How to Prep for Your Senior Session: One Week Out

This is the number one question I get, how do you prep for your senior session? Preparing for your senior portrait session is so important… a little planning can make a huge difference in your photos. About one week before your shoot, you should start getting things in order, both physically and mentally, so that by the time your session day arrives, you’ll feel confident and stress-free. This guide will walk you through how to prep during the week leading up to your senior session. We’ll cover everything: organizing outfits and props, taking care of grooming and wellness, and even boosting your mindset.

If you’re a senior in the Raleigh area (Wake County, Cary, Apex – we see you!), these tips are especially for you. We know you want amazing pictures that show you at your best. By following these steps one week out, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, fun shoot and stunning portraits that truly reflect you. Let’s dive into the prep checklist!

Plan Your Outfits and Props Early

Outfits: By a week before your session, you should have your outfit choices mostly finalized. Aim for at least 2-3 different outfits (if your photographer allows multiple looks) that showcase different sides of your personality, for example, one casual and fun, one dressy or elegant, and maybe your favorite school spirit or sports outfit. Variety is key so your photos don’t all look the same . Make sure each outfit is something you feel great in. Try everything on head-to-toe at least a week prior to confirm it fits well and looks how you imagined. Move around in it – sit, bend, twist – to ensure you’re comfortable and nothing is too tight or revealing when you pose. This is also the time to check for any missing buttons, loose hems, or wrinkles.

Once you’ve decided, get those outfits photo-ready. Wash or dry-clean anything that needs it. Iron or steam each piece of clothing so it’s wrinkle-free . A week out is a good time to do this, then hang each outfit on a hanger. Pro tip: hang coordinating accessories with each outfit. For example, put jewelry or ties in a ziplock bag and hang it over the hanger, pair the right shoes underneath, etc. This way, on the day of the shoot you can grab each complete outfit without scrambling for matching items.

Accessories: Don’t forget the details! Plan out accessories for each outfit – shoes, jewelry, belts, hairpieces, ties, etc. If any jewelry needs a polish or cleaning, do that during the week. Make sure shoes are clean and scuff-free. If you’re wearing new shoes, break them in a bit so you don’t get blisters during the session (bring band-aids just in case). For guys, decide if you’ll wear a watch or any class rings. For girls, consider undergarments that go with each outfit (strapless bra for certain dresses, the right color camisole, etc.) so nothing inadvertently shows. Gather everything so you’re not hunting for that other earring the night before.

Props: Think about anything special you want to include in your photos. Great prop ideas include sports equipment, musical instruments, art supplies, books, a car, or even a pet – anything that highlights your interests . Make a list of these items a week in advance. Then gather and prepare your props. Clean them up so they look their best: polish that guitar or trophy, wash your car if it’s going to be in a shot, wipe down sports gear, etc. . If your dog will join for a few photos, give your pup a bath a day or two before so they’re camera-ready . Having props ready to go will ensure you don’t forget them and that they’ll enhance your shoot. Put smaller props in one place (a bag or box) so you can easily load them up for the session.

Plan for Variety: Over the week, double-check that your outfits and props together give a nice variety of looks. For example, you might realize all your outfits are blue – consider swapping in a different color for contrast . Or if every outfit is casual, maybe add one dressier option (or vice versa) . Diversity in your wardrobe will make your photo collection more dynamic and interesting . If you’re unsure about any outfit, you can prepare an extra one and ask your photographer for input; they can help choose the most photogenic options.

Take Care of Beauty and Grooming

One week out is an ideal time to get your grooming tasks scheduled and done, so you look and feel your best for photos.

• Haircuts & Color: Don’t make any drastic hair changes right before your session. Major cuts or new hair colors are risky so close to photo day – you might not have time to fix something if you don’t love it . Instead, stick with what feels like “you.” If you need a trim or color touch-up, get it done about a week (or more) in advance. For girls, a trim or color a week or two prior will allow the style to settle and look natural by session day . For guys, a haircut about 5-7 days before the shoot is great – it won’t look too freshly shorn, but still neat . This timing gives any extra short edges time to grow in just a touch.
• Skincare: In the week leading up, do not introduce any brand-new skincare products or treatments that you haven’t tried before . Now is not the time for a first-ever chemical peel or a random new face mask – those can cause breakouts or irritation unexpectedly. Stick to your normal routine that you know works for your skin. If you want to do a gentle exfoliation or cleansing mask, do it at least 3-5 days out so any minor reaction has time to calm down. And of course, avoid sunburn at all costs in the week before! Wear sunscreen if you’re out in the sun; red or peeling skin can ruin photos and often means rescheduling . Keep moisturizing your skin each day so it’s not dry or flaky. Hydration is key for a healthy glow, more on that in the next section.
• Makeup Planning: If you’re hiring a makeup artist for the day of, use this week to do a trial or at least communicate your desired look. If you’re doing your own makeup, do a practice run of how you plan to do it, and see how it looks in photos (you can take a few selfies in similar lighting). Typically, camera-ready makeup can be a bit heavier than everyday makeup, for instance, slightly stronger contour or eye definition, but still true to your style . Gather any cosmetics you might need so you’re not running to the store last minute. Keep your skin in its best shape by removing makeup each night and following your normal cleansing routine; don’t sleep in makeup or do anything that could cause breakouts now.
• Nails: Your hands will show in many photos (holding a cap, leaning on a fence, hands in pockets, etc.), so pay attention to your nails. If you prefer polished nails, decide on a color and plan to do them the night before or get a manicure a couple days before. Neutral or classic colors work best so they don’t distract from your face or outfits . Make sure any old polish is removed, and nails are clean and filed nicely. For guys (and girls who skip polish), just make sure nails are clean and trimmed neatly. Dry, cracked cuticles can be moisturized during the week, use a little hand lotion or cuticle oil each night. If you’re wearing open-toe shoes in any outfit, give yourself a pedicure or fresh coat of polish on your toes as well. Ladies, many photographers suggest waiting until the night before to paint nails so they’re perfect and not chipped .
• Facial Hair: Gentlemen, if you shave, plan to shave either the night before or morning of the session. Many recommend shaving the night before to allow any razor irritation or redness to subside by shoot time . If you maintain a beard or stubble, trim and shape it a few days out so it looks intentional and neat (and then just minor touch-ups day before). Make sure any mustache or beard lines are clean. Ladies, if you shape your brows or remove any facial hair, do so 2-3 days before the shoot to avoid visible redness or bumps on the day (your usual timing for those grooming tasks).
• Teeth: If you want to whiten your teeth, start about two weeks before or at least one week out. Whitestrips or whitening treatments often need several days to show results, and you don’t want to do it the night before in case of tooth sensitivity. If you haven’t done any whitening, it’s okay – a bright smile comes more from confidence than from bleach! At minimum, give your teeth a good cleaning by brushing and maybe using some baking soda or a whitening toothpaste in the week prior.
• Glasses: If you wear glasses daily and want to wear them in photos, talk to your photographer about glare. One trick: see if your optometrist can loan you a pair of identical frames with no lenses for the session, or have your lens temporarily removed . This prevents glare entirely. If that’s not possible, we’ll work with angles to minimize reflection. Just make sure your glasses are clean (no smudges) on the day. If you have contacts and prefer to wear those for photos, start wearing them a few days that week to get used to them if you don’t wear them often.

In short, handle all the primping and grooming essentials during the week so you’re not scrambling last minute. Hair, skin, and nails should be under control by the time you’re a day away. When you look good, you’ll feel good, and that confidence will shine in your pictures!

Maintain Healthy Habits This Week

Great photos aren’t just about the clothes and makeup, your physical well-being will reflect in your face and posture. Use the week before to get into some healthy habits so you look and feel fresh:

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Start drinking plenty of water each day, at least a week before your session . When you’re well-hydrated, your skin looks more radiant and plump (fine lines are less noticeable), and you’ll have a healthy glow. Carry a water bottle to school and sip throughout the day. Aim for 8+ glasses a day. By session time, your skin will thank you. (Bonus: staying hydrated can help prevent dry or chapped lips, too.)
• Rest Up: We know senior year is busy, but try to get good sleep all week long leading up to your shoot . Being well-rested will reduce under-eye circles and help you feel energized. Don’t pull any all-nighters studying that week if you can help it! Ideally, get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Especially make sure you sleep well the night before (more on that later), but building a routine of decent sleep in the days prior will keep you looking fresh (and keep stress levels down).
• Eat Well (and Regularly): In the week before, focus on eating a balanced diet. Nutrient-rich foods (fruits, veggies, protein) can help your skin and energy. Try to avoid super salty snacks or lots of soda in the days before the shoot, as these can make you bloated or puffy. Also, don’t skip meals leading up to your session – some people think skipping meals will make them look slimmer, but really it can make you feel faint or cranky. You want to be strong and happy for your photos. On the day of the shoot, be sure to eat a good meal beforehand so you’re not starving (we’ll remind you again!).
• Avoid Last-Minute Tanning: If you’re hoping for a sun-kissed look, do not go get a spray tan the day before your session. That can lead to an unnatural or uneven color in photos . If you really want a spray tan or a tanning session, do it at least 3-4 days before the shoot (and keep it light/natural). This gives the color time to settle and any orange tones to fade into a nice glow . The last thing you want is to show up with an unexpected orange hue or streaks that editing can’t easily fix. Similarly, avoid over-sunning yourself outdoors; a bad sunburn or weird tan lines will complicate your session. It’s far better to have your natural skin tone than a blotchy tan. Embrace your natural beauty!
• Lip Care: This might sound odd, but start moisturizing your lips daily (if you don’t already). Use a good chapstick or lip balm each night before bed. Dry, chapped lips are almost impossible to retouch in Photoshop , and they can be visible in high-resolution photos. For a week leading up, you could even gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or sugar scrub, then apply balm, to make sure they’re smooth. This goes for guys and girls alike – nobody wants crusty lips in their close-ups!
• Exercise (Lightly): If you have a regular exercise routine, keep it up to help manage stress. But avoid doing anything super intense the day or two before that might leave you very sore or stiff. For example, if you never go rock climbing and suddenly do it two days before your shoot, you might be sore in your arms and it could show in your posture. Light exercise or stretching, however, can help you feel good and loose. And exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood – bonus!
• Relaxation and Stress Relief: Senior year can be stressful, but try to keep your stress low this week. Stress can lead to breakouts and just overall tension. Take some time each day to do something relaxing: listen to music, take a short walk, meditate or do yoga, whatever calms you. This will help you go into your session with a positive vibe. If you feel yourself getting anxious about the shoot, talk to someone (your mom, a friend, or even your photographer). We are here to help and we want you to feel excited, not anxious.

Get in the Right Mindset

Prepping for a senior session isn’t just about the tangible things, it’s also about mental and emotional preparation. A week before is a great time to start hyping yourself up and building confidence.

• Visualize Success: Spend a little time picturing how you want your session to go. Imagine yourself in front of the camera feeling happy, confident, and relaxed. Picture nailing those poses and smiling genuinely. This kind of positive visualization can actually help reduce nerves. Instead of worrying about “What if I’m awkward?”, change the narrative in your head to “I’m going to have fun and rock this!”
• Plan with Your Photographer: If you haven’t already, touch base with your photographer about a week out. Confirm the date, time, and meeting location. Discuss any final questions or ideas. If you’re torn between two outfits, ask their opinion. Feeling prepared with knowledge of what to expect will put your mind at ease.
• Practice Posing (a little): It might sound silly, but practicing a few poses or expressions in the mirror can boost your confidence. You could try your outfits on and see how different smiles or serious looks feel. Notice your natural smiles versus forced ones – maybe have a parent or friend crack a joke and see that genuine grin. You can also practice good posture: shoulders back, chin slightly forward and down (a photographer trick to define your jawline). Don’t overthink posing, though, your photographer will guide you during the session . The goal here is just to get any jitters out and realize that looking natural is the best look. Some seniors even have a friend take a few candid phone pics while they pose just to warm up.
• Gather Inspiration: If you have downtime this week, create a mini mood-board or save a few inspiration photos. Scroll your Pinterest board we made or Instagram for senior portraits that resonate with you (maybe poses, locations, or vibes you like). Share a couple favorites with your photographer if you want, it helps us understand what style you’re drawn to. Just remember, you don’t need to copy poses exactly; it’s just inspiration. You’ll want your own personality to shine through, not a stiff re-enactment of someone else’s photo.
• Emotional Prep: It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Talk about it! Tell your mom or best friend how you’re feeling. Often they’ll reassure you and get you excited. Plan something enjoyable the night before, maybe a calm family dinner or a relaxing bath, to soothe any last-minute nerves. Remind yourself why you’re doing this: to celebrate you and your accomplishments. Senior pictures are a way to capture this milestone, and they should be fun. Try to reframe nerves as excitement. Every time you feel a butterfly in your stomach, think, “I can’t wait for this, it’s going to be awesome!”
• Logistics and Backup Plans: A week out, make sure you know the game plan so you’re mentally prepared. For instance, how are you getting to the session location? If it’s a park in Raleigh you’ve never been to, plan your route or even drive by a couple of days before so it’s familiar. Check how long it takes to get there, and consider traffic if it’s around rush hour. Having these details sorted will ease your mind. Also, think about the weather: if the forecast a week out shows rain, talk to your photographer about a backup date or indoor location. Usually forecasts can change, but having a contingency plan will prevent worry. Knowing that everything is lined up, outfits, props, directions, timing, will let you relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

By the time you’re one day away, you should have all these bases covered: your wardrobe is set and prepped, your props are ready, your hair/nails/skin are taken care of, you’ve been sleeping and hydrating, and you’ve pumped yourself up mentally. Give yourself a pat on the back for being so well prepared! In the next section (or our next blog post), we’ll talk about how to prep the night before your senior session with last-minute to-dos and tips to ensure everything goes smoothly. But if you’ve done the week-out prep, the night-before will be a breeze.

With all this preparation, you’ll walk into your senior photo session feeling like a million bucks. And when you feel good, that confidence will shine through every shot. Your Raleigh senior session will be fun, memorable, and leave you with portraits you’re proud to show off. Enjoy the process, this is a celebration of you and all your hard work! You’ve got this!

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