What Should I Expect from a Senior Photo Session?
If you’ve never had professional photos taken before, the idea of a senior photo session might feel a little intimidating. What actually happens? How long does it take? What do you wear? Will you look awkward?
As a senior photographer with nearly 25 years of experience in the Indianapolis area, I’ve heard every question and concern in the book. So let me walk you through exactly what to expect — from the moment you book to the moment your final portraits land in your inbox.
Step 1: Choose the Senior Photoshoot That’s Right for You
Not all senior sessions are created equal, and that’s by design. Different seniors have different needs, budgets, and visions. Here’s how my sessions break down:
- Mini Session — About 15 minutes. Quick, focused, and great if you want a handful of beautiful portraits without a big time commitment.
- Basic Session — About 30 minutes. A solid option for seniors who want variety without going all-out.
- Full Session — Just over an hour. This is where we really get to explore different looks, locations, and expressions.
- Ultimate Senior Session — 2 to 3 hours. The full experience. Multiple outfits, multiple locations, and portraits that truly tell your story.
One more thing worth knowing: If your family has been putting off getting updated family portraits, your senior’s photo session is the perfect opportunity to knock it out at the same time. I offer a family portrait add-on to any senior session for just $99 — which gets your whole family photographed together while everyone is already dressed, hair is done, and you’re all in one place. It’s one of the best deals I offer, and honestly one of the most popular. Families tell me all the time that they’re so glad they did it. Just mention it when you book and we’ll build it into your session.
Step 2: We Plan Your Senior Pictures Together
Before your session, we’ll have a conversation about what you’re envisioning. This is one of my favorite parts of the process because every senior is different.
We’ll talk about:
- The look you’re going for — Are you smiley and fun? Serious and editorial? A mix of both?
- Your backgrounds — Do you love the look of lush green trees? Brick walls and architectural details? Flowers? After 25 years of shooting in the Indianapolis area, I know exactly which locations will match your outfits and your vibe.
- Your outfits — I’ll give you guidance on what to wear so your clothing works for your portraits, not against them.
- Best seasons for senior portraits – we’ll talk about the best time of year to take senior portraits, and what each season looks like in pictures.
I also love when families come with ideas of their own. As Katie Barbour shared after her daughter’s session: “We had some ideas we shared with Leah prior to the session and she had locations picked for us and suggestions of where to buy items for our pictures.” That collaborative approach is exactly how I like to work.
Step 3: The Senior Photography Session Itself — You’re Going to Have Fun
Here’s what I want every senior to know before they show up: you do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to be a model. You do not need to feel comfortable in front of a camera.
That’s my job.
After nearly 25 years of photographing seniors of every personality, background, and body type, I know how to pose you in a way that looks natural and flattering. I know how to help you nail your facial expressions — whether that’s a relaxed smile, a confident smirk, or something in between. And I know how to make the whole experience feel easy and fun, even if you walked in feeling nervous.
My seniors leave feeling like rock stars. That’s not an accident — it’s the whole point.
Don’t just take my word for it. Nancy Kendall, whose teen was photographed recently, put it simply: “Made my teen feel relaxed. Beautiful pictures!!” Anne Wischmeier said her daughter’s session was “so much fun” — noting that the location choices paired perfectly with her daughter’s outfits and that the images turned out better than she could have imagined. And Beth Myers shared that her son found the whole process “relaxed and rewarding.”
One practical note: If it rains on your scheduled day, we simply reschedule. I do have a studio available for indoor sessions, but in my experience, most seniors prefer the organic, natural feel of outdoor portraits — and I’ll always make sure conditions are right.
Step 4: Your Photography Proof Gallery
About two weeks after your session, you’ll receive an email with a link to your proof gallery. This is where you’ll browse through your senior pictures and select your favorites.
Once you’ve made your picks, your chosen portraits move into the editing process. Every single senior portrait is carefully retouched — acne removed, lighting perfected, every detail polished. The goal is simple: you should look like the best version of yourself.
Step 5: Your Final Senior Portraits
After editing is complete, you’ll receive a new link to your final gallery. From there, you can:
- Download your digital photographs directly
- Share the link with family and friends who want their own downloads
- Order prints through our professional photo lab, shipped straight to your door
How to Get the Most Out of Your Senior Portrait Session
The biggest thing that separates a good senior session from a great one? How you prepare. Here’s my honest advice after 25 years of doing this:
Plan Your Outfits Like You Mean It
This is the number one thing you can do to elevate your portraits. Bring variety — different styles, different colors, different levels of formality. A casual look, a dressy look, and something in between is a great starting point.
What to avoid: showing up with one pair of jeans and three similar tops. Variety is what gives your gallery range and makes your portraits feel dynamic.
Make Sure Your Clothes Are Wrinkle-Free
It sounds small, but wrinkled clothing shows up in photos. Give your outfits a once-over before the day of your session.
Bring Your Accessories
Hats, sunglasses, jewelry, scarves — if you love it, bring it. Accessories add personality and give us even more options to work with during your session.
Come Ready to Have Fun
Seriously. The seniors who walk in relaxed and ready to enjoy the experience always walk away with incredible portraits. Don’t overthink it. I’ve got you.
Think about Nature when you Schedule Your Senior Portraits
Summer is the BEST time for senior portraits. Weather is great, so much beautiful nature. It’s the time I highly recommend you get your senior portraits done.
Fall is my second favorite, when golds, greens, reds, and browns mix to provide a yummy natural background. However, Fall sessions frequently get rained out, and reschedules can push you out of the peak Fall color season.
I typically do very few sessions in the winter unless someone wants snow for their senior photoshoot.
Spring sessions happen every year, when seniors who didn’t bother with portraits in the summer or fall realize they need senior pictures for their graduation announcements and parties.
A Few Common Questions about Senior Portraits
“My skin isn’t great right now — will that show in my pictures?” Not at all. Retouching is a standard part of my editing process. Acne, blemishes, and uneven skin tone are all addressed. Your skin will look flawless in your portraits.
“What if it rains?” We reschedule, simple as that. I’d rather wait for great light and great conditions than push through bad weather and settle for less-than-perfect portraits.
Ready to Book Senior Pictures?
Senior portraits are one of those things you only get to do once. After 25 years of capturing this milestone for families across the Indianapolis area, I can tell you with confidence: done right, these pictures become treasures you’ll hold onto for the rest of your life.
As Katie Barbour said after her daughter’s session: “I would highly recommend L. Severson Portraits.” That kind of trust means everything — and it’s something I work hard to earn with every single senior I photograph.
If you have questions or you’re ready to book your photoshoot session, I’d love to hear from you.
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