The 3 Biggest Senior Photo Regrets (and How to Avoid Them)

Senior portraits are more than just pictures — they’re a snapshot of a pivotal moment in your life. But I’ve heard from so many seniors who look back wishing they’d done things differently. Maybe they waited too long to book, didn’t plan their outfits, or chose only a few photos and later wished they had more. You only have one senior year, you don’t need senior photo regrets!

I want to help you avoid those regrets so you can look back on your portraits with pride and confidence for years to come.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book Your Senior Portrait Session

One of the biggest regrets I hear from seniors is that they waited too long to book. When you wait, the best dates and times get snapped up, leaving you with limited choices. Plus, last-minute sessions can feel rushed, and you deserve time to enjoy the whole experience! The best time to book your senior photos are as soon as you finish junior year (or sooner!)

How to avoid this:

Reach out early — like, now! Popular locations and ideal lighting times fill up fast, especially during prime senior portrait season. Booking early means you get to pick the perfect date, location, and style that feels just right for you. Senior portrait booking should be early! Because I take a limited number of clients weekly, my senior portrait session availability goes fast.

2. Not Planning Your Wardrobe and Style Ahead of Time

I get it — senior year is busy, and it can be overwhelming to figure out what to wear. But not planning your wardrobe can lead to portraits that don’t quite feel like you or that leave you feeling uncomfortable in your own skin. Don’t let senior portrait wardrobe ideas be overwhelming!

How to avoid this:

Come prepared to your senior portrait consultation or consider the studio style closet. Take the time to think about your style and what makes you feel confident. Bring a few outfit options, mix textures and colors, and consider adding a hair and makeup session if that’s your vibe. I’m always here to help with what to wear for senior photos offering senior photo styling tips during your consultation, so you feel 100% yourself on the day.

3. Not Bringing a Meaningful Prop or Outfit That Shows Their Personality

Many seniors regret not bringing something that truly reflects who they are — whether it’s a favorite jacket, a sports jersey, a musical instrument, or a special keepsake. These personal touches make the portraits uniquely them and add layers of storytelling to the images. Even though you may not think it is important enough, I have a lot of senior portrait prop ideas. Personalizing senior photos is very important to telling your story.

How to avoid this:

Start thinking now about what represents you best. It could be a cherished item or an outfit that makes you feel unstoppable. Bring it along! These details create portraits that capture not just your look but your story — and those are the images you’ll treasure forever. You should have unique senior portraits all about who you are today.

Final Thoughts: Your Senior Portraits Should Be All About YOU. Why have senior photo regrets?

This is your moment to shine and be seen exactly as you are — confident, authentic, and uniquely you. Avoid these common regrets by planning ahead, booking early, and choosing options that let you tell your full story.

Ready to create senior portraits you’ll treasure forever? Don’t wait! Spots are filling up fast, and I’d love to chat about how to make your session perfect. Contact me today to reserve your date!