Couple smiling and embracing in a golden field with evergreen trees, woman in floral dress, man in olive shirt.
Couple laughing and lying on grass, woman in floral dress and man in brown shirt, aerial view.

 

Session Guide

This session guide is here to help you decide on a location, choose outfits, and answer any questions you may have before your photoshoot. My goal is to make the experience fun, stress-free, and enjoyable from start to finish!

 

Location



Choosing your location is a big part of how your photos will look and feel! An open field gives you lots of room to run around, explore, and embrace those carefree moments. A forest feels cozy, quiet, and intimate. Downtown areas can be playful, elegant, and full of variety. And if there's a favorite coffee shop, restaurant, bar, or spot that's meaningful to you, that can make your session feel even more personal and unique.

There really isn't a "right" location, the best one is the place that feels the most like you! If you're not sure where you'd like to go, don't worry. I'm always happy to help you choose a location that matches your vision and the overall vibe you're hoping for.

Family of four walking through a lush green meadow path surrounded by autumn trees in warm fall clothing.

 

Time of Day



The time of day can completely change the look and feel of your photos! I typically recommend scheduling your session around sunrise or sunset (also known as golden hour) because the light is soft, warm, and flattering. This creates those dreamy, glowy images you often see throughout my portfolio.

Sunrise sessions tend to feel peaceful and quiet, with soft pastel colors and fewer people around if we're shooting in a public location. Sunset sessions bring warm golden tones and that beautiful glow as the sun drops below the horizon.

Midday sessions can still be beautiful, especially in locations with shade, but the light is often brighter and harsher, creating stronger shadows and a more vibrant look.

Weather can also affect your photos! An overcast day creates soft, even lighting and a moodier feel, while a sunny day brings warmth, contrast, and golden highlights.


 

Props


Props are one of the easiest ways to make your session feel more personal and unique to you. Think about activities you love doing together, special hobbies, or things that naturally fit the location of your session. Having a picnic in a field, grabbing coffee at your favorite café, bringing flowers, a blanket, books, bikes, or even your dog can all help tell your story in a way that feels authentic. Props also give you something to interact with, which often leads to more natural, candid moments. If you're not sure what would work best,  always happy to help brainstorm ideas and plan something that fits your vision!

Couple standing on a sandy beach flying a red kite on a cloudy day with misty mountains in the background.
Young woman in floral blue dress holding a lit candle, posing against a light gray background.
Two people in white t-shirts playing Uno card game at a wooden table, holding colorful cards.
Couple holding hands and dancing on a sandy beach with the Golden Gate Bridge visible in the background.

Midday


A couple holds hands and smiles at each other while walking on a forest path surrounded by lush green trees.

Golden Hour

Pregnant woman in white dress smiles in green wheat field while man stands behind her on a foggy day.

Sunrise



 

Outfits


Outfits are one of the best ways to tie your whole session together! I always recommend choosing colors that complement your location and the season. Think soft neutrals and earthy tones for fields and forests, rich colors for fall sessions, or lighter tones for the beach or lakeside locations.
When planning outfits, try to coordinate rather than match. Instead of everyone wearing the exact same color, choose a color palette that works well together. This adds more depth and visual interest to your photos while still looking cohesive.

Don't be afraid to add textures and layers! Things like knit sweaters, linen dresses, denim jackets, flowy fabrics, hats, or patterned pieces can add movement and dimension to your images. These little details often photograph beautifully and help make your photos feel more natural and unique.

If you're looking for something a little more bold or creative, adding a pop of color can be a great way to make your photos stand out. A colorful dress, statement accessory, or accent piece can add personality while still fitting within your overall color palette.

Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. When you feel good in what you're wearing, it always shows in the photos! And if you're stuck between outfit options, I'm always happy to help you decide.

When it comes to senior outfits, I always recommend bringing two-three different looks to give your gallery lots of variety. My favorite combination is a dress, a pair of jeans with a cute top, and one outfit that feels completely you.

Here is a gallery of some of my favorite outfits that I have photographed!

 

Woman in yellow tiered gown stands by rustic fence with Grand Teton mountains and blue sky backdrop.
Couple in white outfits holding hands in a sunlit forest clearing, standing on a fallen log surrounded by lush green trees.
A mother in a white dress tenderly holds her young daughter in a lush greenhouse filled with tropical plants.
A smiling couple embraces on a lakeside shore, woman in white floral dress, man in casual shirt and khaki shorts.
Mother holding toddler girl while exploring lush green plants in a greenhouse nursery.
A couple embraces on rocky shoreline with waves crashing behind them under an overcast sky.
Couple embracing on a sandy beach with ocean backdrop, woman in white skirt and gray top, man in yellow shirt.
A smiling couple poses in a golden meadow with evergreen trees, man in brown shirt and shorts, woman in floral sundress.
Couple kissing in snowy Christmas tree farm at golden hour, wearing cozy winter coats amid evergreen trees.
Woman in flowing blue strapless maxi dress standing barefoot on white sand beach at sunset.
A couple shares a tender moment on a grassy hilltop, man leaning to kiss pregnant woman's belly with scenic valley view.
Young woman in a cream dress stands in a wildflower field with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Young woman in yellow dress sitting among purple wildflowers with snow-capped mountains under blue sky.
Couple holding hands walking on a forest dirt path, woman in black dress and man in brown sweater, surrounded by autumn trees.
Couple holding hands on Baker Beach in San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Couple standing on a sandy beach flying a red kite on a cloudy day with misty mountains in the background.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on a sandy beach at dusk with calm ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
Young woman in white sundress and glasses smiling among lush green trees and foliage outdoors.
Young woman in white dress and black jacket smiling outdoors near brick building at Stowe Gate.
A man and woman standing by a black lamp post in a park, wearing casual outfits, with green grass and trees behind.
Two tattooed women posing together in a bar with green cabinetry, one in a green dress, one in black top and white pants.
Couple sitting on marble stairs in elegant building, smiling at each other, woman in white dress, man in white shirt.
Young woman with long hair smiling in a green field, wearing a sage top and jeans, with trees in the background.
A couple sharing an intimate moment, the woman in a white lace dress holding hands with a man in a beige shirt outdoors.
Young woman in floral dress standing on rocky coastal cliffs with ocean and misty headlands in background.
Three young women in summer dresses hold hands dancing in a wildflower meadow surrounded by lush green trees.