Senior Session
Style Guide
WHAT EVERY SENIOR NEEDS TO KNOW:
CHOOSING YOUR DATE & TIME
SELECTING THE RIGHT LOCATION
STYLING YOUR SESSION
EXPRESS YOURSELF
STYLE TIPS: FOR HER
SAY YES TO THE DRESS
ACCESSORIZING
CHOOSING COLORS
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
STYLING TIPS: FOR HIM
PHOTO DELIVERY TIMELINE
ONE FINAL NOTE
What Every Senior Needs to Know
Senior portrait sessions? This is where everything comes together—and honestly, it’s one of my favorite things to shoot.
You’re in a season that’s hard to put into words. There’s excitement, a little pressure, a lot of anticipation… and a real sense that something big is right around the corner. Senior year is full of moments you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’re gone—and this is your chance to lock that in the right way.
You’re standing on the edge of what’s next—and you’re ready for it.
My job is to make sure we capture you in the middle of all of it. Not stiff, not forced, not generic. Real personality. Real confidence. The version of you that people recognize immediately—and the version you’ll want to remember years from now.
And don’t worry about not knowing what to do—that’s on me. I’ll guide you through everything. Outfits, locations, timing, concepts… even the small details that most people don’t think about but make all the difference in the final images. Whether you come in fired up or a little unsure, we’re going to dial this in together.
I put this guide together to give you a clear game plan and show you exactly how we turn a session into something bigger than just photos.
Let’s get into it.
Where Should I Take My
Senior Portraits?
Selecting the Right Location
The location? That’s flexible—and it should feel like you.
Most of my clients lean into the natural beauty we’ve got right here in Connecticut and Western Mass, and for good reason. Open, outdoor spaces are always my first choice. They give us room to move, better angles, and most importantly—unreal light. Especially as we get closer to golden hour, those environments just hit differently.
That said, you don’t need to stress about finding the “perfect” spot.
I’ve shot all over the place, and I’m always open to trying somewhere new. Sometimes the best locations are the ones that haven’t been overused. If you’ve got an idea, I’m all in—we’ll make it work.
Just don’t overthink it.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about the background. It’s about you. The location should support the image, not steal the attention. My job is to use whatever environment we’re in and shape it in a way that puts the focus exactly where it should be.
Think Outside the Box
This is where things can get really fun.
I always tell my seniors—don’t just settle for the obvious. Start thinking about places you might have access to that most people don’t. That’s where sessions go from good… to completely different.
Maybe it’s a private property, a country club, or a resort. Maybe someone in your circle can get us into a spot that’s usually off-limits. It could be something personal like a family property, or something unexpected like an upscale hotel or even an airplane hangar.
Those are the kinds of locations that instantly separate your session.
Take a few minutes and actually think it through. Ask around. You’ll be surprised what connections you have once you start digging a little. And if something feels like a long shot? Ask anyway. You never know what doors open until you try.
Just keep two things in mind—safety always comes first, and if we’re heading outside my normal service area, there may be a travel fee depending on the distance.
If you need help narrowing things down, use the location guide as a starting point. From there, we’ll dial in something that fits your vision and gives us the best possible setup to create something strong.
How Personal Should I Make It?
Express Yourself
If you want your senior portraits to feel more like you—this is where it happens.
Don’t just show up… bring something that adds to your story.
Think about what defines you right now. What have you spent years working on? What do you actually care about? Sports, music, dance, creative hobbies—whatever it is, bring it. Those details are what take your images from standard… to something that actually means something.
This is how we make your session feel more editorial and less staged. It gives us layers to work with and helps create images that don’t look like everyone else’s.
And if you’ve got a dog? Bring them. No hesitation there. Dogs always make it better.
Should I Bring it? Yes, Bring it!
Little details go a long way here.
Something as simple as fresh flowers can completely change the feel of a shot. Hold them, style them, or work them into the scene—bike basket, swing, blanket, even the back of a car. It doesn’t have to be complicated to look intentional.
You can go bigger too. Your first car, a truck, something with character—that adds personality fast. Or keep it simple with smaller touches like a blanket, a hat, or one clean accessory that pulls everything together.
Even one extra element can take an image from good to something that actually stands out.
And don’t forget the small things that matter—your class ring, or even a borrowed cap and gown if yours hasn’t come in yet.
Those pieces might seem minor now, but they’ll mean a lot later.
Does Timing Matter?
Choosing the Time and Date
Choosing Your Time and Date
Timing isn’t just a detail—it’s one of the biggest factors in how your final images turn out.
I build every senior session around natural light because it gives you that clean, timeless look that never feels forced. The kind of images that actually look like you. We start about 90 minutes before sunset and work right into golden hour—when the light softens, wraps around you, and creates that look everyone is after without overdoing it.
That said, sunset isn’t the same year-round. In the fall and winter, it drops fast. In the spring and summer, it hangs a lot later. So when you’re choosing your date, make sure you’re factoring that in—especially if you’ve got work, sports, or plans afterward. We’ll map it out so everything flows, but it’s something to be aware of upfront.
Give yourself some breathing room before your session. Don’t cut it close. Show up a few minutes early, ready to go. Once that natural light starts to shift, every minute matters—and we’re going to use all of it.
If you’re bringing multiple outfits, start with something you like—but save your favorite for later. That second half of the session, when the light is at its best, is where we create the images most people end up putting on their walls.
And while natural light drives the majority of the session, this is where I bring something extra to the table.
Once the sun starts to drop, I can transition into artificial lighting—clean, controlled, and intentional. Whether we keep it polished and natural-looking or go more dramatic and bold, I know how to shape light to create a completely different feel. So you’re not locked into one look—you’re getting the best of both worlds, done the right way.
That combination is what takes this from a photo session… to something a lot more dialed in.
Style Tips for Her
For Her
Say "Yes" to the Dress
This is where your session really starts to come together.
If you’re thinking about dresses—go for it. Long, flowing dresses always photograph incredibly well. They add movement, depth, and that extra visual impact, especially when we’re shooting in open spaces like fields, woods, or along the water. It just works.
That said, shorter dresses can look just as strong—clean, simple, and a little more casual. And if dresses aren’t your thing? No problem. A great outfit with your favorite jeans can look just as good when it’s styled the right way.
At the end of the day, it comes down to this—you need to feel confident in what you’re wearing. That’s what shows up in the photos.
For Her
How Many Outfits?
Two to three outfits is the sweet spot.
Most seniors will bring one standout look—that “wow” piece—and then mix in something a little more relaxed. It gives us variety without overcomplicating the session.
Just be ready to change on location if needed. A lot of the best spots don’t have facilities, so quick changes in the car are part of the process.
And don’t feel like you have to fit into a certain look. If your style is denim and heels, go with it. Boots, a denim skirt, something with personality—that’s what I want to see. The more it feels like you, the better it’s going to translate.
Also—don’t overlook the details. Shoes matter. Nails matter. All the little things add up on camera. And if you’ve been thinking about getting your hair and makeup professionally done, this is the time. It makes a difference.
For Her
Choosing Colors
Color matters more than people think.
I always recommend leaning toward softer, more neutral tones. Nothing too loud or overpowering. The goal is to keep the attention on your face—not your outfit.
Think soft pinks, muted blues, light neutrals—creams, grays, whites, even subtle earth tones. Those colors work perfectly with natural light and blend into outdoor environments without competing with them.
Here’s the way I want you to think about it…
You’re not just picking outfits—you’re choosing your color palette for a finished piece of artwork.
Where are these images going? On the wall? Graduation announcements? Think about how everything will look together when it’s done. When you plan your outfits with that in mind, the final result just hits differently.
Style Tips for Him
For the Boys!
Let’s be honest—most senior guys aren’t counting down the days to their photo session. They’re doing it because mom said it’s happening… and that’s usually about it.
And that’s completely fine.
What most people don’t realize is this is actually a really important time to capture. He’s not a kid anymore, but he’s not fully into that next chapter yet either. He’s right in that transition—and that’s exactly what we’re going after. Not forced smiles, not awkward poses… just a confident, real version of who he is right now.
Yeah, it might feel a little uncomfortable at first. That’s normal. My job is to take that pressure off and make it easy.
When it comes to what to wear, keep it simple and keep it true to him.
Comfort and confidence matter more than anything else. If he feels good in what he’s wearing, it’s going to show. I usually recommend layering—something like a clean shirt with a jacket or flannel. Long pants, closed-toe shoes… keep it clean. Leave the shorts at home.
The goal is to make sure what he’s wearing actually reflects who he is right now. Not overdone, not forced—just solid, real, and put together.
And here’s the biggest thing—he doesn’t need to know how to pose.
That’s on me.
I’ll guide him through everything. Where to stand, what to do with his hands, how to adjust his posture—it’s all handled. No pressure, no guesswork. He just needs to show up, trust the process, and we’ll take care of the rest.
For HIM
After the Session
2-3 Days after your Session
Social Media Sneak Peek!
Be sure to follow @robfaberphotography and tag us in your story and repost.
7 Days after your Session
Schedule your Image Reveal!
You will receive an email to schedule your
Image Reveal and Ordering Consultation
14-21 Days after your
Ordering Consultation
Display your Wall Art!
Delivery of artwork to your home!
Guild Canvas orders have a 3 month lead time.
Testimonials
Jasmine Richards
Rob handled our wedding beautifully, and his event photography truly captured the spirit of the day. Professional and surprisingly unobtrusive - highly recommend!
Monica Chandler
After trying various photographers, Rob Faber's knack for capturing event dynamics and personal portraits truly stands out. Professional, unobtrusive, and top-notch results every time.
Thomas Krazinski
Used Rob Faber for our product shoot. Results were professionally polished, perfectly capturing our brand's essence. Seamless process, no fuss.
FAQs
Answers to Your Key Questions Before We Capture Your Moments
How far in advance should I book my photography session?
Ideally, book 6-12 months in advance for weddings and 4-6 weeks for portraits.
What is included in a standard photography package?
Standard packages include a pre-session consultation, the photography session, post-processing of images, and a set number of prints or digital files.
Do you travel for sessions and events, and are there additional costs involved?
Yes, I travel for sessions and events. Travel within a 30-mile radius is included. Beyond that, there's a travel fee dependent on distance and accommodation.
How long does it take to receive our photos after the session
The turnaround time for processed photos is typically 3-4 weeks for regular sessions and 6-8 weeks for large events
Can we choose the photos to be edited or do you select them?
We select the best images to edit based on our experience to ensure you receive the highest quality portfolio. However, we welcome any specific requests or preferences you may have.
What should we wear for a portrait session?
Wear comfortable attire that reflects your personality, opting for solid colors and simple patterns.
