  If it is hot and muggy you don’t want to start sweating through your outfits.  Best to have this on hand to reapply in between outfit changes.  You don’t want to have to worry about sweat stains on  your clothes!

Stain Remover –

I recommend having these little handy stain remover wipes on hand.  You never know if you rub up against something and you get dirt and mud on your outfits.  Especially if wearing lighter clothing. 

Lint Roller –

No matter how much you try before hand to have your outfits ready to go lint is everywhere.  Always better to have it just in case one of your outfits needs a little swipe down.

Sunscreen –

We are going to be outside and in the sun.  I always recommend sunscreen whenever you are outside.  Bring it with you so that you can reapply as needed.

Water (with a straw and lipstick friendly) –

It is so important to stay hydrated.  You will be walking around, posing, changing, and you need to make sure that you have water on hand to keep hydrated.  You don’t want to feel thirsty your entire shoot or possibly end up with a dehydration headache.  Also keep in mind water is good for your skin and your body and we want you looking your best.

Snacks –

Your session will be 90 minutes long.  We will be walking around and posing, and you don’t want low blood sugar.  You want to stay peppy and energetic, so your images turn out great.  Having quick little snacks that you can eat as we are walking to the next set up will keep away the hangries and the low blood sugar.  Make sure the snacks are mess free. 

Bluetooth speaker and music –

This one isn’t quite a must but it can help liven up your session and relax you.  I have found music to help any senior session.  It keeps your mood up and helps you relax and enjoy the session. 

These are just a few items that I find are essential to bring to your senior portraits session to make sure it is a success, and you walk away feeling confident in the session and in turn will love your images.