Senior portraits have come a long way since I was a graduate, awkwardly posing for maybe 20 images in a department store studio. Nowadays senior sessions can be customized to include meaningful locations, favorite outfits and overall composition that showcases each student’s personality like never before! So say goodbye to the stiff, cookie-cutter “senior pictures” of the past, and say hello to stunning photos that make your heart swell. 

Seniors have put lots of time and effort into becoming the young humans they are, and senior portraits are your one chance to capture their hard work and accomplishments, preserving them in a way that’s totally worth the investment—and totally worthy of showing off! Not sure how? Here are my favorite ways to use your senior portraits.

Grad Party Invitations/Decor

There are plenty of companies that will help you create amazing graduation announcements and grad party invitations with all your favorite shots (think Minted, Zazzle or Shutterfly, to name a few). But why stop there? Displaying senior portraits at the party itself is a great way to show them off. String your favorite images up like a banner, use them as centerpieces on tables, or create a path to the festivities that starts with kindergarten and finishes with a collage from your senior session.

Dorm/Home Decor

Sometimes the thought of displaying your own senior portraits can be a little cringe, but if you love your photos and still want to show them off, I get it! Framed portraits aren’t everyone’s thing, especially if you’re heading into your first apartment or dorm. So why not make it cute? Print out wallet sizes of your favorite shots, and collect a handful from your family and best friends, too. String them up or add them all to a bulletin board to keep your favorite people close!

Yearbooks

Believe it or not, most schools allow you to use one of your own senior portraits as your official yearbook photo now! And if not, they allow you to create custom pages and collages from your senior session with notes from families, mixed with childhood and other photos from over the years. I told you stiff, traditional senior pictures were a thing of the past!

Meaningful Gifts 

Maybe framed senior portraits aren’t every young graduate’s idea of home decor, but I guarantee their people disagree! Think of the countless hours and miles spent going to and from school, cheering at games and showing up for extra curricular activities over the years. Those moments count, and they’re etched into the hearts of every graduate’s biggest fans. These are the years you’ll never get back, and honoring those who supported the journey will always be important. So turn your senior portraits into a photo book or album, frame some prints, create some display collages and canvas prints. They make great (and meaningful!) gifts for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, coaches, mentors… you get the idea! 

Social Media

Did someone say #SeniorSunday? Sharing senior portraits with your friends and family is so much fun! And looking at all of their posts and pictures is part of the whole senior-year experience. Showcase your favorite shots by sharing them in your stories and posts, and I bet your proud followers will want to share them, too. You’ll only have this opportunity once. Share it with those who are nearest and dearest to you!

Attention Class of 2024! I know, you’re just heading back to school this week, but the yearbook deadline to submit your senior pictures will be here before you know it! It’s not too late to schedule senior photos. Fall is a very popular time to have your photos captured! Your senior year will go by so fast, and believe me, it’s one you’ll want to remember! Grad sessions are a blast to shoot, and I want to help you feel at ease… so let’s talk senior pictures: What to wear, what to bring, and what to expect! 

What to Wear

When it comes to your clothing, keep it simple and don’t overthink it. Wear outfits you already have and already love—not only will they bring out your personality and personal style, but you already know they look great on you, so you’ll feel comfortable and confident. I’d also suggest solid colors, avoiding any busy prints, logos or branding. YOU should be the focal point that shines the brightest! The same goes for your hair style. Keep it simple, no surprises. Do what you love and what you know looks great!

Bonus tip: Go with a natural makeup look. Even if you love a good smokey eye or a killer pop of color on your lips, opt for a palette and application that’s timeless, not trendy. Believe me, if you want some amazing black-and-white prints, you’ll be glad you did! 

What to Bring

If you’re taking senior pictures in multiple outfits (and I suggest two or three), make sure you have everything you need to complete each look, including shoes, necessary undergarments and extras for every outfit. That means jewelry and hair accessories, tights, gym socks/dress socks. Make sure you have any makeup you’ll want to touch up or reapply, a hair brush, and a mirror so you can freshen up when you need to. Want to include some props? Let your personality and achievements shine! Bring things like your cap and gown, sports equipment, a stack of books, musical instruments, etc. Let your photos tell the story of who you’ve grown to be!

Bonus items: Lint roller, chapstick, hairspray or gel, extra hair pins, stain remover, water/water bottle, deodorant, sunscreen, safety pins.

What to Expect

No matter what vision you have for your session, we can work together to make it something you love. Senior sessions are for life’s important moments that celebrate you. I can capture your big moment with three different package options. Each package includes a shareable online gallery, artistic editing and photo release, more than 100 digital images, and a sneak peek of your session within 72 hours. 

Bonus tip: You already look nice. Why not make a day of it? Choose the a la carte session and add a 20 minute family portrait session to the beginning or end of your senior photo shoot. 

Ready to get started? Check out The Senior Experience with Sarah Arnold Photography for packages, session details and frequently asked questions. And keep an eye on my social media! You might just find a sale, grad session location guide, or more tips and tricks for a perfect senior shoot. You only get one senior year. Let’s remember these moments forever!