The Senior Investment
The Essential Collection — $450
Perfect for seniors looking for a streamlined, high-quality session to capture core milestones.
- Duration: 45 minutes of coverage
- Locations: 1 location (urban or natural park)
- Look: Up to 2 outfit changes
- Deliverables: 15 professionally retouched, high-resolution digital images delivered in a private online gallery
- Perks: Full print release + personal online ordering store
The Signature Collection — $750 (Most Popular)
Designed to offer rich visual variety, combining classic portraits with personal interests (sports, instruments, or hobbies).
- Duration: 90 minutes of dedicated session time
- Locations: Up to 2 locations within reasonable proximity
- Look: Up to 4 outfit changes
- Deliverables: 30 professionally retouched, high-resolution digital images
- Perks:
- $100
Designed to offer rich visual variety, combining classic portraits with personal interests (sports, instruments, or hobbies).
- Duration: 90 minutes of dedicated session time
- Locations: Up to 2 locations within reasonable proximity
- Look: Up to 4 outfit changes
- Deliverables: 30 professionally retouched, high-resolution digital images
- Perks:
- $100 credit toward professional lab wall art or prints
- 1 school-compliant yearbook cropped & retouched file delivered directly
- Full print release + personal online gallery
The Luxe Edition — $1,200
The ultimate heirloom experience—capturing golden hour lighting, full wardrobe expression, and specialized custom staging.
- Duration: Up to 2.5 hours (includes day-to-dusk or golden hour transition)
- Locations: Up to 3 locations (e.g., studio, urban backdrop, field/nature)
- Look: Unlimited outfit changes
- Deliverables: Full digital gallery downlo
The ultimate heirloom experience—capturing golden hour lighting, full wardrobe expression, and specialized custom staging.
- Duration: Up to 2.5 hours (includes day-to-dusk or golden hour transition)
- Locations: Up to 3 locations (e.g., studio, urban backdrop, field/nature)
- Look: Unlimited outfit changes
- Deliverables: Full digital gallery download (all polished final images, minimum 50+)
- Perks:
- $250 credit toward professional lab wall art & specialty metals
- Custom 8x8 Flush-Mount Heirloom Album (10 spreads / 20 pages)
- Priority 7-day gallery delivery
- Direct yearbook file submission to the high school counselor/yearbook advisor
- Full print release + online store access
Senior Portrait Client Prep Guide
Senior Portrait Client Prep Guide
Luxe Lens Studio LLC
Welcome to your senior session experience! This guide is designed to take all the stress out of planning so you can show up feeling confident, relaxed, and ready to create incredible portraits.
1. Preparing Your Wardrobe & Outfits
Your outfits set the tone for your entire gallery. Aim for variety in style, color, and formality across your looks.
- Aim for Variety Across Looks:
- Look 1 (Casual/Everyday): High-waisted jeans, a favorite sweater, crisp t-shirt, or casual top that represents your daily style.
- Look 2 (Dressed Up/Formal): A sun-dress, formal gown, tailored suit, or button-down with slacks.
- Look 3 (Personal Interests & Hobbies): Varsity jacket, sports uniform, musical instrument, art gear, or college rep shirt.
- Color Palette & Patterns:
- Embrace Earth Tones & Neutrals: Warm creams, deep greens, navy, rust, mustard, and soft pastels photograph exceptionally well in outdoor natural light.
- Avoid High-Contrast Patterns: Steer clear of tiny houndstooth, tight stripes, or bright neon colors, as they can create visual distortion (moire) on camera or cast harsh colors onto your skin.
- Keep Logos Minimal: Unless it is a specific college commitment top or varsity jacket, avoid large brand logos or graphics that draw eyes away from your face.
- Fit, Texture, & Layers:
- Focus on Fit: Movement is key! Choose clothing that fits comfortably without binding or sagging. Wear outfits that make you feel confident from every angle.
- Add Texture: Denim jackets, leather, chunky knits, lace, and corduroy add depth and dynamic texture to close-up portraits.
- Undergarments Matter: Bring seamless undergarments in skin-tone colors. Ensure bra straps match top cuts or bring strapless options so no hidden adjustments are needed during shooting.
2. Location Planning & Concept Scouting
The right backdrop completes the aesthetic of your senior photos.
- Choosing Your Style:
- Urban & Architectural: Alleyways, exposed brick, rooftops, clean modern architecture, and downtown streetscapes (great for sleek, editorial, or fashion-forward vibes).
- Natural & Timeless: Open fields, forest trails, lake overlooks, or tall grass during golden hour (ideal for warm, organic, and soft portraits).
- Studio & Fine Art: Minimalist backdrops with dramatic lighting for high-end portraiture independent of weather.
- Logistics & Travel:
- Choose locations within 15–20 minutes of each other if doing multi-location packages to maximize actual camera time.
- Check changing options: If changing outfits on location, wear easy-off layers or plan to use portable pop-up changing tents / local restrooms.
- Props & Personalization:
- Make It Yours: Bring items that highlight your high school journey—books, vinyl records, sports gear,instruments, vintage cars, or even your dog!
- Pet Checklist: If bringing a pet, bring a handler (parent or friend) to hold them when not in the shot, along with treats and a clean leash.
3. Hair, Makeup & Grooming Advice
Camera sensors and studio strobes register detail sharply, so intentional grooming makes a massive difference in post-production.
- Hair Tips:
- Avoid Last-Minute Changes: Get hair trimmed or colored 1 to 2 weeks before your session date so it looks natural and settled.
- Hair Mobility: If changing from an up-do to loose hair mid-session, practice the transition beforehand to keep your timeline on track.
- Flyaways & Humidity: Bring a small hairbrush, hair ties, and light hairspray for quick touch-ups on windier outdoor days.
- Makeup Guidance (If Applicable):
- Photogenic Application: Camera lighting softens makeup by roughly 20–30%. Apply foundation slightly more defined than your daily look, but keep skin texture looking natural.
- Avoid Flash-Reflective Powders: Steer clear of high-silica translucent setting powders (which can cause flash-back white cast under off-camera flash).
- Lip Care: Start moisturizing your lips 3–4 days before the session. Bring lip balm, gloss, or lipstick for quick reapplications between outfit changes.
- Skincare, Nails & Shaving:
- Hydration First: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your session for healthy, glowing skin.
- Nail Care: Your hands will be near your face in many poses. Ensure nails are clean, trimmed, and free of chipped polish.
- Shaving & Facial Hair: Clean up beards, stubble, or necklines the morning of the session to avoid fresh razor burn.
4. Final Checklist: Day-of Packing List
Pack everything in a dedicated garment bag or tote the night before so you are calm and ready to go.
- [ ] Outfits pressed and hung on hangers (avoid folding in bags to prevent wrinkles)
- [ ] Matching shoes, socks, belts, and jewelry grouped per outfit
- [ ] Touch-up kit: Lip balm/gloss, hairbrush, blotting papers, compact mirror, and hairpins
- [ ] Props (instrument, sports gear, varsity jacket, college banner)
- [ ] Water bottle & quick dry snacks
- [ ] Slide-on shoes or flip-flops for walking between outdoor shooting spots