Senior year is packed with big moments — football games, prom, graduation — and your senior portraits are one of the most exciting parts of the journey. At Debbie Leanne Portraits, we believe your session should be fun, stress-free, and leave you with images you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
But even the most prepared seniors can run into pitfalls if they don’t plan ahead. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when planning your senior portraits so your experience is as unforgettable as your final year of high school.
1. Waiting Too Long to Book Your Session
The best dates fill up months in advance — especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. Waiting until the last minute can mean settling for a rushed timeline or less-than-ideal weather.
Tip: Book your senior session at least 3–6 months ahead so you get your dream date and plenty of time to prepare.
2. Not Thinking About Outfits Ahead of Time
Your clothing choices set the tone for your portraits. If you throw together outfits the night before, you might end up with pieces that don’t fit, clash with the location, or don’t reflect your style.
Tip: Plan outfits in advance, try everything on, and bring options so we can help you choose what photographs best.
3. Ignoring Professional Hair and Makeup
A little pampering goes a long way. Professional hair and makeup can help you look polished and camera-ready — and it’s one less thing to stress about on session day.
Tip: Schedule your beauty services the morning of your shoot so you arrive feeling confident and photo-ready. We also have stylists available to provide those services if needed.
4. Forgetting to Showcase Your Personality
Senior portraits should capture who you are right now — your hobbies, passions, and style. Skipping those personal touches can make your images feel less you.
Tip: Bring meaningful props (sports gear, musical instruments, favorite books) or choose locations that reflect your interests.
5. Overlooking the Final Products
Too many seniors only think about their session — not what they’ll do with their images afterward. Waiting until the last minute to choose products can be overwhelming.
Tip: At Debbie Leanne Portraits, we walk you through your options the same day you see your images so you leave knowing exactly how you’ll display them.
Planning your senior portraits should be exciting, not stressful. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth, fun experience — and images you’ll love for years to come.
Ready to start planning? Book your session now and let’s create senior portraits as unique as you are.
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