Top 5 Tips for Stress-Free, Authentic Senior Photos From Your Trusted Twin Cities Senior Photographer

Senior year is such a milestone—and at MinneBrand Photography, we believe your senior’s photo session should be something to celebrate, not stress about. Whether your senior is camera-shy, full of ideas, or still figuring it all out, our experience-led approach creates a session that feels genuine, joyful, and personal—with a gallery you’ll love for years.

Here are our top 5 tips to help your family prepare for an authentic, stress-free experience that reflects who your senior really is:

1. Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

A successful senior session starts well before the camera clicks. Planning ahead means everything from finalizing your wardrobe early to taking care of your skin and hair in the weeks leading up to the shoot. Our clients receive a comprehensive prep guide filled with easy-to-follow steps, reminders, and helpful visuals.

✅ Pro Tip: We recommend laying out all wardrobe pieces (with accessories and shoes!) at least two days before your session. This gives time to steam wrinkles, polish shoes, and avoid any last-minute stress on shoot day.

2. Make Wardrobe Work for Them

What your senior wears can make or break their confidence during the shoot. Our wardrobe tips are built to help them feel like the best version of themselves—while also complementing the natural or urban backdrops we use for Twin Cities senior photos.

✅ Pro Tip: Stick with a signature color palette throughout your outfit selections. Neutrals with one or two consistent accent colors make the entire gallery feel cohesive and visually stunning, especially when creating albums or prints.

3. Choose Props That Add Personality

Props are an easy and meaningful way to tell a story. We love incorporating items that show off a senior’s passion—whether it’s an athletic jersey, a stack of favorite books, or a beloved instrument. Don’t worry if you’re unsure what to bring—our pre-shoot consultation is the perfect time to brainstorm together.

✅ Pro Tip: Consider interactive props like blowing bubbles, kicking a soccer ball, or flipping through a sketchbook. These not only highlight your senior’s interests but also help them feel more at ease during the shoot by giving them something fun to do.

4. Prep for Hair, Skin, and Nails

We’re not aiming for perfection—we’re aiming for confidence and polish. Healthy skin, fresh nails, and hair that feels like them (whether that’s a natural curl or a sleek ponytail) go a long way in creating timeless portraits.

✅ Pro Tip: Try a “dry run” a week before the shoot—have your senior wear one full outfit with hair and makeup done. Snap a few phone photos in natural light to see how everything looks together and make small tweaks if needed.

5. Trust the Process and Enjoy the Day

Even seniors who are a little nervous (or totally uninterested!) tend to warm up quickly during our session. With Dominic Joy behind the camera—a former educator who truly gets teenagers—every step of the session is guided, relaxed, and centered around your senior feeling comfortable and confident.

✅ Pro Tip: Give your senior a little solo time with Dominic Joy at the beginning of the shoot. Without parents watching, many teens open up and feel free to be themselves, which leads to the most authentic photos.

Want a session that captures more than a pose?✨ Come experience what it's like when planning meets personality and photography meets purpose.

📸 Visit www.minnebrand.com/senior-portraits to explore session options, view the portfolio, and start planning an unforgettable senior photo experience with someone who gets it.

Twin Cities Senior Photos that feel real, relaxed, and totally you.