THE LAURA & RACHEL
Senior Experience
I’m so thrilled to officially welcome you as a Laura & Rachel senior! 🎉 This is a big deal—not just because it means your senior year is here (cue the confetti cannons), but because we get the honor of documenting this unforgettable chapter in your story.
We've been capturing senior portraits for over a decade, and honestly? It's one of the most joy-filled parts of what we do. Every session is a unique celebration of you, and we can’t wait to create something beautiful together—images that not only turn heads but also capture your true, radiant self.
This Senior Style Guide is your go-to prep tool for everything you need to know before stepping in front of our cameras. We’ve packed it with our best tips—from outfit inspo, hair and makeup guidance, and ways to personalize your session, to what to expect on shoot day and how your final gallery will work.
Your senior session is more than just a photoshoot—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an investment in celebrating you. Our goal is to help you feel completely prepared, confident, and excited every step of the way.
We promise to make you look and feel like the very best version of yourself. Every laugh, every glance, every pose—we’re here to capture it all in a way that feels true to you. This guide is filled with helpful suggestions, but if you ever want to chat, brainstorm ideas, or ask questions—we’re just a message away!
Let’s make this magic together. I can’t wait to see you shine!
xo, Laura & Rachel
WE'RE LAURA & RACHEL
Now that we've gotten to know each other, let's dive into the good stuff!
We are photographers, hype squad, confidence-boosters — and above all, storytellers of one of life’s most exciting milestones. As a boutique, mother-daughter team with over a decade of experience behind the lens, we specialize in creating elevated, authentic senior portraits that celebrate you in this unforgettable season of life.
After years spent capturing coastal beauty in Monterey, California, we now call Charleston, South Carolina, home — bringing our editorial style, personalized experience, and signature approach to senior photography throughout the Lowcountry and beyond.
From sandy shores to charming downtown streets, we craft each senior session with purpose and heart — ensuring every image reflects your individuality, your journey, and your joy. Whether you're bold and bubbly or quiet and creative, we’ll help you feel confident, relaxed, and radiant in front of the camera.
This is your moment. Let’s make it shine.
in case we haven't met...
CHARLESTON'S ACCLAIMED MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO
What to expect
You’re officially booked (YAY!! 🎉) — which means the real fun begins right now! It’s time to walk you through exactly what to expect from your senior experience, step-by-step. We want you to feel totally prepped, super confident, and genuinely excited as you get ready for your big day in front of the camera. So let’s jump in and show you what’s around the corner… it’s going to be amazing!
01
Along with this style guide, you’ll also be getting a senior questionnaire — your chance to spill the tea on you! This is how we get to know your style, your vibe, and everything that makes you uniquely you, so we can create a senior experience that feels personal and perfectly tailored.
Once you’ve finished reading through this guide (seriously, don’t skip it — it’s packed with gems!), take a few moments to fill out the questionnaire thoughtfully. The more details you share, the more we can customize your session and make sure your images feel just like you. Let’s make some magic together!
the style guide & questionaire
02
the week before
As your shoot day gets closer, you’ll hear from us with all the final details — our meeting time, exact location, and a quick check-in to make sure everything’s good to go! We schedule all senior sessions during golden hour — either in the two hours after sunrise or the two hours before sunset. (We’ve likely already picked which one suits you best!) These magical times give us that dreamy, glowy light, cooler temps, and fewer crowds at popular spots — basically, photographer heaven.
Because golden hour shifts a bit with the season, we’ll wait until about 1–2 weeks before your session to lock in our exact meeting time. This gives us the flexibility to adjust based on the sunset time and the weather forecast. If clouds or rain sneak in, we can tweak the timing to make sure we’re still getting the most flattering light possible!
So if we originally planned for a 6:00 PM start, don’t be surprised if we end up shifting slightly to 5:30 PM or 6:30 PM. Totally normal — and all part of getting the best results for your photos!
03
the shoot day!
This part of the style guide could honestly be its own book — there’s just so much fun to cover when it comes to your shoot day! From start to finish, your session will last about 1–2 hours, and every minute is packed with creativity, laughter, and those magical in-between moments we love to capture.
Let’s break it all down and walk through exactly what to expect during your senior session — minute by minute, memory by memory!
First things first: being on time is everything.
And we’re not just saying that to protect our schedule — we’re on the sun’s schedule! Because your session is planned around that dreamy golden-hour light, every minute truly counts. If you’re 15 minutes late, that’s 15 minutes less of that gorgeous glow… and once the sun dips below the horizon, the light is gone. No do-overs.
To keep things stress-free, plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early. That way, if you hit traffic or need a few extra minutes to touch up your hair, you’re still golden (literally).
If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, we’ll need to reschedule your session — and since our calendar books quickly, that may mean waiting another 2–3 months for the next available date.
So set those reminders, double-check your directions, and maybe even treat yourself to a pre-session coffee stop nearby. We’ll be ready and waiting to capture you at your absolute best! ✨
the first 15 minutes
When you arrive at your session, the very first thing we’ll do is go through your outfits together! Even if you’ve already sent us photos ahead of time (which we love), we’ll still do a quick review in person. This helps us map out exactly where we’ll photograph each look and when you’ll change during the shoot.
Having a plan lets us make the most of your time and locations — and ensures each outfit gets its moment to shine! Sometimes we’ll spot blooming flowers that perfectly match a dress, or find a prop or setting that works beautifully with a specific look. A little strategy goes a long way in creating those wow images!
Changing Outfits + Locations
One of the most common questions we get is: “Where will I change outfits during my shoot?” And the honest answer? Most of the time, it’s in your car!
Many of our favorite photo spots don’t have public restrooms nearby, which isn’t always ideal — but your car becomes a cozy little changing room (with bonus heat or A/C breaks between outfits!).
That said, if you'd be more comfortable changing in a bathroom, just let us know ahead of time! We’re happy to choose locations that have facilities available — we want you to feel relaxed and at ease every step of the way.
Posing + Shooting
You do not need to have any posing or modeling experience — like, at all. In fact, in our 10+ years of photographing seniors, we’ve never worked with a professional model. Every gorgeous image you’ve seen? Real seniors, just like you.
Part of what you’re investing in is our experience — not just behind the camera, but in knowing exactly how to pose you in ways that feel natural, confident, and totally flattering. We’ll guide you through every single movement, from where to put your hands to how to angle your face. So there’s absolutely no reason to feel nervous — we promise, it’s going to be easy, fun, and so empowering.
After we’ve reviewed your outfits and made a game plan, we’ll start shooting! We typically spend about 20–30 minutes per outfit, then switch to the next look and location. Pro tip: we always recommend saving your favorite outfit for last — we love ending on a high note with your most confident look!
Who to bring with you
We kindly ask that at least one parent or guardian join us for your senior session. That said, whether they hang out with us the whole time or chill in the car with a coffee is totally up to you. The most important thing? That you feel 100% comfortable in front of the camera.
If you're more on the shy side and think having a parent watching might make you feel a little awkward, no problem at all — we can kindly ask them to relax nearby. On the flip side, if you love having a hype squad cheering you on, we’re all for it! Bring the energy!
Just a heads-up: while we love supportive vibes, we also want to make sure your session stays focused and relaxed. That’s why we recommend keeping your guest list to 1–2 people max. Large groups can sometimes become distracting, which can take time away from shooting and reduce the number of final images we’re able to capture.
So whether it's your biggest fan or your quietest cheerleader, choose the person (or people) who help you shine your brightest!
Another frequently asked question is “who do I bring with me!?” And this has a two-part answer!
One of our favorite ways to personalize a senior session is by including the people (or pets!) who mean the most to you. Whether it’s your best friend, your significant other, your parents, your pup — or anyone else who’s part of your story — they’re more than welcome to join in for a few special photos!
That said, we do ask that your VIPs arrive during the last 25–30 minutes of your session. This helps us keep the focus on you for the majority of the shoot, with fewer distractions — then we’ll wrap things up with some sweet, celebratory shots with your favorite people. The perfect grand finale!
(P.S. We’ll share more details about this later in the guide!)
PART 1:
PART 2:
LET's talk locations...
are they a big deal?
Right up there with choosing your outfits (don’t worry — we’re covering that next!), selecting your locations plays a huge role in the overall vibe, style, and aesthetic of your senior portraits. Your backdrop sets the scene — whether you're going for beachy and barefoot, urban and edgy, or something soft and natural. Plus, we’ll need to do a bit of logistical planning to map out our route and account for travel time between locations.
To make sure everything runs smoothly and looks amazing, here are a few key things to keep in mind when choosing where we’ll shoot:
The secret ingredient to stunning photos?
It’s not the location…it’s the LIGHT!
You might have your heart set on the most stunning garden, full of blooming flowers and perfectly manicured walkways… but if that spot is sitting in harsh, direct sunlight all day long, it’s actually not the ideal place to shoot.
Believe it or not, we’d get better photos in a random field off the side of the road — as long as the light is soft and dreamy, maybe filtering through the trees or glowing behind you. THAT kind of light? Game changer.
In the world of photography, light is everything. It’s what makes your skin glow, your eyes sparkle, and your images feel like magic. So trust us on this one — we’ll help guide you to locations where the light works for you, not against you.
It’s Less About the Place — and More About the Vibe
While the location of your shoot totally matters…it may not matter quite as much as you think. The majority of the images in your final gallery will be close-up images…meaning you can’t see a whole lot of the background. What you CAN see is the colors, light and overall “feel” of the location. For example, if you want a pastel, colorful feeling gallery…we probably don’t need to photograph every section of Rainbow Row or have the entire street in the background...we just need one small section of one pink building to give your images that overall feel. If you want tropical, beach-y vibes…we don’t need to photograph every image on an empty beach. We can do some in the water, some in the dunes, some with palm trees nearby…you get the idea! The point is: don’t get so caught-up and stressed over one specific location. Choose a “vibe” that you want…and I can help you pick spots that will make that happen!
Trust Us — The Magic Happens
Where You Least Expect It
Believe it or not, some of our most jaw-dropping senior portraits have been captured in the most unexpected places — like a patch of open shade behind a shopping center or a quiet corner of a public park. We’re not kidding!
Over the years, we’ve coaxed seniors into blooming hedges, balanced them on seaside rocks, and even had them crouch in “wait, here?!” spots just to catch the perfect glow. Those magazine-worthy shots you’ve seen? Many started in locations that looked anything but glamorous at first glance.
Here’s why we sometimes sound a little crazy: with more than a decade of experience, we’ve trained our eyes to chase beautiful light and flattering angles — and those don’t always live in the places you’d expect. When we suggest a quirky corner or ask you to strike a pose in a seemingly odd spot, trust that we’re seeing something magical you might not (yet!).
So our biggest request is simple: trust us — even when it feels a bit out of the box. We promise you’ll walk away with images that make you say, “That was totally worth it!” and memories of an adventure that was just as fun as the photos look. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Now for the most FUN part and hands-down the most frequently asked question: WHAT DO I WEAR!? Choosing what you will wear for your photo shoot is a huge decision that can make or break your senior portrait session! I know that sounds intense... but, if you wear something that you don’t feel confident in or that doesn’t photograph well on camera...it can ruin the experience for you! So, the Senior Style Guide to the rescue! This section will break down my best tips for what to wear and how to style your senior session outfits (plus LOTS of fun inspiration!)
WHAT TO WEAR
1. be comfortable
The NUMBER ONE, most important thing to remember when planning your outfits: if it’s not comfortable to wear in real life, it won’t make you feel confident on camera! If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self- conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self- conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! I also recommend trying to steer clear of anything that you have to constantly adjust or is at risk of being revealing. You’ll be doing lots of moving and posing, so if the outfit is super low-cut…you’re at risk of things slipping while we shoot!
2. be yourself
At risk of sounding cheesy…staying true to yourself with your outfits is so, so important. When you look back at these images in 20+ years…you’ll want them to truly reflect YOU! If you aren’t someone who ever dresses up or enjoys being fancy…don’t feel like you need to go buy a fancy dress just for photos. If you don’t enjoy being girly and wearing frilly dresses or lots of makeup…then leave them at home! Don’t feel pressured to buy anything new or outside of your usual style just because you are getting photos taken. This entire shoot is meant to be about who YOU are in this exciting season of life… so don’t change a single thing about ya!
3. Be bold + consider using color
Use this shoot as an opportunity to have a little bit of fun with your outfits + colors! On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look washed out and unflattering. When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin tones! Primary colors like royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as jewel tones like emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera! Don’t shy away from color!
4. add layers
In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement earrings or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim jacket over a dress!
5. play with textures
Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit can make a huge difference. I also love to photograph pieces with MOVEMENT: long, flowy dresses with epic trains or fun feathers that move when you twirl. It adds a super fun element to your pictures!
6. don't be afraid to Accessorize
There is a whole section dedicated to props and accessories coming up in this guide…but it’s honestly one of the most important parts! Adding accessories like jewelry, hats, fun shoes, purses, etc. to your outfits really makes them feel like YOU and adds a whole new layer of detail to your senior gallery. I’m a huge fan of statement earrings, a bright lip color, a super fun shoe, colorful bags, floppy sun hats…ALL of these things give us so much more variety with posing + create such beautiful pictures!
7. mix it up
When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school- related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 3-4 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks drastically different and you get tons of variety!
Outfit inspo
These next few pages will act as inspiration from previous seniors who NAILED it with their outfit choices + styling for their session! You can also click the button below to see my Pinterest board of ever-changing outfit and style inspiration:
click to see pinterest
mia
Mia’s senior session in downtown Charleston and Folly Beach was a total dream come true! We timed it perfectly at sunset to skip the crowds and chase that golden glow. Mia envisioned bold colors and tons of florals, so we planned the shoot around peak wisteria season—and wow, did nature show off! Her outfit choices? Absolutely next-level.
- 1 dress + 1 two-piece set + a letterman jacket/jean short combo allowed for tons of variety
- Pop of bright colors (hot pink) accented her Rainbow Row location choice perfectly
- Wearing white at the beach gave that sun-kissed skin glow
- Adding a letterman jacket showed her athleticism, school spirit, and personality!
rachel
Rachel's senior session was in the height of fall in Virginia and it was STUNNING! She did a fabulous job of combining layers + textures in a way that kept her warm + added interest to her images. Cozy cardigans, vests and scarves make for a ton of extra options with posing, too!
- details here
- and here
- and here
- and here
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NICHOLE
Nichole is a photographer herself, so she came prepared with the most adorable props + outfit selections! Nichole rented out The Pink Figgy in Charleston + also brought her boyfriend to be a part of the shoot!
- A small purse filled with flowers from the grocery store is an amazing addition to your shoot!
- Nichole brought along her boyfriend (now husband!) and her cap + gown to her shoot to make it super personal
- She brought along additional props like a sun hat + The Pink Figgy car to give us AMAZING options to add things + take them away throughout the shoot!
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abby
Talk about COLOR! Abby did a beautiful job of incorporating tons of bold tones in her outfits. She wanted images that were joyful, bubbly, fun and candid - and I think we did a great job of achieving this! I loved the uniqueness of some of her prop ideas.
- Abby had accessories for every single outfit! Bags, ribbons for her hair, flowers + lemons from the Farmer's Market (her favorite!)
- Abby also brought her best friend along and they coordinated outfits beautifully - pink + yellow is such a fun combo!
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reed
Reed is also a photographer himself - so we turned his senior portrait session into an opportunity to get branding photos + head shots, too! I loved the way he coordinated his looks with his brand, and that he included his family in his shoot!
- details here
- and here
- and here
- and here
click for full post
THINGS TO AVOID:
Now, there’s a few important things to AVOID that are worth having their own section of this guide! As a general rule of thumb, these are the things to stay away from…
1. Pieces that are sheer, too fitted
or potentially revealing
We already touched on this quickly, but it’s important! You will be doing a lot of moving throughout your shoot, so wearing pieces that have to sit juuuuust right or that are at risk of slipping aren’t a good idea. And, if pieces are super thin or sheer, it may be see-through in your photos or easily show sweat marks in the summer months.
2. The wrong undergarments
This is something that may slip your mind as you are planning your outfits, but it is SO important! Be sure to bring along multiple bras if you are wearing something strapless or that requires a sticky/backless bra. And wearing a neutral pair of undies is the best way to go to ensure it’s not showing through anything!
3. Pay attention to wrinkles
We will be doing a lot of moving around, sitting, walking, etc. at your shoot. If the material of your outfit easily wrinkles, you may want to be careful. Pay close attention to textures and remember that not everything is as easy to edit out as you may think! Editing out wrinkles from a dress can take hours PER PHOTO., which can result in your images taking a lot longer to get back or requiring additional fees for extensive edits.
places to shop
We mentioned this earlier in the guide, but it’s worth repeating: buying new clothes for your senior session is absolutely not required! In fact, sometimes your existing wardrobe—the pieces that already feel like you—are the best choice. They reflect your personal style and comfort, which always photographs beautifully.
That said, if you're looking for a little excuse to treat yourself to something new (no judgment here!), we’ve got you covered—we're sharing some of our favorite places to shop below!
This is the fun part...
Mulberry & King
Two Cumberland
iiBrunettes
House of Sage
Maris DeHart
CHARLESTON
ONLINE
VICI Collection
Red Dress Boutique
JessaKae
Revolve
Abercrombie
EXTRAS
Tupelo Honey Flower Shop
Roadside Blooms
The Pink Figgy
Whip Dash Vintage Cars
DRESSING FOR THE SEASONS
Choosing outfits for your senior session can sometimes feel easier during the spring and summer than in the cooler fall and winter months. We also have many seniors who opt for two sessions—one in each season—to take advantage of the unique styles, colors, and vibes that each time of year brings!
This section of the guide is here to help you plan your outfits based on the season of your session, so you feel confident and weather-appropriate, no matter the month.
One more key thing to consider when planning your wardrobe? Sunset timing. In the summer, we typically won’t start shooting until around 5 or 6 PM. But during the winter months, we’ll need to begin earlier—usually between 3 and 4 PM—to make the most of that gorgeous golden light before the sun sets.
winter
spring
summer
fall
You might automatically think winter isn’t the best time for photos—but that’s not the case! With the right styling, a winter session can be absolutely magical. Bright colors, playful textures, and cozy layers can breathe life into a muted backdrop. Think fun hats, scarves, gloves—even earmuffs! These little touches not only keep you warm but can also look adorably stylish on camera.
Our absolute favorite time of year for portraits? Springtime—when everything is in bloom! Don’t feel like you have to shy away from bold colors to avoid clashing with the flowers. We say lean in! A vibrant pink outfit in front of a white blossom-filled bush? Total dream. Try coordinating with the natural colors around you—think soft pastels, fresh tones, and playful pops of color that complement the blooms instead of competing with them. The result? Pure magic.
The only real downside to summer portraits in the South? The heat.It's something to keep in mind when planning your outfits. Opt for your coolest, most breathable look to start, and save any heavier pieces—like layers or thicker fabrics—for the end of the session when the temps have dropped a bit. And don’t be afraid to go bold with your colors! Bright, vibrant tones pop beautifully against the lush greens and full blooms of summer, giving your photos that extra wow-factor.
Fall is hands-down our second favorite season to shoot—right behind spring in full bloom! We love the cooler temperatures, the rich, earthy color palette, the way layered outfits open up a whole new world of posing possibilities, and football. Think cute booties, stylish scarves, cozy cardigans, and chic jackets... we’re here for all of it. Autumn gives you the chance to mix textures, play with depth, and add a little extra flair to every frame. So bring on the layers—we’ll make magic with every leaf crunch and cardigan swish.
HAIR & MAKEUP
THEY ARE TRAINED PROFESSIONALS
When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair + makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair + makeup so that it photographs well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it can look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best at every angle, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more!
I highly recommend all of my senior clients invest in professional hair and makeup. If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a huge difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. You are already making a large investment in your senior portrait experience…so why not make it the best it can be?!
Let’s talk about why it can be such a big game-changer for your experience:
LESS STRESS
Preparing for your senior portrait session can be stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair and makeup by yourself can make things even harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can’t see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.
WHO DOESN’T LIKE BEING PAMPERED!?
I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives flustered or stressed after trying to get ready themselves, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs!
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
Here is a list of amazing artists that we recommend in the
Charleston area (they are available for travel, too!)
Silhouette on Site
Lashes & Lace
If hiring a professional makeup artist isn’t in your budget—no worries at all! You can absolutely use these tips to get camera-ready on your own:
Plan to wear makeup that’s just a bit heavier than your everyday look. This helps ensure your features pop on camera. Don’t skip the blush, and choose a lipstick or gloss that’s at least a shade deeper than your natural lip color for that extra polish.
One of my top recommendations? False lashes. They make a big difference in photos and can be found at super affordable prices at CVS or most local pharmacies. A little extra glam goes a long way in making those eyes shine!
Don't FORGET the nails!
One last little tip—but it makes a big difference. In the hustle and bustle of getting ready for your senior session, it’s easy to overlook your nails. But trust us—your hands will make their way into lots of photos, especially near your face in close-up poses. So take a moment to pamper them!
Avoid chipped polish or bold, distracting patterns. French manicures, soft neutrals, or even clean, natural nails tend to photograph best and keep the focus right where it should be—on you!
Add that YOU touch!
If there’s one theme that runs through this entire guide, it’s this: make your session feel like YOU. Adding props or accessories is just one more way to bring your personality into the spotlight. Think outside the box—what makes you unique? What are your passions, hobbies, or go-to styles? What colors light you up? Maybe you’re all about bright, girly vibes and want to surround yourself with florals that reflect that energy. Maybe you’re an athlete who wants to showcase your hard-earned medals and trophies. Or maybe you’ve already picked your college and want to celebrate the next big chapter with some fun, school-spirited shots. Whatever makes you you—let’s include it. Let’s celebrate it. Let’s do ALL the things!
Hats + Jewelry + #allthethings!
One of the best things about bringing a few extra props or accessories? Variety! Items like hats, purses, layered jewelry, or alternate shoe options can be mixed and matched throughout your session to create tons of unique looks. These little additions can completely change the vibe of your photos in just seconds. Take a floppy sunhat, for example—you might pop it on for just 2–3 minutes with each of your 3–4 outfits. That one simple accessory suddenly gives you a whole new set of images with every look. It’s an easy way to add depth, personality, and variety to your final gallery—without needing a full outfit change!
Flowers Make
Everything Better
One of our favorite ways to elevate a senior session? Beautiful florals. To all our girly girls—this one’s especially for you! There are so many creative ways to weave flowers into your shoot. You could work with a local florist to create a dreamy floral crown (perfect with a long, flowy dress), grab a grocery store bouquet to peek out of a stylish handbag, carry a small bouquet for a sweet, delicate touch, or go all-out with a stunning floral installation at a location you love. Whether it’s simple or show-stopping, florals add romance, texture, and an extra dose of personality to your photos. Want help brainstorming the perfect floral moment for your session? We're just a message away—we'd love to help bring your vision to life!
Share the Spotlight
We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth repeating—include the people (or pets!) who matter most to you. Whether it’s your best friend, your significant other, a family member (especially a twin!), or your beloved pup, if they play a big role in your life, they deserve a spot in your photos. You’ll be so glad you included them when you look back at these images 10, 20 years from now. If you’re bringing a pet, just be sure to have someone tag along who can help out by watching them when they’re not in the spotlight. That way, we can focus on capturing all the moments—fur-baby ones included!
PROPS & ACCESSORIES
Now that we’ve nailed down the overall style of your session—thanks to your outfits and location choices—let’s talk about the pretty little details!
First, a quick note: this part is completely optional. If adding props or accessories doesn’t feel like you, no pressure at all! The only thing we really need to make your session amazing is YOU.
But... if you’re excited to personalize your shoot even more and sprinkle in some fun, meaningful “extras,” this next section of the guide is full of inspiration to help you do just that!
Let’s Be Super Extra
We get questions about the pink car from our sessions all the time, so it definitely earned its own section in this guide! This beauty is a 1956 Porsche 356 Speedster—a stunning antique available for rent right here in Charleston as a photoshoot prop. If you’d like to feature the car in your session, you’ll need to book it through Whipdash. It comes with a driver (so sadly, no cruising around town yourself!), but it makes for the most fun and fabulous addition to your photos. If you're interested, reach out to us—we're happy to share more info and help coordinate everything so your dream session can come to life!
SPORTS + HOBBIES
One of the easiest—and most fun—ways to personalize your senior session is by incorporating the things you love in your everyday life! I’ve had seniors showcase their favorite sport, celebrate their go-to snack, highlight their love for reading, shopping, even flying planes… and yes, we’ve done it all! Use this section of the guide to start brainstorming creative ways we can weave in the things that make you uniquely YOU. Let’s make your session as one-of-a-kind as you are!
Athletics + Sports
If you play a sport that is a huge part of your high school career., we need to highlight it! You can bring along your uniform + equipment (volleyball, lacrosse stick, etc.) for some really fun photos. You can also consider adding in any medals, trophies or letters you have to highlight
Cheer + Dance
Let us just start by saying these are BOTH also sports, but they deserve their own section! Rachel was a cheerleader, and it is so fun to capture these photos. Bring along your uniform + poms, or your leo and pointe shoes...we will get some STUNNING action shots for you, as well as the traditional posed images!
Hobbies + Artists
As a photographer and artist ourselves, we love finding creative ways to highlight your talent! If you paint, read, write, or are a photographer yourself, let's show that off! We can find some really fun ways to highlight this, and I would love to have you bring along any pieces you are proud of to incorporate in your images!
Favorite Things
Incorporating your favorite things into your pictures can be really creative, and also really funny! Are you someone who can't live without your daily Starbucks Pink Drink? Have a Chick-Fil-A obsession? In love with your car or have a shopping addiction? Let's brainstorm together to find some fun ways to highlight these things at your shoot!
cap & Gown photos
If you already have your cap and gown before your shoot (or want to order a cheap one on Amazon) - we can get cap & gown images at your session! Because we don't have an indoor studio space, we typically don't provide the "official" yearbook image that your school may need, but we can get some more candid lifestyle images of you looking like a GRAD!!!
Pick the right dress underneath!
Because the gowns typically look a little like a potato sack (let's be honest), we typically photograph our seniors with them un-zipped to be a bit more flattering! I recommend wearing a sundress underneath - something white or neutral looks really traditional and timeless underneath the gowns. We also recommend a neutral pair of heels! We will get images with it both zipped and un-zipped, as well as with the cap and without - just so you have tons of options!
Bring your tassel
+ decorate your cap!
Don't forget to bring the tassel for the top of your cap (most highlight your graduating school year!) as well as any additional cords, awards or elements that you want to highlight! If you choose to decorate your cap, doing it before your shoot allows us to get the cutest detail photos of it!
Bring along your college gear!
If you’ve already chosen your college, bring along some gear to show it off! A sweatshirt, flag, hat, or even your acceptance letter makes for fun, meaningful shots. It’s a great way to celebrate your next big chapter and adds a personal touch to your gallery. Plus—future you will love having these memories to look back on!
We've got you covered!
Now for the slightly less glamorous part—let’s quickly cover a few things that could go wrong during your session. These are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about common hiccups, and we want you to feel totally prepared! With over a decade of experience, trust us—we’ve seen it all. Whatever comes our way, we’re confident we’ll still capture incredible images you’ll love. You’re in good hands!
frequently asked questions:
Here are some of the most common questions we receive—along with what to do if anything unexpected comes up before your session. Click each question below to reveal the answers!
This is by far the most asked question I get about things that could go wrong, which makes total sense...because bad weather happens all the time! If there is bad weather in the forecast for your shoot, rest assured that you have options and I am MORE than happy to reschedule! I typically wait until we are 48 hours out from the session to make a final decision about weather because it changes so often.
If there's a 50% chance of rain or less:
It’s completely up to you whether we move forward with the session or reschedule for another day. If we decide to go ahead and it does rain, we’ll continue the shoot despite the weather—we can’t offer a redo or second session if we take the chance and the skies don’t cooperate. That said... some of the cutest, most creative images happen in the rain! However, if you're dreaming of glowing light and bright, airy images, we recommend rescheduling to play it safe.
If there's a 50% chance of rain or more:
Our professional recommendation is to reschedule. Even if the rain holds off, it's usually better to be safe than sorry—especially if those soft, golden sunset tones are important to you!
Wind:
We’ve only had to reschedule one session in over a decade because of crazy wind—it was wild! Most of the time, we can work around breezy conditions by choosing our locations strategically. But if intense gusts are in the forecast and you’d rather wait for a calmer day to keep your hair picture-perfect, we totally understand and can absolutely adjust.
Fog:
Fog usually only affects sunrise sessions—but yes, we’ve seen it! If it’s especially thick, it can create cloudy, grey images that don’t align with our usual bright and clean style. In that case, we’ll talk about rescheduling to make sure your images reflect the look you booked us for.
Cloudy Skies:
We get it—many seniors worry that cloudy days mean dark or dull photos. But here’s the truth: cloudy days are a photographer’s best friend! They give us soft, even lighting with no harsh shadows and, bonus—they’re typically cooler, too! Unless it's a very dark, stormy sky or heavy fog, we love shooting on overcast days.
That is completely okay! We’ll make the final call about your session 24–48 hours in advance. One of the reasons we only book two senior sessions per week is to leave plenty of flexibility for rescheduling if something out of our control comes up—like illness, weather, or emergencies. The good news? If we do need to move your session, we can typically reschedule within a week!
Please note: rescheduling due to things like poor planning, running late, or personal conflicts will require booking the next available Tuesday or Thursday date—which is usually a month out.
My skin is breaking out like crazy...HELP!
Girl, we’ve all been there—no need to stress! Don’t worry one bit. We’re happy to retouch any noticeable blemishes—you won’t even be able to tell they were ever there. Promise!
Where am I going to change my clothes?
We touched on this earlier in the guide, but since it’s a question we get often, let’s talk about it! Most of our seniors choose to change outfits in the car—it’s usually the quickest and most convenient option, especially since many of our photo locations don’t have public restrooms available.
To keep things stress-free, we recommend organizing your outfits and accessories ahead of time so you can change quickly and easily between looks.
If you’d feel more comfortable using a vehcile to change, just let us know in advance! We’re happy to plan your locations around spots that have public restrooms available.
GALLERY DELIVERY
YAY! After your session, it takes about 2–3 weeks for us to edit your senior images. Once they’re ready, you’ll receive an email with a link to your full gallery—AHH, so exciting!
From there, you’ll be able to download, share, and print all of your high-resolution digital images. You can download individual photos or the entire gallery at once, and even save favorites directly to your phone for easy sharing on social media.
The next few pages of this guide will walk you through how to navigate your gallery and give you our best tips for printing and displaying your new favorite memories. Be sure to come back and reference this section after your session!
After your shoot, one of our favorite parts of the process is sharing your 48-hour sneak peeks! We get just as excited about your images as you do, and we head straight home after your session to edit a handful of our favorites so you can see them ASAP!
The Sneak Peeks
Editing your final gallery typically takes about 3–4 weeks, and delivery day is truly the most exciting part of the process! 🎉
We’ll send you an email with the link to your completed gallery. From there, you’ll be able to easily download, share, and print all of your high-resolution digital files. Your gallery is super user-friendly, and our goal is to make sharing your images as simple and seamless as possible. Here’s a little peek at what it will look like:
The Gallery Delivery
You’ll be prompted to log into your gallery using your name and email—this is for both your security and our records. It allows us to track exactly who is viewing and downloading your images, and ensures that no one has access without our knowledge.
Plus, you can favorite your images right within the gallery, and we’ll be able to see those selections on our end—making it super easy for us to help you order prints and products you love!
Logging In
printing your images
We truly believe in the power of printing your images and displaying them in your home. There’s something incredibly special about holding a physical copy of your memories—something you can cherish, revisit, and one day pass down to your family.
We have photo books filled with our own engagement pictures, anniversary sessions, family portraits, and even Rachel's senior photos from way back in 2015—and we flip through them all the time! You’ve invested so much into your senior session, and printing your images gives you a lasting, tangible way to celebrate and share that investment.
As you know, we don’t have any purchase minimums or printing requirements—your images are yours to enjoy however you’d like! That said, your online gallery offers access to professional-quality prints and products, which is the only option we personally and professionally recommend for top-tier color accuracy, quality, and durability. If you choose to print elsewhere, we unfortunately can’t guarantee that the results will match the quality of what you see online.
Our honest suggestion: If you plan to print anything larger than a 4x6, we highly recommend using the professional printer available directly through your gallery.
In the next few pages, we’ll walk you through the “Shop” section of your senior gallery—where you can easily order prints, photo books, canvases, graduation cards, and more from our trusted lab!
Photo Books
Prints & Canvases
Grad Cards
accessing the shop
When you are inside your full gallery, you will see two options at the top: "GALLERY" and "SHOP". You can toggle between the two SUPER easily!
