Your senior year is a special time—a moment to capture who you are before you step into the next exciting chapter of your life. So, it’s no surprise you want your senior photos to be flawless. But, there are a few common mistakes that can turn those picture-perfect moments into a disaster! Don’t worry; we’ve got your back! Here are the top five ways to ruin your senior pics, and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

As an Oklahoma Senior Photographer, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to make sure your senior photography experience is nothing short of amazing.

1. Get a Spray Tan the Night Before Your Senior Session

We get it—who doesn’t want that golden glow to make their skin pop in the photos? But if you’re thinking of getting a spray tan right before your senior photography session, think again.

Why Not? Spray tans need time to develop and settle. When you get a spray tan too close to your session, the color can end up uneven or blotchy, leaving you with unnatural tones that don’t show up well in photos. You want your natural beauty to shine, and an uneven spray tan can do more harm than good.

Instead, get your spray tan a few days ahead of time—at least 48 hours before your session. This will give the color time to settle and look more natural. Lightly exfoliate your skin after 48 hours to even out the tan, and make sure to moisturize to lock in that glow. Pay extra attention to areas like your wrists, ankles, knees, and knuckles, as these spots tend to collect more tanner and can make your skin look dirty if not properly cared for. Trust us, smooth, even skin is key to looking your best!

2. Get a Big Chop or Drastic Dye Job Right Before Your Session

New year, new you, right? You might be thinking about chopping off your locks or trying a bold new hair color to celebrate your senior year. While it’s tempting to switch up your look, making a drastic change right before your senior session is risky.

Why Not? If you end up hating your new hairstyle, it’s going to be immortalized in your senior photos forever. Changing your hair dramatically just before your session can also have unintended consequences on how your skin tone appears in photos. For example, certain hair colors can clash with your natural undertones, making your complexion look off.

Instead, save the big chop or dye job for after your senior session, maybe even for the summer before you head off to college. If you really want to freshen up your look, stick to your usual cut or color. A trim or a touch-up on your regular highlights will ensure you look like yourself without any unpleasant surprises. Your senior photos should reflect you, not an experiment gone wrong!

3. Try New Face Products the Weeks Leading Up to Your Session

Your skin is the canvas for your senior photos, so it’s important to take care of it leading up to your big day. But introducing new skincare products too close to your session can cause unexpected issues.

Why Not? New face products can leave your skin dry, irritated, or—worst of all—cause a breakout. And let’s face it, the last thing you want in your senior photos is an angry red rash or a sudden case of peeling skin. Your skin might not react well to new ingredients, especially if it’s something more intense like an exfoliant or chemical peel.

Stick to your tried-and-true skincare routine in the weeks leading up to your session. If you’re thinking about trying new products, do it well in advance so you can gauge how your skin reacts. Hydration and gentle care are key. Keep your skin looking fresh and natural without introducing any unnecessary drama before your session.

4. Don’t Read the Session Materials Your Photographer Gave You

Your photographer is here to make your senior photography experience smooth and stress-free. One of the best ways to ruin your session? Show up unprepared because you didn’t read the materials they provided.

Why Not? Your session materials are packed with helpful information to ensure everything runs smoothly. From what to wear to how to prep your face and nails, these guides are designed to help you feel confident and look your best on camera. If you skip over these materials, you might find yourself scrambling at the last minute, unsure of what to bring, wear, or do.

Avoid unnecessary stress by reading through your photographer’s prep guide carefully. Whether it’s tips on outfits, advice on how to avoid common mistakes (like those in this post!), or reminders about small details like nail polish and accessories, this information is here to help. When you’re fully prepared, your session will feel effortless, and you’ll have more fun focusing on the experience, not worrying about logistics.

5. Wear the Same Style and Colors Over and Over Again in Your Senior Pics

Consistency is important, but too much of the same thing can make your senior photos look boring and flat. Wearing the same style or sticking to the same color palette can prevent you from showing off the full range of your personality.

Why Not? Variety is everything when it comes to senior photos! If you wear the same type of outfit in every shot—whether it’s all dresses, jeans, or shorts—you’re missing an opportunity to showcase different sides of yourself. Likewise, sticking to a single color or style can make your photos look one-dimensional and less dynamic.

Instead, mix it up! Bring a range of outfits that highlight different styles. Maybe you want to go urban and trendy in one look, sophisticated and elegant in another, and then show off your casual, laid-back side in a third outfit. The goal is to capture the many facets of who you are. Play with different colors, patterns, and textures to create visual interest and make each shot feel fresh and unique. Your photographer can help guide you through choosing looks that complement your personality and the vibe you want to portray.

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Bonus Tip: Pick the Right Location!

Location, location, location! Oklahoma has so many stunning backdrops for your senior photos, whether you’re looking for a cityscape or natural scenery. As an Oklahoma Senior Photographer, we love using spots like the Paseo Arts District for its colorful, artistic vibe or heading to the Myriad Botanical Gardens for a lush, green setting. Choose a location that feels meaningful to you or captures the feel of your senior year.

Remember, your senior photography session is about capturing you at this special moment in your life. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to photos that you’ll cherish for years to come.

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Oklahoma Senior Photographer’s Top Tips

Your senior year is one of the most exciting and memorable times of your life. It’s a time of growth, change, and excitement about the future. Your senior photos should capture all of that and more! To make sure your photos turn out perfect, avoid these five common mistakes, and you’ll walk away with images that truly represent you and your unique personality.

At the end of the day, senior photography is about celebrating who you are, so take the time to prepare, get comfortable in front of the camera, and have fun with it! Trust your photographer to guide you through the process, and your photos will come out stunning. After all, this is your moment—enjoy every second of it!

Want more tips and tricks leading up to your senior session? Follow along on IG!

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:

“Senior Session Checklist”

“The Ultimate Guide to Flawless Senior Portraits”