How to Prepare for Your Senior Portrait Session in Southern California

Senior year is filled with once-in-a-lifetime milestones—and your senior portraits are one of them. Whether you’re booking a beach session in Malibu or a golden hour photoshoot in the hills of Southern California, a little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel confident, relaxed, and photo-ready. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your senior portrait session and get the most out of your experience:

1. Book Early to Get the Best Dates

The best light, the most popular locations, and the ideal season? They all go fast. I recommend booking your session at least 2–4 months in advance to get a prime spot on the calendar. In Southern California, golden hour (just before sunset) offers that soft, glowing light that looks amazing on camera.

Spring and early summer before your senior year are some of the most popular times for portraits—so don’t wait!

💡 Pro tip: The earlier you book your senior session, the more use you’ll get out of your photos throughout your senior year. You can always add on a graduation mini session for cap & gown or college announcement photos later in the spring semester!

2. Plan Your Outfits in Advance

What you wear makes a big impact on how your photos turn out—not just in color and style, but in how you feel wearing them. For all my senior portrait clients I offer a complimentary outfit planning and styling consultation, but here are a few tips to get you started:

Tips for choosing outfits:

• Bring 2–5 options for variety (think casual, dressy, and something fun)
  
• Stick to soft neutrals, earth tones, or muted colors that complement the SoCal landscape
  
• Choose pieces with texture—like linen, denim, or knit—for visual interest
  
• Avoid bold logos, neon colors, or super trendy pieces that may date your photos
  
• Make sure you feel comfortable in what you wear—adjusting clothes constantly will show on camera

3. Choose the Right Location

If you’re booking with me, I’ll work with you to select the perfect location to match your style and personality. Whether it’s beaches, cliffs, flower fields, or a cozy urban vibe, I’ve got you covered!

No matter who your photographer is, your location should:

• Match your style and personality
  
• Offer variety in backgrounds
  
• Complement your outfit choices

If you’re dreaming of a Malibu session, you really can’t go wrong. Golden light on the sand? Yes, please!

4. Schedule Hair + Makeup

Professional hair and makeup can help you feel polished and camera-ready. It’s totally optional—but many of my seniors say it gives them an extra confidence boost. 

I work with trusted hair and makeup artists in the Malibu area who can create everything from a light, barely-there look to full glam.

Here are a few beauty prep reminders:

• Don’t try new skincare or beauty products right before your session
  
• Get your nails done (or at least clean and tidy)
  
• Bring a small bag with powder or oil blotting sheets for quick touch-ups
  
• Guys: a clean shave or trimmed beard goes a long way

5. Pack These Essentials for the Day

On the day of your session, bring a small tote or backpack with a few helpful items to help you prepare for your senior portraits:

What to bring:

• Touch-up makeup
  
• Oil blotting sheets
  
• Water + a photo-friendly snack (nothing that will stain your mouth or get stuck in your teeth!)
  
• Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
  
• A small mirror, bobby pins, safety pins, fashion tape
  
• A jacket or blanket for the cooler months

It also helps to bring someone you trust—a parent or friend—to keep things relaxed and fun!

6. Set the Right Mindset

Being in front of the camera can feel a little intimidating—but I promise, you don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands! I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Senior portraits should feel like you. That means laughing, moving, and letting your personality shine through. This is why choosing a photographer you feel comfortable with is so important.

If you’re working with me, we’ll keep things fun and low-pressure with a mix of classic poses and candid, movement-based prompts to bring out your natural energy.

7. After the Session: What Happens Next

Here’s what you can expect after your senior portrait session with me:

• A sneak peek image
• Your final edited gallery ready within 2-3 weeks
• A gallery reveal + ordering appointment to select your choice of heirloom album and/or framed artwork

My goal is to not only capture this milestone moment—but help you preserve it in a way that will last for years to come.

Final Thoughts to Prepare for Your Senior Portraits

It doesn’t have to be stressful to prepare for your senior portraits. With a little planning and some help from an experienced photographer, you’ll walk into your session feeling confident, relaxed, and ready to capture this exciting season of life.

Ready to book your Southern California senior portraits?

Ready to book your senior photos in Malibu or the surrounding Southern California area? Head over to my Seniors Page to learn more and reserve your session!

Let’s create something beautiful together. CONTACT ME HERE!