Welcome High School Senior!
Congratulations on reaching your senior year! This is an exciting time filled with unforgettable moments and milestones. At Thistle+Oak , we believe your senior photos should reflect your unique personality, style, and all the memories you’ve made throughout high school.
We’re thrilled to help capture this special chapter of your life with stunning, personalized senior photography sessions. Whether you’re looking for classic portraits, adventurous outdoor shots, or something completely unique, we’ve got you covered.
Take a look around to learn more about our collections!
Choose a location.
Before we meet, let’s choose a location that captures who you are—whether it’s urban, natural, industrial, mountainous, or by the water. The setting you pick will help set the tone for our session, so consider the vibe you want to convey. Are you aiming for a classic, timeless look or a more modern, edgy feel? Your choice of location will also influence the clothing and props you’ll need. Let me know your preference, and we can find the perfect spot!
Hair and Makeup
Your senior portrait session is a great excuse to pamper yourself with professional hair and makeup services. It’s important to schedule hair and makeup appointments prior to your session to ensure you look and feel your best. Professional hair and makeup can help enhance your features and give you a polished look that will look great in your photos, as well as take the stress out of preparing. If you need help finding a hair and makeup artist, I partner with a large network of artists, and am happy to recommend someone!
Choose your clothes.
Depending on the collection you choose you will have 3 to 5 wardrobe changes. Your clothing choices can greatly impact the overall look and feel of your senior portraits. It’s important to choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. You’ll want to bring several outfit options to your session so you can switch it up and get a variety of looks. Consider bringing accessories that can add some interest to your photos. To elevate your look, consider adding a touch of your personal style. Incorporate favorite pieces like your go-to denim paired with a stylish blouse, jumpsuits, rompers, or a trendy graphic tee.
If you’re looking to avoid a big investment in a new wardrobe piece, consider renting from services like Rent the Runway, FashionPass, or Nuuly. These options let you wear stylish outfits for your session and then return them.
GIRLS – Long, flowing dresses or skirts are a great choice as they are universally flattering and look stunning on camera. These styles add movement and dimension to the photos, with maxi or floor-length dresses providing the best “twirl factor” and romantic vibe. They look particularly beautiful against natural settings like forests, fields, or beaches.
GUYS -I recommend bringing at least one long-sleeve button-up shirt in classic colors such as blue, black, or white. This timeless style always remains fashionable. Whether you decide to dress formally in a suit or not is completely your choice, but having at least one formal outfit is highly recommended.
Sports jersey and equipment
If you play a club or high school sport, be sure to bring your jersey or uniform and any key equipment to your portrait session. These items are a fantastic way to showcase what was important to you in high school and the dedication you put into your athletic career.
Musical instrument
Perhaps your interests lean towards the musical side. Why not capture a few photos with your instrument? These images always turn out beautifully and serve as a wonderful reminder of your skill and musical journey. Whether you prefer the photography studio or a musical theater of your choice (with prior permission, of course).
Books or other materials
Are you a straight-A student? Bring some of your study materials to highlight your academic achievements. If you love to read, include a few of your favorite books as props in your photos. Letter jackets are also a great way to showcase all of your accomplishments.
Four-legged friends
Whether you adore dogs or horses, there are plenty of ways to include your pet in your senior portraits. Discuss with your us —and your parents—how you can make your pets a part of your senior photo experience.
Sentimental items
Do you have a family heirloom or a personally meaningful item? Including these sentimental pieces in your senior photography session can highlight what matters most to you and make your photos even more special.
Personalized signs
A sign announcing your graduation year is a great prop to include in your senior portraits. These photos make for fun graduation announcements and give you a chance to have a little more fun!
Other things you can include: vehicles, balloons, confetti and other accessories.
