You’ve picked your outfits, your session date is on the calendar, and senior photos are almost here!
Now comes the question I get from nearly every senior:
“What should I bring to my session?”
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to creating a smooth, stress-free senior experience. The more organized you are before you arrive, the more time we can spend focusing on what really matters—capturing amazing photos and having fun.
Here’s exactly what I recommend bringing to your senior session.

Outfit #1, #2, and #3 (Plus a Backup!)
The number one thing to pack? Your outfits!
I always recommend bringing a variety of looks that reflect different sides of your personality. Think dressy, casual, and something uniquely you.
And here’s a pro tip: bring one extra outfit.
Sometimes a location inspires a different look than we originally planned, or we have extra time and decide to squeeze in a few bonus photos. Having a backup option gives us flexibility.
Don’t Forget Your Shoes
Shoes are often the most forgotten item, but they make a huge difference in your final images.
Make sure every outfit has shoes that coordinate with it and take a few minutes to clean them before your session. Dirt, grass stains, and scuff marks are much more noticeable in photos than most people realize.
If you’re wearing heels, I also recommend bringing a comfortable pair of sandals or slip-ons for walking between locations.



Touch-Up Essentials
Minnesota weather likes to keep us guessing, so having a few touch-up items on hand is always helpful.
I recommend packing:
- Hairbrush or comb
- Hairspray
- Lip gloss or lipstick
- Powder or blotting sheets
- Extra hair ties
- Bobby pins
These small items can make a big difference between outfit changes.
Bring Meaningful Props
Senior photos should tell your story.
Think about things that represent this season of life:
- Sports equipment
- Letter jacket
- Instruments
- Books
- Flowers
- Stuffed animal from childhood
- College gear
- Hobby-related items
Not every prop works for every session, but when they’re meaningful, they can add so much personality to your gallery.
Water and a Small Snack
Most senior sessions last between 2–2.5 hours, and we’re often walking, exploring locations, and changing outfits.



The Night Before Checklist
Before your session, lay everything out and do one final check:
✓ Outfits steamed and ready
✓ Shoes cleaned and packed
✓ Jewelry and accessories packed in Ziplock bags
✓ Props gathered
✓ Touch-up kit packed
✓ Water bottle ready
✓ Phone charged
A few minutes of preparation the night before can make session day feel effortless.
My Favorite Tip
The best thing you can bring isn’t something that fits in a bag.
Bring confidence.
You don’t need modeling experience. You don’t need to know what to do with your hands. You don’t need to be nervous about posing.
That’s my job.
Come ready to have fun, trust the process, and be yourself. I’ll guide you through every step, and together we’ll create images that feel natural, genuine, and completely YOU.
I can’t wait to celebrate this exciting season of your life!

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