SENIOR SESSION GUIDE
The Session Guide below is full of information about outfit tips and tricks, location ideas, hair and makeup, and most importantly - what to expect at your session! If I ask you to do anything, it's to read through this full guide. All the questions you're probably wondering should all be answered right here in this guide and will be the best resource to prepare you for your shoot and ensure a GREAT session!!
HEY GIRL HEY!
I’m so so so excited about your senior session coming up and to welcome you into the #kmpsenior family!!
meet your photographer
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CELEBRATE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL & CONFIDENT YOU
CELEBRATE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL & CONFIDENT YOU
a few notes about yours truly
Beyond anything else, if there's one thing that I want you to know, it is that you do not need to feel any type of pressure coming into your senior session. You can come in with ideas in mind, or not. My job is to help plan an amazing session just for you, guide you and make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and have the best dang time of your life!! I know it can feel a little awkward being in front of the camera at first, but I promise that after the first few minutes you are going to be having a blast and get comfortable working it in front of the camera!! a few notes from yours truly
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There is no right or wrong way to do it.
NO NEED TO FEEL NERVOUS
main character energy
YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A POSING PRO
I will guide you throughout the entire session with natural and fun poses to be sure you look your best in all the photos! I know there are so many cute poses on TikTok and Pinterest, and if you see something you love, share it with me! This is your session and if you want to do a pose you saw on TikTok, let's do it girl.
But ALSO, if you're thinking,"I have absolutely no idea what to do!" No need to worry, because I have a full gallery of poses in my head at all times!
I'VE GOT YOU!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEASON
March-April
May-September
October - Early Nov
November-February
Please try your very, very best to arrive on time! Your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets, and once the sun has set, we lose our light and can no longer shoot
If you arrive to your session even 10-15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session!
If you are more than 30 minutes late to your session, sadly, we will have to reschedule for my next earliest available date which may be 3 or even 4 months out from your original date!
Give yourself extra time for grabbing those last minute details, packing the car, in case you forget something, and braving the traffic (especially my FXBG girls!)
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I am including this section because it plays a vital role in your session and I
can not stress it enough!
arrival time
BUT WHAT IF IT RAINS?!
Don't worry, I won't make you take photos on a nasty rainy day just because it's the day you booked.
If the forecast is calling for rain on the day of your session, I typically hold off until 24 hours before the session time to make a decision. Why? Because the weather can be SO unpredictable and I don't want to reschedule a session too early because of what the forecast predicts. If the forecast is 75% or higher, we will definitely reschedule. If it is anywhere between 50-75% chance, I will leave it up to you to decide. Anything below 50% I typically will still try to photograph your session unless it is just too gross outside.
Gorgeous, glowy light is ideal, BUT cloudy days can still be just as beautiful!! Trust me!
DON'T SWEAT THE WEATHER
pick your perfect location
tips for every city & season
for the "it " girls
These photos are meant for you to carry with you through life as a reminder of this season. When it comes to choosing a location, you want to pick somewhere that holds a little bit of meaning to you. Is there a place you frequently love exploring? If not a specific place, think about the things you love to do! Do you tend to go to the beach? Go for runs in a specific park? Or is there a certain vibe or season you really love? Like beautiful flowers in the spring or the colorful leaves in the fall?
Your photos will feel authentically you if we shoot somewhere you love. Of course, you can always choose a location that you’ve never been to before. I've got some great suggestions for you right below!!
PRESERVE AT DUNDEE*
Historic home, cute garden
& wide open field
LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDEN*
Gardens galore from roses, to sunken gardens, and conservatory goodness
HOLLYFIELD MANOR
Open farmland, a pond, white historic home, and in the summer, the cutest flower garden
BELLE ISLE
Tall, grassy field and calming views of the James Rivers
MAYMONT
Italian and Japanese gardens, a fountain, column lined walkway.... what more could you need?
HISTORIC TUCKAHOE*
Colorful gardens, wide open field, white picket fences, and historic charm
QUIRK HOTEL*
Location description text goes here, share more about the scenery.
VA War Memorial
Location description text goes here, share more about the scenery.
MONUMENT AVE.
Location description text goes here, share more about the scenery.
VMFA
Location description text goes here, share more about the scenery.
PARKING DECK*
Location description text goes here, share more about the scenery.
CAPITOL BUILDING
Location description text goes here, share more about the scenery.
MAIN STREET STATION
NYC vibes in the heart of downtown Richmond
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
Charming architecture & arches galore with a quaint pond & greenery
HISTORIC TUCKAHOE*
Colorful gardens, wide open field, white picket fences, and historic charm
AGECROFT HALL*
Ultimate, historic tudor style home with a sunken garden a tall grassy field
THE LOW LINE
Perfect mix of nature & rustic, historic RVA charm
HISTORIC TREDEGAR
Brick walls & urban charm with a touch of greenery
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND
THE LOW LINE
MAYMONT PARK
VMFA GROUNDS
QUIRK HOTEL
BELLE ISLE
ROOFTOP PARKING DECK
HISTORIC TUCKAHOE
Historic Tredegar
Browns Island
Monument Ave. Blue Shutter House
Japanese Garden
Virginia House
Libby Hill
Natural Light Studio
Destination
Richmond
Fredericksburg
skyline views
historic downtown
chatham manor
city docks
fxbg battlefield
spotsy park-rural vibes
riverside beach vibes
Destination
Richmond
Fredericksburg
New York City
Nashville
Charleston
Virginia Beach
Williamsburg
laguna Beach
30A Florida
Destination
Richmond
Fredericksburg
St. Augustine
show off your favorite place
I love how one of my past seniors, Ava, wanted something super unique to her. So, she invited me to her horse barn! She has been horse back riding her whole life, so obviously wanted to include this into her session. Overall, this session was so special to her AND her family. These photos she can look back on the rest of her life and remember what was important to her. I loved this one SO much!
unique locations
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FIT CHECK
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ONE
timeless
This is typically a dress or skirt and heels. A dressier look that's pretty and classic and probably the outfit your mom will want to frame on the wall!
FOUR
unique to you
The YOU outfit! Typically a sports uniform, dance costume, college t-shirt, school colors, graduation cap and gown, or a cute fit to bring out your instrument or pet.
THREE
bold or trendy
Your moment to choose something that stands out! Maybe a full tulle dress or a matching hot pink pant suit. Or an outfit that you've been loving on TikTok but need an excuse to wear it!
TWO
elevated casual
This is typically a pant, cute top and heels or wedges OR a dress/skirt paired with sneakers. Something still dressy and photo worthy, but can be a little more laid back.
you bring the spark... I'll capture the flame ... outfit inspo for it girls... you bring the spark... I'll capture the flame ... outfit inspo for it girls... you bring the spark... I'll capture the flame ... outfit inspo for it girls
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My top outfit tip is that if you don't feel comfortable in the outfit you choose or just feeling really unsure about it while trying it on, odds are you are still going to feel uncomfortable the day of the session! In every outfit you choose, you should feel 110% confident and love the fit you are in!
Not only that, but you should also feel comfortable enough that you can move around in them. I'll probably have you sitting, maybe even laying on the ground at some point, walking and dancing and doing some other movement poses, so be sure you are feeling confident in your outfit pieces!
be comfortable
click me for outfit inspo!
The final piece to any outfit is always adding in an accessory!! I always lean to the side of a statement earring and simple necklace, or you can flip it and do a statement necklace and simple earrings. Another super fun look are stacked bracelets or necklaces! You can add a pair of sunglasses (which always turn out SO cute) or a floppy hat in the warmer months, or a scarf or cute beanie in the fall.
add in accessories
Try to choose colors that will either stand out from the background OR soft colors that allow you to be more of the focus. Consider colors that will compliment your skin tone. Royal blue vs. light blue, soft pinks vs bubblegum pinks, olive greens vs emerald greens. Jewel tones and bright pops of color (NOT neon) always photograph beautifully! Try to mix in some neutral pieces as well - sometimes locations can have a lot going on in the background, so having some neutral pieces allows us to focus on your gorgeous self!
colors + Neutrals
Adding layers to your outfits always looks really great in portraits while also creating a chance for more variety - aka more photos !! A cute top paired with a shacket in the fall, or a dainty tank top paired with a denim jacket makes for great opportunities for posing and adding in "props"!
adding layers
matching the outfits perfectly with the location
classic, girlie, simple & sweet
the face of
Free People
trendy, classic, & bold... the perfect mix!
sneak some outfit inspiration
tap the image to view the blog post!
Colorful, girlie, basic & trendy! Vestique is my personal favorite boutique in ALL of Richmond! Dresses, tops, skirts... my whole wardrobe is turning into a Vestique warehouse!
Shop using my code KELSEY10 for a discount in-store and online
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SHOPPING FAVS
Shop all my favorite looks for senior sessions! From the go-to looks to more unique & fun! I've done the hard work for you of browsing all the sites. Now it's time to pick your favs!
Click to the site!
Shop KMP favs!
Looking for some great basics, classic dresses or PERFECT denim? Check out Abercrombie using my affiliate link above!
Click Here!
Check it out!
WHERE TO SHOP
ALTAR'D STATE
SWEETEST STITCH
VESTIQUE RVA
TRAVELING CHIC BOUTIQUE
ABERCROMBIE
PETAL & PUP
HELLO MOLLY
SHOP FANCY
PEPPERMAYO
SHOPPES AT 5807
BEGINNING BOUTIQUE
COCOLILLY'S
Princess Polly
BEAUTY ADVICE
LEAVE IT TO THE PRO'S
feel like a queen
Professional hair & makeup is a key factor in having AMAZING senior portraits! This makes a huge difference in your images, so why not make it the best it can be?! Most of the senior collections include hair & makeup from our queen, Kelsea (the other Kels! ;) )
But if you opted for a collection without, here's our best tips! Plan to wear heavier make up than normal. Including blush and lipstick, or lip gloss, that are at least slightly darker than your lip color. What you can see in person doesn't always show up as detailed in camera. So going a little extra glam with make-up will be a huge help to enhance your natural beauty, not cover it! I also highly recommend wearing false eyelashes. These can be purchased for very affordable prices anywhere you buy makeup!
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One last tip!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, white, light and natural colors all photograph best!!
trust me a manicure matters
Your senior portraits should not simply just be going out and taking pictures. You are ceIebrating one of the biggest events of your LIFE! Your senior portraits should be a whole experience to really get the most out of it. If you arrive and feel frustrated because you couldn't get your makeup right in the car ride over, it is going to affect your entire experience in a not so great way. Enjoy the day and enjoy the entire experience your senior session has to offer!
it's an experience!
You totally can!! But, unless you are just a makeup genius, trying to do your own makeup really well is STRESSFUL! (trust me, I've been there!) Professional cameras pick up every little detail, and can even flatten your features a bit. Professionals know how to put it all on right to ENHANCE your natural beauty, not hide it! If you decide to do it yourself, just be sure to do it up a little bit more than your average daily makeup. A little extra blush, mascara, and a touch of color on the lips go a long way!
can I do it myself?
Professional hair + makeup artists specifically in making look fabulous in photos! Your daily makeup may look amazing in person, but it likely not show up in camera they way you may see it in the mirror. Professionals however, know what the camera needs but not over do it. Hiring a pro is going to enhance your natural beauty and be sure the camera picks up all that youthful beauty!! Best part is, they'll give you false eyelashes to make your eyes pop AND shape your eyebrows to perfection.
why have a pro?
show off your favorite place
Props can really make your session feel more like you. If you play a sport, are a dancer or cheerleader, or in the band, bring those unique items to incorporate into your session. Or maybe you love those Pinterest photos of the gorgeous picnic setups with the charcuterie boards and pretty lemonade glasses, let's set that up and make this unique for you!
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prep your props
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There's nothing I love more than when my seniors bring their pups along for some photos! So much fun, laughter, and some really great blooper pics coming your way. Down below are a few things to keep in mind when planning to bring your pup along.
BRING YOUR FURRY FRIEND
1. TOYS & TREATS
Best way to get a dog looking at the camera? Treats or squeaky toys!
1. GROOMING
A fresh bath and a lil trim will have your pup ready for #modelstatus
2. BRING A FRIEND
Consider bringing someone along to watch/hold him while we are doing photos without
Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...Show off your new pics... show off your new pics...
full gallery
You will receive your full gallery within 2-3 weeks. I’ll keep you in the loop so you know exactly when to expect the photos. When they’re ready, you’ll receive a link to an online gallery where you can download and share with friends/family.
I know you will want to post them all, as you should!!! Good thing there's TikTok and Insta to share all the photos on! When you post, don't forget to tag me so I can see! @kelseymarie.photo
posting your pics
your gallery link is live for 1 whole year!
buying prints
Photographs aren’t meant to just live on our screens...
One of the best parts about your online gallery is the SHOP! The parents especially love this part! You can order prints, canvases, posters, albums, even graduation cards right in the shop! The professional print lab is guaranteed to provide you the highest quality product and all images come out true to color. Plus, orders are shipped directly to you! No driving to CVS to pickup your prints.
the most epic keepsake
don't forget to order your album
"Kelsey is such an amazing photographer! She was so great every step of the way from the very first meeting to the last! My daughter felt very prepared for her senior session! Highly recommend!!!"
reviews
Kelsey is the best! As someone who isn’t a big picture person, she makes it so easy and fun! I’ve been able to use her twice now for graduation pictures and they turned out perfect each time!
02.
"The absolute BEST senior photographer! It’s been so amazing working with Kelsey, she brings all of my visions to life! Reccomend her to everyone looking for amazing senior pictures!🩷
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~ Claire W. ~
~ Lindsey P. ~
~ Amy, Hannah's mom ~
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