So you have a senior this year??? CONGRATULATIONS!!! This is no simple feat. It’s bittersweet, I know. You want to hold onto every moment and soak it in. You are excited for what’s next but you know this moment is fleeting. Today I have 9 Steps to a Perfect Senior Session to help you out.

Senior pictures are a lasting memory that showcases your senior’s personality, achievements and growth. If you are in North Georgia you are in luck!!!! It’s gorgeous up here. There is a wealth of beautiful locations and talented photographers to choose from.

I’m including some tips and tricks to ensure you have the BEST senior photography experience. And I’m including imagery from Sofie’s unique and personalized senior session to go along with it because she absolutely nailed it!

1. Start Early And Plan Ahead

Senior year can FLY BY. It’s essential to start planning early. I actually started working with Sofie and her mom during junior year. They came in for a studio session which was a FANTASTIC way to get to know me and my style of photography which helped decide if I was the right person for Sofie’s senior session.

It is always my goal that you are 1000% satisfied with your experience so do your research!!!! I love working with high school seniors and I bet we would have a great time together- but I want you to know you are getting the best, too. Begin now researching and shortlisting photographers in Rome who specialize in senior portraits. Check their style, experience and portfolio to find a photographer that aligns with your vision.

2. Explore North Georgia’s Unique Locations

We have Berry College (voted most beautiful campus in the country!) right in our backyard. Not to mention farms, rivers and mountains, a quaint downtown scene and Chattanooga’s gorgeous city views a stone’s throw away. Whether your senior loves urban backdrops, a field of flowers or a dirt road- North Georgia has it all. Research your top locations and discuss options with your photographer to find the perfect backdrop that fits your teen’s personality.

Sofie really loves the beach! We tried to align vacations and it didn’t work out- but we were able to use the beach area of a nearby lake to incorporate her love for the water!

3. Choose The Right Outfits

Encourage your senior to choose outfits that showcase their style while aligning with both the season you are shooting and the chosen locations. We always encourage using 4 outfits that are each a different style for variety. Sofie nailed this with her neutral romper for the studio set, a fun and flirty dress to show her girlie side, linen pants for a beachy feel and the classic jeans and blouse for golden hour!

4. Collaborate With Your Photographer

The best senior picture session is built on collaboration between your senior, your photographer and yourself. Share your ideas with your photographer and let them guide you from there. Your photographer should know the best times of day for specific locations and overall style. They will create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for your teen to showcase their vibrant personality.

And while I don’t want to say one step is more important than any other, the KEY to having a perfect senior session is the right photographer. You want someone you can trust, someone that sees your senior individually rather than as just another number, and someone that consistently provides fantastic results.

5. Embrace Authenticity And Individuality

Senior pictures should reflect your teen’s unique personality and achievements. Encourage them to bring props that are unique to their personality and interests, hobbies and aspirations. These personal touches create sentiment in your session and turn photos into cherished keepsakes.

Sofie is the rhinestone queen and created a rhinestone basketball, rhinestone grad cap and rhinestone shoes for her session! It was absolutely amazing and I’m sad I just learned she had this skill.

6. Celebrate Achievements And Milestones

Senior year is a time to celebrate accomplishments, close out chapters and anticipate transition. Capturing the milestones your teen has achieved throughout their high school journey is a highlight of your senior’s session, whether it’s through sports, academics or the arts.

7. Invest In Custom Albums And Wall Art

Digital images are wonderful but nothing beats the tangible goodness of custom albums and wall art. Investing in professionally designed albums or wall art is a gift to you as your senior transitions out of your home and one day becomes their heirlooms given to their own children.

8. Trust The Process And Enjoy The Experience

This is not about a quick snap of the camera. It’s about the experience. This is a time for you to spend with just your senior. You will spend the day laughing, making memories and probably tearing up a bit. In a year that is so FULL- this is an opportunity to slow it down and just revel in the adult you have created. The genuine joy and connection captured in the images will be priceless.

Did I get completely lost going to a location I’ve been to a dozen time during Sofie’s session? Yep!

Did her mom get to brag on her SALUTATORIAN, cheer captain and rhinestone cowgirl the entire time we were together? Absolutely!

9. Share And Celebrate

Once you receive the final images celebrate and share them with family and friends! At Studio Kate we love to host a Session Premiere for each senior where they and their loved ones are invited into the studio to view images and place orders. It’s just that little something extra!

If you are interested in learning more about working with Studio Kate- the first step is scheduling a complimentary call to talk about the best way Kate can serve you. Use this scheduler for Seniors.

If you would like to view more of Kate’s work visit her website at Studio Kate. Instagram is also a great way to get to know her.