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 from 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!!
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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!!
THE CARILLON
Gorgeous windy stair case and pretty arched window frames
THE ESTATE AT RIVER RUN*
Probably my favorite location! Historic mansion, insane views of the river, a tree swing, and tall grassy patches for field vibes
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?
Preserve at Dundee*
Open field, long gravel driveway, cute fences, and historic charm
*These locations require a booking fee OR APPOINTMENT to shoot at. pRICES VARY
QUIRK HOTEL*
Girlie, city vibes with pops of pink! We can also shoot inside with an appointment booked!
MAIN STREET STATION
Really cool architecture! Gives a little more urban vibe, but with an NYC feel!
MONUMENT AVE.
The "blue shutter house" as I like to call it! So pretty and elevated with a Charleston vibe
VMFA
Classic and elevated. A good mix of architecture and nature
PARKING DECK*
Urban vibes, city views, and pretty views of the sunset
CAPITOL BUILDING
Classic, timeless, overall perfection.
*These locations require a booking fee OR APPOINTMENT to shoot at. pRICES VARY
ALTURIA FARM
Horses, pretty fence lines, white barns, a little pond, hydrangeas.... what more could you need?!
FRECKLED FLOWER FARM*
Cutie little flower farm with lots of color! Flowers in bloom from August-October
DOVER HALL*
Adding this just in case! Unfortunately you do have to have a connection to someone here to shoot, so think through your resources ;)
AGECROFT HALL*
Ultimate princess style home with a sunken garden, a tall grassy field, and fairytale charm
THE LOW LINE
Perfect mix of nature & rustic, historic RVA charm. Sits right on the river!
HISTORIC TREDEGAR
Fun mix of brick walls, arches, and a touch of greenery
*These locations require a booking fee OR APPOINTMENT to shoot at. pRICES VARY
lewis ginter botanical garden*
Flowers galore and lots of variety! Perfect timing for the gardens is mid summer (June-July).
PONY PASTURE
Very similar to Belle Isle! Sometimes can be tricky to find a spot based on water levels, but we always make it work!
POND IN GOOCHLAND
My friend's pond just outside of Short Pump! A fun pairing for both nature & city vibes combined with the Short Pump suggestion above!
MELLOW MUSHROOM SQUARE OF SHORT PUMP
This little shopping center in Short Pump is sooo pretty in late July with all of the hydrangeas blooming!
YOUR SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD*
Depending on your school, sometimes we need permission from the athletic director, but some schools like GAHS are open!
RURAL PLAINS PARK
Open field, love this giant tree in the photo above!
*These locations require a booking fee OR APPOINTMENT to shoot at. pRICES VARY
RICHMOND
VB DUNES
Adding this too so you can get the whole feel of the beach experience!
VB NORTH END OCEANFRONT
The beach... do I even need to explain?!
NORFOLK BOTANICAL GARDEN*
Biggest botanical garden in VA! So many gorgeous spots here and 30 min from the beach!
BIG SPRING FARM
I would come here every shoot if I could. Pond, willow trees, wide open field, hydrangeas, mountain views...
Lexington, VA
BOAR'S HEAD RESORT
Cutie little cottage, pond, garden and bridges, tall grassy field, lots of fun things here!
Charlottesville, VA
WATERPERRY FARM*
Fairytale gardens galore, wide open field, views of the mountains... so stunning! Outside of Charlottesville
*These locations require a booking fee OR APPOINTMENT to shoot at. pRICES VARY
SWANNANOA*
Looking for a castle? I found one! Located between Charlottesville & Staunton
HISTORIC FREDERICKSBURG
I just love the sweet historic charm of downtown FXBG! I used to live here, so I know all the cutie spots!
CHATHAM MANOR
Gorgeous garden, fairytale vibes, and an epic view of the river! Historic charm
Fredericksburg, VA
PhARSALIA FARM*
The cuuuuutest garden and flower farm! Stunning views of the mountains and just the cutest charm ever!
Tyro, VA
THE CAVALIER
Okay, so I don't know if this is even allowed but I've shot here twice and no one has said anything! LOL it is so charming and gorgeous!
Virginia Beach
VB MURALS
So many fun painted walls and greenery around VB! This was one of my favorite shoots from last summer. We got so much variety!
*These locations require a booking fee OR APPOINTMENT to shoot at. pRICES VARY
ARIZONA | UTAH
Also on the bucket list, a western desert senior session! (photo from pinterest!)
NYC
Okay, this is on the bucket list still. I'm dying to do a senior session in NEW YORK!!
ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
This was such a fun one! We mixed in photos from the ADORABLE pink hotel, historic downtown, and traveled down to the beach too!
NASHVILLE
Fun fact, I am actually born and raised in Nashville. This is home to me! I love getting to go back for sessions and give people the grand tour!
CHARLESTON
Charleston was on the bucket list for the longest time!! It was SO FUN getting to finally cross this off with Camdyn!!
30A IN FLORIDA
I used to come here every summer growing up, so it was just the sweetest coming back for Aubrey's session!
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING YOUR SESSION WORLDWIDE, SEND ME MESSAGE! lET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN!
DESTINATION
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.
My number one location suggestion above anything else is to think about personal locations to you! Do your grandparents live on a farm? Do you keep your horse at a cute barn? Do you have a friend with a pretty garden? Think about ways your can make your session even more UNIQUE!
unique locations
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here's some inspo!
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.
OOTD.... THROWING FITS... outfit inspo for it girls... OOTD.... THROWING FITS... outfit inspo for it girls... OOTD.... THROWING FITS... 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 more 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
take it next level ... 4+4 equals... ATE! take it next level ... 4+4 equals... ATE! take it next level ... 4+4 equals... ATE!
Some of my all time favorite photos are when my girls are wearing a really elevated dress... and but I'm going to call them a gown for the sake of not getting confused with other dresses! These gowns are a step up from your typical sun dress, or even just maxi dress. It's something that you would wear to a fancy wedding or even to prom. Not something you would just casually wear to dinner!
Consider an option like this for your session! Just image, you in a field right as the sun is setting or frolicking down the beach as the sky lights up cotton candy... I can see it now.
NEXT LEVEL
GOWNS
NEXT LEVEL GOWNS
ELEVATED FOR GOLDEN HOUR
here's some inspo!
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
Simple or full glam?
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!
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?
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 forEVER
(or at least until technology fails us)
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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