What to Bring to Your Senior Pictures + Top Tips from Your Favorite Northern California Senior Photographer
Let’s Get You Prepped for Senior Picture Day
You’ve booked your session—yay! Now comes the big question: what should you bring? As your trusted Northern California senior photographer, I’m here to make sure you're 100% ready for your day. From Folsom to Granite Bay to Sacramento to Elk Grove to Lodi to Pleasanton and in-between, this guide covers everything you'll want to have on hand for a stress-free, unforgettable shoot.
Every MC Senior gets a detailed session prep guide and pre-session call to walk through the entire process—but here's a quick list to get you started.
1. Outfits: Steamed, Styled & Ready to Go
Bring your chosen outfits freshly steamed and hung on hangers. Avoid tossing them into a bag (trust me—wrinkles show up on camera). Match your accessories to each look in labeled baggies and clip them onto your hangers. I always recommend trying on EVERY OUTFIT for the big day—head to toe—including shoes and undergarments. That way, there are no surprises.
Pro tip: Clear out your car trunk or hatchback space. Hang your outfits, line up your shoes, and store extras in a tote or bin so we can grab what we need quickly during the session.
2. Touch-Up Kit
Even with pro hair and makeup, touch-ups are helpful—especially with Northern California’s spring breezes. I recommend bringing:
Lip gloss or balm
Blotting papers
Hair brush or comb
Bobby pins and hair ties
Mini mirror
Oil control powder (if you have oily-prone skin)
If you're working with my recommended HMU artist, you’ll be sent with a mini touch-up kit, too!
3. Cap, Gown & College Gear
If you have your cap and gown, bring it along! Even a few shots in your grad gear can be meaningful. If your school hasn’t distributed them yet, Amazon has them! Planning to rep your future college? Bring a sweatshirt, tee, pennant, or anything that shows off your next chapter.
4. Personal Touches & Props
This is where we make your session unique. Bring anything that tells your story—your instrument, sports gear, a favorite book, or yes, even your pup. If you’re bringing a pet, make sure to also bring a leash, treats, water, and someone who can help handle them during the shoot. And yes, I’ve photographed horses, too—we’ll plan it out if that’s your vision!
5. A Relaxed Mindset (And a Fun Playlist!)
Trust me, you don’t need to practice poses or study Pinterest. I’ve got you. I’ll guide you through movement and posing that feels natural, relaxed, and authentic to you. I even bring a portable speaker so we can vibe to your favorite songs—it helps set the tone and shake off those nerves.
And remember—it's totally normal to feel a little nervous. But by the end of our session, you'll be laughing, glowing, and wondering why you ever worried.
Pro Tip- Bring your bestie and we will even grab a couple fun pics of the two of you!
Let’s Make Your Session Unforgettable
Your senior pictures should reflect you—your style, your vibe, your energy. With the right prep and the right photographer (hi, it’s me!), you’re going to feel amazing every step of the way.
Haven’t booked yet? Let’s change that. Click here to check availability and start planning your dream senior session in Folsom, Granite Bay, Sacramento, or beyond.
