Woman with red hair in a white sundress sitting on a sandy beach beside large rocks, with the ocean and blue sky behind her.

THE BWP SENIOR SESSION GUIDE

 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR

YOUR SENIOR SESSION.

 

Your senior session is officially on the calendar, and this guide is here to make the planning process easy.


Inside, you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your session, from choosing outfits and locations to hair and makeup, what to bring, and what to expect once we start shooting.


You do not need to have everything figured out before your session. I’ll help you through the entire process so you can show up feeling prepared, comfortable, and excited.


Read through the guide, save anything that feels like you, and reach out anytime you need help making a decision.


I can’t wait to create this with you.

Young woman with wavy blonde hair in a white sundress and white sneakers poses in a sunny grassy field with green trees behind her.
LET’S TALK POSING


YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW HOW TO POSE.



One of the biggest things I hear before a senior session is, “I have no idea what to do in front of the camera.” That is completely okay. You don’t need to come into your session knowing how to pose — that’s my job.


I’ll guide you through the entire session. I’ll tell you where to put your hands, how to shift your weight, where to look, when to move, and even when something just needs a tiny adjustment. You’re never going to be standing there wondering what you’re supposed to do next.


We’ll start simple and keep moving from there. Some photos will be a little more posed, some will be more natural, and we’ll mix in plenty of movement so your gallery doesn’t feel like the same pose over and over again. Walking, playing with your hair, laughing, looking away, sitting, standing — we’ll do a little bit of everything.


The first few minutes are really just about getting comfortable. Once you realize you don’t have to figure any of this out on your own, it gets so much easier. By the end, I usually have seniors doing things they would have sworn they could never pull off at the beginning.


Just show up as yourself. I’ll take care of the rest.

Blonde woman in a white floral puff-sleeve dress smiles over her shoulder in a grassy field at golden hour sunset.

FALL

October – November


Warm evenings, softer light and a little break from peak summer heat. Great if you want rich color, fields, downtown locations or something that feels a little more seasonal.

Young man in a navy polo crouching on a brick riverfront walkway beside a railing covered in love locks, with a lift bridge behind him.

WINTER

December – January


Cooler temperatures and earlier sunsets make winter really comfortable for sessions. This is a great time for downtown, historic locations and the beach.

Smiling young woman with long blonde hair in denim shorts and a green shirt leans on a wooden fence beside a lake and trees.

SPRING

February – April


Mild temperatures, fresh greenery and longer evenings start coming back. Spring is perfect if you want softer color, flowers and lots of green without full summer heat.

Smiling woman with long hair in a pink top and white skirt poses beside pink flowers on a brick walkway lined with palm trees.

SUMMER

May – September


Long evenings, lush greenery and beautiful golden light. Just know that Florida summer means heat, humidity and the occasional afternoon storm — we’ll plan around it.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SCHEDULE?

LET’S FIND THE RIGHT TIME FOR YOUR SESSION.


There really isn’t one “perfect” month for senior photos. The best time comes down to the look you want, the weather you’re comfortable with, and when you want your photos finished.

THINK ABOUT YOUR OUTFITS TOO.


If you’re picturing sweaters, boots and layers, August probably isn’t your month. If you want sundresses, beach photos and warm summer light, winter may not give you quite the same feel.


Have a deadline? If you need your photos for announcements, invitations, a yearbook ad or anything else, let me know so we can work backward from that date.

Smiling woman with long platinum blonde hair holds a bouquet of red roses, wearing a black and white geometric dress against a spotlit wall.
Woman in a white flowing skirt and blue patterned top walks barefoot along a sandy beach as ocean waves roll in under a bright blue sky.

Your outfits are one of the easiest ways to make your senior photos feel like you,

so don’t feel like you need to suddenly dress completely different just because you’re having photos taken.


For your Senior Experience, you can bring up to three outfits. I usually recommend choosing looks that give us a little variety instead of three versions of the same thing. Think one outfit that feels casual and comfortable, one that’s a little more elevated, and one that feels the most like your personality.


Most of my seniors start in their most casual outfit. It gives you a chance to settle in, get comfortable in front of the camera, and get used to everything we’re doing. Then we’ll work our way into your favorite or more dressed-up look once you’re feeling confident.


Don’t worry about figuring it all out by yourself either. You can send me outfit ideas while you’re planning, and I’m always happy to help you narrow things down based on your locations, colors and the overall look you want for your session.

Smiling young woman with long dark hair in a pink top and wide-leg jeans walking down a sunlit sandy forest trail.
WHAT TO WEAR

LET’S PLAN YOUR OUTFITS.



A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND


- Choose clothes you actually feel comfortable and confident wearing.

- Bring variety in color, texture and style.

- Make sure everything fits well and feels good when you sit, walk and move.

- Pay attention to shoes, jewelry and accessories — they’re part of the outfit too.

- Try everything on together before your session, including undergarments.

- Steam or iron anything that wrinkles easily before you arrive.

- Bring options if you’re torn between two pieces. We can decide together.

If you put it on and immediately feel like yourself in it, we’re probably headed in the right direction.

Young woman with long wavy auburn hair wears a black dress and heart-shaped concho belt, posing beside a wooden post near garden steps.
WHEN WILL WE SHOOT?

YOUR SESSION TIME DEPENDS ON THE SUN.


I don’t use one set session time year-round because the light changes so much throughout the year.


For most senior sessions, we’ll start about 1.5–2 hours before sunset. That gives us time to work through your outfits, move between locations, and still save the prettiest light for the end of your session.


Your exact start time will depend on your session date, location, and how quickly the sun is setting that time of year. Summer sessions usually start later in the evening, while fall and winter sessions can start much earlier.


And yes — this means being on time really matters. Once the sun starts going down, we can’t ask it to wait on us.

PLAN TO ARRIVE 10–15 MINUTES EARLY.


That gives you time to park, grab your outfits, do any last-minute touch-ups, and start without feeling rushed.


I’ll give you your exact start time before your session so you don’t have to figure any of this out on your own.

Barefoot woman with long blonde hair twirls in a flowing light blue skirt and white top on a grassy field with trees behind.

 

WHAT IF IT RAINS?

FLORIDA WEATHER CHANGES FAST.


 

If there’s rain in the forecast a few days before your session, don’t panic. Florida weather can change quickly, and a chance of rain does not automatically mean we need to reschedule.


I’ll keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer and look at more than just the little rain icon — timing, radar, wind and what’s happening around the locations we’re using all matter.


I usually wait until we’re much closer to your session before making a final call. Sometimes a storm moves through early and leaves us with beautiful light afterward. Other times, we really do need to move the session, and if that happens, we’ll figure out another date together.


Cloudy skies are completely fine too. Overcast light can actually be really soft and flattering, so we are not rescheduling just because the sun isn’t out.


IF THE WEATHER ISN’T SAFE OR IS GOING TO AFFECT THE QUALITY OF YOUR SESSION, I’LL BE THE ONE TO MAKE THAT CALL.


You don’t need to spend the whole week checking the weather app every hour. I’ve got it.



We’ll make the best decision for your session when we actually know what the weather is doing.

Woman in a flowing pink dress walks barefoot along a sandy beach at sunset with soft waves and a pastel sky behind her.

BEACH + COASTAL


Soft sand, dunes, water, driftwood, warm light and a more relaxed feel.

Smiling young man in a black sweater, jeans and gray sneakers sits on stone steps beside a black metal railing outside a city building.

URBAN


Brick, stairs, architecture, colorful doors, sidewalks and a more polished/editorial look.

Man in an orange shirt stands before the brick entrance sign of the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, framed by tall trees.

FIELDS + NATURE


Greenery, trails, tall grass, open space and a softer natural feel.

Woman in a flowing white dress walks barefoot through a green grassy forest beneath a massive moss-covered live oak tree.

PERSONAL TO YOU


Your school, sports field, family property, car, favorite neighborhood, hobby spot or somewhere tied to your senior year.

WHERE SHOULD WE GO?

LET’S PICK LOCATIONS THAT FEEL LIKE YOU.


Your locations are a big part of how your final gallery feels, so I don’t want you choosing somewhere just because it’s “pretty.”


Think about the kind of photos you’re drawn to. Do you love the beach? Historic streets and architecture? Open fields and greenery? Something more downtown and polished? Or is there a place that actually means something to you?


For the Senior Experience, we can use up to two locations. I like choosing spots that give us different looks without spending half the session driving around.


You do not need to come to me with two perfect locations already picked out either. Tell me the vibe you want, what you’re wearing, and anything you definitely love or hate, and I’ll help narrow it down.

THE BEST LOCATION ISN’T ALWAYS THE MOST POPULAR ONE.


If a place fits your personality, your outfits and the kind of photos you want, that matters more than picking somewhere just because everyone else uses it.


Some locations require permits, entrance fees or advance permission. If that applies to one of your choices, I’ll let you know before we finalize everything.


We’ll choose locations that give you variety and still make the whole session feel like one story.

A FEW OUTFIT DETAILS

WHAT LOOKS GOOD IN REAL LIFE DOESN’T ALWAYS PHOTOGRAPH THE SAME.


You don’t need to follow a bunch of rules when you’re choosing your outfits, but there are a few things that are worth paying attention to.


The biggest one is fit. If something is constantly slipping, bunching, pulling, or making you feel like you have to stand a certain way, you’re probably going to be thinking about it the whole time. I want you to be able to walk, sit, move and actually have fun in what you’re wearing.

KEEP PATTERNS SIMPLE


Patterns are completely fine, but really tiny stripes, checks or tightly repeated prints can sometimes look strange on camera. Larger or simpler patterns usually photograph better.

 

WATCH THE WRINKLES



Steam or iron your outfits before you leave. Wrinkles are one of those little things that become way more noticeable in photos.

 

THINK ABOUT MOVEMENT



Flowy dresses, skirts, jackets and layers can give us a lot to work with. If something moves well, chances are I’m going to use it.

 

DON’T FORGET WHAT’S UNDERNEATH



Make sure bras, straps, underwear and undershirts work with the outfit before session day. Nude or seamless options are usually the safest if you’re wearing anything fitted or light-colored.

 

If you’re comfortable in it, can move in it, and feel good when you put it on, we’re already in a good place.

Young woman with long wavy hair in a pink lace dress poses with one hand on her head against a blue twilight sky at dusk.
Smiling high school senior girl in a green number 21 basketball jersey holds a Wilson basketball among tropical plants.
Smiling young woman with long blonde hair crouching in tall green grass on a sunny coastal dune under a bright blue sky.
Smiling young man in a navy blue suit and brown leather shoes stands on a sunny residential sidewalk lined with trees.
LET’S TALK COLOR

YOU DON’T HAVE TO STICK TO NEUTRALS.


Color can be one of the easiest ways to bring personality into your senior session, so please don’t feel like everything has to be beige, white or denim just because you’re taking photos.


If you love color, wear it.


The biggest thing is making sure the colors you choose work well together and make sense with the locations we’re using. A bright dress can look amazing at the beach. Deeper colors can look beautiful downtown or against greenery. Neutrals are great too — they’re just not your only option.


When you’re planning three outfits, I also recommend giving yourself a little variety. If every outfit is the exact same shade of blue, your final gallery can start to feel repetitive even if the clothes themselves are different.

CHOOSE COLORS YOU ACTUALLY WEAR


This is a paragraph. Click edit and enter your own text. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are.

BE CAREFUL WITH NEON


Really bright neon colors can reflect onto your skin and create color casts, especially around your face. If you love a bold color, something rich or saturated usually photographs better than true neon.




THINK ABOUT YOUR LOCATION


Your outfit doesn’t need to perfectly “match” the background, but it shouldn’t completely fight with it either. This is one of the reasons I like helping with outfits after we’ve talked about locations.




NOT SURE BETWEEN TWO COLORS? SEND THEM TO ME.

Sometimes the easiest way to decide is just seeing the outfits next to the locations we’re planning.


Wear color if you love color. Wear neutrals if that feels more like you. The goal is for your photos to still look like you when you look back at them years from now.

Group of women in pink dresses walking arm in arm along a sandy beach at sunset with a vibrant pink sky and oceanfront buildings behind.
HAIR, MAKEUP + THE LITTLE DETAILS


LOOK LIKE YOU — JUST A LITTLE MORE POLISHED.


Professional hair and makeup is completely optional.


If getting it done professionally makes you feel confident and takes one more thing off your plate, go for it. If you would rather do your own because that feels more like you, that is completely fine too.


The biggest thing I want is for you to still recognize yourself in your photos.


If you’re doing your own makeup, keep in mind that the camera can soften things a little. A touch more blush, mascara and lip color than you normally wear can photograph really well without making you feel overly done.


For your hair, wear it in a way you already know you feel good in. Your senior session probably isn’t the best day to try a completely new hairstyle for the first time.

A FEW THINGS THAT ARE EASY TO FORGET

NAILS

Your hands will be in your photos more than you think — in your hair, near your face, holding a jacket, sitting in your lap, holding props. They do not need to be professionally done, just clean and neat.

TOUCH-UPS

 

Bring anything you may want during the session: lip color, powder, blotting sheets, a brush or comb, hair spray and a few bobby pins or hair ties.

SELF-TANNER

 

If you use self-tanner, stick with something you already know and trust. The night before your session is not the time to experiment with a new one.

HAIR CUTS + BEAUTY APPOINTMENTS

 

Try not to schedule a major haircut, facial, brow treatment or anything else that could leave your skin irritated right before your session. Give yourself a little breathing room.

GLASSES

 

If you wear glasses every day and they feel like part of you, wear them. If you have multiple pairs, bring your favorites and we can decide what works best with each outfit.

FLORIDA HUMIDITY IS REAL

 

Hair may move. Skin may get a little shiny. That is normal.

Bring what you need for quick touch-ups and we’ll take care of things as we go. I also bring a fan to senior sessions because sometimes Florida needs a little help.


The goal isn’t to look like someone else. I just want you to feel like the best version of yourself.

 

WHAT TO BRING


PACK IT THE NIGHT BEFORE.


There is already enough going on the day of your senior session, so do yourself a favor and get everything together the night before.


You do not need to bring your entire closet. Just make sure you have everything you need for the outfits and looks we already planned so you are not scrambling at the last minute.

 

YOUR SESSION CHECKLIST

ALL OF YOUR OUTFITS




COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES

Bring each outfit on a hanger if you can. It keeps everything organized and helps prevent wrinkles.

 

Some locations involve more walking than others. You can always change into your actual shoes once we get where we are going.

 

JEWELRY + ACCESSORIES

BUG SPRAY

Bring the earrings, necklaces, bracelets, belts, hats, sunglasses or anything else you planned with each look.

 

Fields, trails and wooded locations can come with a few unwanted guests.

 

EVERY PAIR OF SHOES

 

WATER

 

Even if you are wearing comfortable shoes between locations, make sure the shoes for each outfit are actually in the car.

 

Especially during the warmer months. Florida heat is not the time to realize you forgot a drink.

 

TOUCH-UP ITEMS

ANYTHING PERSONAL TO YOUR SESSION

Lip color, powder or blotting sheets, a brush or comb, hair spray, bobby pins and anything else you may want between outfits.

 

Sports gear, your letter jacket, instrument, college tee, car keys, medals, books or anything else we already talked about using.

 

AND YES, YOU CAN CHANGE ON LOCATION.


I bring a portable changing tent to senior sessions, so you do not need to worry about finding a bathroom every time we change outfits.


I also bring a fan during the warmer months because Florida.


The less we have to think about once we start, the more time we get to spend actually taking photos.

Young man with curly hair in a burgundy leather jacket stands behind a chain-link fence with raised hands against a brick wall with graffiti
MAKE IT PERSONAL


BRING THE THINGS THAT FEEL LIKE YOU.


Your senior session does not have to be just you standing somewhere pretty in a cute outfit.


If there is something that has been a big part of your high school years, bring it. Sports, music, your car, your letter jacket, books, dance, cheer, art, your college decision — whatever actually tells me something about you.


These little details are what make your session feel personal instead of looking like senior photos that could belong to anyone.

Young woman with long auburn hair in a blue floral sundress sips from a glass soda bottle with a straw beneath a mossy oak tree.

 

A FEW IDEAS

 

Smiling volleyball player in a green number 15 jersey leans against a white wall holding a Tachikara volleyball outdoors near palm trees.

MUSIC + HOBBIES

Uniforms, jerseys, equipment, medals, dance shoes, cheer gear or anything connected to something you have spent years doing.

Smiling young saxophonist in a black suit and purple tie holds an alto saxophone while standing outside a stone building.

SPORTS + ACTIVITIES

Your instrument, camera, skateboard, books, art supplies or anything else you genuinely love.

Man with locs in a graphic tee and red shorts sits on the hood of a black Nissan Skyline R34 with a city skyline behind him.

YOUR CAR

If your car is your baby, bring it. We can work it into a few photos without turning your whole session into a car shoot.

Young man in a green t-shirt and blue cap sits on a pickup truck tailgate beside his smiling white dog on a dirt road.
Smiling young woman in a green USF shirt and denim shorts holds a green and white USF pennant, est. 1956, outdoors near a wooden fence.

SCHOOL + WHAT’S NEXT

SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL

Your letter jacket, school gear, college tee, acceptance banner or anything that celebrates where you have been — or where you are headed next.

A piece of jewelry, family item or anything meaningful you would love to have documented during this season of your life.

Young man in a green tee and blue cap sits on a pickup truck tailgate beside a smiling white dog on a dirt road.

 

BRINGING YOUR PET?

YES, THEY CAN COME TOO.

 

If your dog or pet is a big part of your life, I’m completely fine with working them into your senior session.


The easiest way to do it is to have someone come with you who can take them once we’re finished with their photos. That way we can get the shots you want without your pet having to stay with us for the entire session.

A FEW THINGS TO BRING

TREATS
Something they really love can help us get their attention when we need it.

WATER
Especially during warmer months.

A FAVORITE TOY
A squeaky toy can be really helpful if we need them to look toward the camera.

A LEASH YOU DON’T MIND SEEING
We may be able to hide or minimize it in some photos, but it’s better to bring one you’re okay with showing just in case.

AN EXTRA PERSON
This is the biggest one. Having someone there to hold or take your pet when we’re done makes everything so much easier.

If you already know you want your pet included, let me know ahead of time so we can make sure the location we choose allows animals.


We’ll get the photos, give them plenty of love, and then let them go relax while we finish your session.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT


OUR SESSION WILL FEEL WAY MORE RELAXED THAN YOU THINK.

 

Woman in a long pink ruffled dress walks along a paved path beside a green hedge and a weathered cedar shingle building.
Woman with long blonde hair twirls in a grassy field wearing a white lace top and flowing light blue ruffled maxi skirt.
Woman in a white dress walks across a quiet street lined with live oak trees draped in Spanish moss forming a shaded canopy.
Woman in a pink floral maxi dress walks barefoot through shallow water on a beach at sunset, with driftwood in the background.
Woman in a white dress and sandals sprays a champagne bottle beside two bronze dolphin statues on a sunny, tree-lined campus plaza.
Rider in a white shirt pops a wheelie on a black electric motorcycle along a paved road lined with palm trees and a green grassy field.
Young woman in a white top and denim shorts sits on large coastal rocks on a sandy beach with ocean waves and a soft blue sky behind her.
Two smiling young women in white dresses hug outdoors in a sunlit grassy field, one blonde and one brunette with a floral arm tattoo.
Smiling woman in a white lace dress sits on a sandy beach at twilight with vibrant pink and purple sunset clouds over the ocean.
Young woman in a black lace halter dress sits on wooden outdoor stairs holding a bouquet of bright pink carnations.
Young man in a white polo and khaki pants leans on a black pickup truck, holding a fishing rod on a tree-lined driveway.
Blonde woman in a white dress kneeling on a sunny grassy lawn, arranging vinyl records and albums in front of green pine trees.

Most seniors are a little nervous at the beginning, and that is completely normal.


We’ll usually start in your most casual outfit so you can ease into everything without feeling like you have to be “on” right away. I’ll keep things simple at first, give you plenty of direction, and let you get comfortable with me and the camera.


From there, we’ll keep moving.


We’ll walk, stand, sit, change things up, move between locations, and work through your outfits as the session goes on. Some photos will be more posed, some will have more movement, and some of my favorites usually happen somewhere in between.


You are never going to hear me say “okay, just do something” and leave you standing there trying to figure it out.


I’ll tell you what I need from you, make little adjustments as we go, and keep the session moving so it doesn’t start feeling stiff or repetitive.


YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE “GOOD AT PHOTOS.”


You do not need to know your best side.


You do not need to have practiced poses beforehand.


And you definitely do not need to worry about whether you’re doing something wrong.


If something needs to change, I’ll tell you.


By the time we get into your second or third outfit, you’ll probably feel completely different than you did during the first five minutes — and that’s usually when we start getting some of my favorite photos.


Come ready to trust me, have fun, and hear me say “yes queen” way more times than necessary.

 

FULL SENIOR YEAR CLIENTS

ONE MORE SESSION BEFORE YOU’RE OFFICIALLY DONE.


If you booked the Full Senior Year, we get to do this all over again in the spring — just a little shorter this time.


Your Cap & Gown Mini takes place at your school and is all about documenting the end of senior year. We’ll get the classic cap and gown photos you’ll want for announcements, family, and graduation, but we’ll also make sure they still feel like you.


Along with your cap and gown, bring one additional look. That could be a college tee, school spirit outfit, favorite dress, jeans and a cute top, or something that celebrates whatever is coming next.

 

WHAT TO BRING

Smiling graduate in a green and gold gown holds her cap while posing in a grassy field with trees in the background.

YOUR CAP + GOWN


Bring everything that came with it, including your cap, tassel, cords, stole, medals, or any other graduation pieces you’ll be wearing.

Woman in a white dress and heels poses in front of a green ivy-covered wall between yellow arched doors on a historic building.

ONE extra OUTFIT


Choose something that feels different from your cap and gown and gives us another little piece of your story.

Smiling young woman in denim shorts and green sneakers holds a green USF pennant while standing on a grassy path beside a wooden fence.

WHAT’S NEXT


College gear, an acceptance banner, school colors, or anything else you want to include.

The session is short and simple, so come ready to jump right in. We already know each other,

you already know how I work, and by this point you definitely know I’m going to tell you exactly what to do.


It’s one last chance to document senior year before you walk across that stage.

Smiling young woman in a black lace dress walks along a wooden beach boardwalk at sunrise, one arm raised, with the ocean behind her.

AFTER YOUR SESSION


NOW FOR THE BEST PART.


Once your session is over, you do not have to wait forever to see something.


I’ll send you a sneak peek within 24 hours because I know you’re going to want to see at least a few right away.


Your full gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks through a private online gallery. From there, you’ll be able to download your high-resolution images, share them with family and friends, and order professional prints and products directly from your gallery.


A FEW THINGS TO KNOW


YOUR SNEAK PEEK

Expect a few favorites within 24 hours. These are fully edited and ready to share.


YOUR FULL GALLERY

Your complete gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks.


DOWNLOAD + SHARE

You’ll receive high-resolution digital files with a print release, so you can save them, share them, and print your favorites.


PRINT YOUR PHOTOS

Your photos deserve to live somewhere besides your camera roll. Professional prints and products can be ordered directly through your online gallery when you’re ready.


HEIRLOOM ALBUMS

If you want the whole story of your senior session in one place, heirloom albums are available starting at $665.


WHEN YOU POST THEM...


Please tag me so I can see them, share them, and hype you up all over again.


@brittaniewilkersonphoto


Seeing you love your photos is still one of my favorite parts of this whole thing.

One Last Thing

YOU’RE READY.

 

By this point, you have everything you need to feel prepared for your senior session.


You do not need to memorize this guide or have every little detail figured out perfectly before we meet. We’ll talk through the final plan, and I’ll help with anything you’re still unsure about.


The most important thing is that you show up ready to have fun and trust the process.

’ll take care of the posing, keep us moving, watch the light, help with the little details, and make sure you never feel like you’re standing there wondering what to do next.


This session is about documenting who you are right now — your style, your personality, and this really big season of your life.


So come as yourself.


I seriously cannot wait to photograph you.


And yes, you will probably hear “yes queen” more times than you can count.

Smiling woman with long blonde wavy hair in a white dress kneeling in a grassy field at golden hour sunset with trees behind her.