How to Prepare for Your Senior or Graduation Photo Shoot with Designs By JK

Senior and graduation photos are more than just pictures—they’re a celebration of hard work, growth, and the story you’re stepping into next. My approach to senior and graduation photography is relaxed, guided, and centered on you. Whether we’re shooting in the studio or on location, my goal is to make the experience fun, stress-free, and truly personal.

Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your senior or graduation photo shoot with me.

No In-Person Consults—Just Come Ready

I keep the process simple. I don’t require in-person consultations because I want clients to arrive at their session prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the experience.

Before your shoot:

• Choose and bring your own outfits

• Bring your cap and gown

• Gather any personal props that reflect who you are and what you’ve accomplished

If you have ideas or inspiration—poses, locations, vibes, or themes—you’re more than welcome to share those with me during the booking process or beforehand. I love incorporating your vision into the session.

What to Bring to Your Session

To make your photos as meaningful and unique as possible, I encourage seniors and graduates to bring items that represent their journey.

Some popular ideas include:

• Sports uniforms, balls, or gear

• Nursing scrubs, stethoscopes, or medical props

• Musical instruments

• Business-related items (laptops, portfolios, briefcases)

• Honor cords, medals, or awards

For studio sessions, I provide large graduation year numbers for every shoot—no need to worry about that detail.

Studio or On-Location—Your Choice

I offer both studio senior/graduation shoots and on-location sessions.

• Studio sessions are clean, controlled, and timeless—perfect for classic senior portraits.

• On-location sessions allow us to incorporate outdoor scenery, urban environments, or meaningful places that match your personality.

Not sure which is right for you? Both options deliver strong, professional results—it really comes down to the look and feel you want.

A Relaxed, Guided Experience

If you’re worried about posing—don’t be.

I guide you through every pose, from start to finish. You don’t need modeling experience or to know what to do in front of the camera. I’ll walk you through body positioning, facial expressions, and movement so everything looks natural and confident.

During the shoot:

• I play music to keep the energy up

• The environment is laid-back and comfortable

• The session is designed to feel fun, not forced

Most clients leave saying they felt more relaxed than they expected—and that’s exactly how it should be.

Styling Tips for a Successful Shoot

A few simple tips can make a big difference:

• Bring multiple outfits if your package allows

• Choose clothes that fit well and feel like you

• Avoid heavy logos unless they’re meaningful (like school or sports gear)

• Make sure your cap and gown are wrinkle-free

Confidence shows best when you’re comfortable.

Booking Your Senior or Graduation Session

All senior and graduation photography packages are outlined clearly on my website, so you know exactly what you’re getting. You can view current packages and options here:

👉 https://designsbyjk.com/senior-graduation/

If you have questions or want to share ideas before booking, I’m always happy to connect.

Final Thoughts

Your senior or graduation photos should reflect who you are and what you’ve accomplished—not feel stiff or stressful. My approach is simple: show up prepared, be yourself, and enjoy the moment. I’ll take care of the rest.

I look forward to helping you celebrate this milestone in a way that feels authentic, confident, and memorable.