Many soon-to-be seniors stress about their senior photo sessions. 

Some start with picking their photographer. Keizel Rivera Lopez (11) scheduled his photo shoot day with Liz Sleper, a local photographer. He also began looking for inspiration and preparing his outfits and locations.

“Since it’s going to be in the summer, I definitely want to wear some warmer colors,” Rivera Lopez said. 

Rivera Lopez’s biggest concern deals with posing.

“I might get a little nervous on camera,” Rivera Lopez said. “Or I just might not know what to do.”

Maryn Hoefer (11) plans to take her photos in downtown Cedar Falls but still hasn’t decided on her outfits. 

“I have looked at other seniors’ photos and their outfits to get ideas,” Hoefer said. 

According to senior Alaina Bardgett, senior photos should represent who the person is.

“I made sure every outfit I wore was something that screamed Alaina,” Bardgett said.

One location that Bardgett found represented her was a record store. 

“Music is a big part of my life,” Bardgett said. “I really like collecting vinyls so going to a record store was a meaningful location for me.”

Bardgett thinks it is important to care a lot about senior photos.

“It’s a statement to show that your high school years are over,” Bardgett said. “It’s saying, ‘Bye, high school. See you later.’”

Natalie Beilby (12) found inspiration for her photos through Pinterest. For years, she kept a board with the vibe she wanted for her photos.

“I took pictures with my horse at my house, and I wanted pictures in a flower field,” Beilby said. 

Even though Beilby had inspiration, she still procrastinated prepping for her photos.

“I ended up not wearing some outfits I originally wanted because I put off ordering them,” Beilby said. “Just make sure you have time to prepare.”

Senior Abbey Zanker also agrees to plan early.

“I wish I had scheduled them (senior photos) earlier,” Zanker said. “People book photographers really fast.”

Zanker also thinks outfits for senior photos should be creative and unique to each person.

“You can do whatever you want for your senior photos,” Zanker said. “Don’t follow other people because it’s trending.”

Liz Sleper, photographer, finds that the best senior photos are genuine to the individual.

“What actually matters is that your photos reflect who you are right now,” Sleper said.

Sleper has a few tips to help seniors make their photos show their true selves.

“Bring your mom or a friend to your session for moral support and also to help carry your outfits, reapply lipstick, and comb your hair if needed,” Sleper said. 

Overall, seniors shouldn’t stress about looking awkward or silly during senior photos.

“Trust your photographer, lean into the moment, and let yourself be seen as you are!” Sleper said.