Senior Portrait Guide

Welcome! We are so excited to create refined and personalized senior portraits that feel like you. This guide will help walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your senior session, and celebrate this exciting milestone!

What To Expect

Your senior portrait session with C&C PHOTO will be relaxed and thoughtfully guided. Each session is tailored to your personality and style. We will help with posing guidance, expressions that reflect you, and the natural flow of movements, so you don’t have to stress about what to do during our time together.

Choosing The Right Outfits

The outfits you select play an important role in the look of your final images. Aim for a mix of classic, casual, statement looks, and special interest outfits. If public changing areas are not available, we have a portable, pop-up changing tent for private outfit changes on the go.

Tips:

  • Choose comfortable clothing, so you feel confident

  • For timeless images choose neutral or soft colors

  • Avoid busy or distracting patterns, large logos, and loud colors (unless desired)

  • Consider layering to add visual interest: jackets, sweaters, and scarves

  • Bring one dressy outfit and one casual outfit

  • Bring more outfits than you think you will use, so you have options if you change your mind

  • Consider outfit choices that align with your desired locations

Accessories:

  • Jewelry, consider keeping it minimal and cohesive

  • Shoes: make sure they are clean, comfortable, and appropriate for your outfit and location

  • Props are your opportunity to showcase your interests: sports gear and uniforms, letter jackets, hats, instruments, flowers, cars, hobby related items, or other meaningful accessories

Hair, Makeup, & Grooming

Hair:

  • If you will be scheduling a haircut before your session, 7-10 days before is a good rule of thumb

  • Keep styles natural and soft

  • Be sure to bring hair styling tools and products for touch-ups throughout the session: brush, comb, hair tie, etc.

    • We have a large handheld mirror for spot-checking on the go

Makeup:

  • Natural and polished looks best in photos

  • Avoid heavy contouring and powders that shimmer

  • Bring blotting papers or powders for shine control

Grooming:

  • Trim and clean nails

  • Tidy facial hair

  • Moisturize lips and skin

  • Clean teeth, check prior to arriving for your session

  • Avoid tanning the day prior to your session

Location & Style

We can help you select locations for your senior session! Think of what vibe you want your locations to have: urban, natural, modern, classic, or edgy. If you have specific locations in mind, be sure to let us know in your pre-session questionnaire. Our style is clean, elegant, and timeless. We focus on flattering light, refined poses, and simple, beautiful compositions

Preparing For The Day

  • Get a good nights sleep the night before

  • Hydrate early in the day

  • Eat a light meal before your session

  • Prepare outfits by removing tags, steaming, ironing, and packing in a garment bag

  • Gather any props, personal items, and grooming tools you plan on bringing

  • Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us any questions you have

  • Arrive on time and relaxed

  • Trust the process - we will guide you through the session so you don’t have to stress

After Your Session

  • Gallery Delivery: We will deliver your curated, online gallery within two weeks of your session. From your gallery, you will be able to download full resolution images.

  • Prints & Products: Enjoy professional prints and print products, conveniently accessible from your online gallery print store. Preserve your beautiful images with prints, wall art, canvas prints, albums, and wallet-size images to share with friends.

Parent Information

We strongly encourage seniors to bring a parent or support person with them during their session. The support person plays a key role in encouragement during the session, outfit and style support, and assisting the senior with anything they may need. Our goal is to create portraits that are authentic and meaningful for both the senior and the families. Please let us know in the pre-session questionnaire who the parent or support person is that will be present during the session.

We are honored to be part of this milestone moment! If you have any questions, or need help during the planning process, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to seeing you soon!