How to Plan the Ultimate Senior Session That Feels Like You (Not a Glamour Shots Throwback) | Sacramento Senior Portrait Photographer
August 13, 2025
How to Plan the Ultimate Senior Session That Feels Like You (Not a Glamour Shots Throwback) | Sacramento Senior Portrait Photographer
Let’s Get One Thing Straight: You Are Not a Glamour Shots Poster Child
You’ve worked hard to get here. Late nights, football games, AP exams, Starbucks-fueled study sessions—you earned this moment.
So why settle for awkward poses, cheesy props, and those cringe-worthy feather boas from the 90s?
As a Sacramento senior portrait photographer, I believe your senior session should reflect you—your style, your vibe, your energy—not some dated photo trend from your mom’s high school yearbook. (No offense, Mom. We love you. But no.)
Step 1: Find a Photographer Who Gets It
This isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about telling your story. You need a Sacramento senior portrait photographer who:
Gets your vision (even if you don’t totally know what it is yet)
Knows how to direct you without making you feel awkward
Offers styling guidance, wardrobe options, and an overall experience—not just a camera and a time slot
Hint: If you’re in the Sacramento or Yuba City area and you’re reading this, hi, I’m your girl.
Step 2: Choose a Location That Matches Your Vibe
Urban & edgy? Let’s hit the downtown alleys with that cool industrial backdrop. Sunset & soft? Let’s go wildflower fields, golden hour glow, dreamy gowns flowing in the wind. Sporty? Bring the letterman jacket, the cleats, the gear. Extra glam? We’re talking gowns, professional hair and makeup, and magazine-worthy posing.
Where you shoot tells part of your story. I’ll help you choose a location that fits you like a pair of favorite jeans.
Step 3: Dress to Impress—But Make It YOU
Senior sessions aren’t about blending in. They’re about standing out.
That’s why I offer a client closet with stunning gowns and fashion-forward pieces to elevate your session. But I also encourage you to bring a mix of looks that reflect who you are:
Casual & cozy (think jeans and a cute sweater)
Stylish & chic (yes to fun accessories!)
Sentimental (letterman jacket, grandma’s necklace, or your favorite band tee)
We’ll plan 3-4 outfits to give you variety and personality.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Little Details
-Nails. Clean and polished or painted, just make sure they’re photo-ready. -Makeup. Go pro if you can—it makes a huge difference in how the camera captures your look. -Bring a hype crew. Bring your mom, your bestie, your sibling—someone who hypes you up and makes you laugh.
Bonus: bring music you love. I’ll play it during the shoot to keep the energy fun and authentic.
Step 5: Skip the Poses—Capture the FEELING
Yes, I’ll pose you. But not in a stiff, outdated “chin up, tilt left, no-smile-now-freeze” kind of way.
Think movement. Think connection. Think real smiles, real moments, real you.
I guide every step to bring out your confidence—even if you’ve never had a professional photo taken in your life. This is your time to shine, and I’ve got you.
Ready to Make Magic?
Senior year flies by—but your portraits don’t have to. Let’s create something that actually feels like you—not a throwback relic of trends past.
Megan Escheman is a premier portrait photographer serving the Greater Sacramento Area and beyond. Known for her timeless, printed artwork and unforgettable client experience, Megan specializes in newborn, cake smash, Senior, and family photography that captures life’s most meaningful moments.
Ready to turn your memories into heirloom-quality art?
I provide you with the individual attention that you and your family need to create a timeless masterpiece to cherish forever. You will not feel rushed, or pushed through a “system.” I treat every client like they are my family. Each portrait experience is customized and planned just for you! I’m just an email, phone call, or text message away, answering questions and giving suggestions along the way.
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When you walk away from our session I want you to feel like you just made a new friend, someone who you can trust to capture and create memories that will last a lifetime!