High School Senior Girl in flowing blue dress dancing on rooftop at sunset with city skyline behind her Young man in a light gray suit walking on a lawn in front of a large white mansion Portrait of a young woman with long brown hair posing among pink flowers in a garden Woman in a brown jacket and jeans smiles on steps surrounded by autumn leaves. senior girl in field with purple flowers Senior guy leaning against a brickwall in downtown Indianapolis. senior boy downtown indy at dusk senior boy swimmer at pool with splashes senior girl in grass senior boy in letterman jacket senior girls with leaf

Picture Perfect: A Guide to Senior Portrait Day

🎓 Grab Your Free Senior Portrait Guide!

Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Senior Portrait Experience

Your senior year only happens once, and your senior portraits should be just as unforgettable.

Whether you're just beginning to think about your senior pictures or you're ready to start planning every detail, my complimentary Senior Planning Guide is the perfect place to begin. Inside, you'll find expert advice to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your session. The guide walks you through every step of the experience—from planning your outfits and choosing locations to understanding the session process and preparing for the day of your portraits.

Unlike a quick Pinterest search, this guide is based on years of photographing high school seniors throughout Indianapolis and Central Indiana. My goal is to make the entire experience stress-free while creating images that truly reflect your personality and style.

Inside the Guide You'll Learn

  • How to prepare for your senior portrait session
  • What to expect from your consultation through ordering appointment
  • What to bring on session day
  • How to showcase your hobbies, sports, or personality in your portraits
  • Frequently asked questions about senior sessions

A Full-Service Senior Experience

At Kelly Dawn Photography, your senior portraits are never a one-size-fits-all experience. Every session begins with a complimentary planning consultation where we'll discuss your style, favorite locations, wardrobe ideas, and everything that makes you unique. Together, we'll create a personalized portrait experience that celebrates this exciting milestone. 

GUIDE

What to Wear

What to Wear Guide for Senior Pictures

One of the biggest questions every senior asks is, "What should I wear?" That's exactly why I created this comprehensive Senior Style Guide.

Choosing the right outfits can completely transform your senior portraits. The right wardrobe doesn't just look beautiful—it helps you feel confident, comfortable, and authentically you. Whether you're dreaming of a romantic nature session, a modern downtown look, or a combination of both, this guide will help you plan outfits that photograph beautifully.

Inside you'll discover:

  • What colors photograph best
  • How to dress for each season
  • Tips for coordinating outfits with your session locations
  • Accessories that elevate your look
  • Common wardrobe mistakes to avoid
  • Shopping recommendations for local and online boutiques
  • Hair, makeup, and nail tips
  • Real senior session examples for inspiration

From flowy dresses in wildflower fields to trendy outfits against downtown architecture, this guide will help you create a wardrobe that reflects your personality while giving your gallery incredible variety.

Download your complimentary What to Wear Guide and start planning the senior portrait experience you've been dreaming about.

LEARN MORE

Capturing Memories and Celebrating Achievements: Why Senior Portraits are a Must-Have

Capture the Moment: Your Senior Portraits

Senior portraits are more than just photos; they’re a rite of passage, a celebration of years of hard work, and a snapshot of who you are at this pivotal moment in your life. They mark the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. These portraits will be cherished for years to come, serving as a visual reminder of your journey and your achievements.

I love that senior portraits offer a unique opportunity for self-expression and creativity. It’s your chance to showcase your personality, style, and interests through a customized portrait experience. Whether you’ve always had a strong sense of self or are still finding your voice, your session will be tailored to reflect the real you, making it a meaningful way to express yourself before stepping into the next phase of life. Every portrait session I offer is designed to be a unique experience, capturing the essence of who you are.

Why Invest in Senior Portraits?

Senior portraits are more than just a snapshot—they’re an investment in quality and memories. They capture the essence of who you are at 18, preserving these special moments in a way that will last for decades. My portraits are printed using museum-quality archival inks and papers, ensuring they stand the test of time without fading or deteriorating. While they may cost more than a quick picture taken by a friend or family member, the lasting value and professional quality are truly worth it.

What’s Included in Your Session?

Every senior photography session includes a pre-session consultation to explore your vision and preferences, a fun and relaxed photo shoot, and expert editing to create a gallery of stunning images that you'll treasure for a lifetime. Let's create something beautiful together, capturing the essence of you at this incredible moment in time.

INVESTMENT

 

✨ Every senior session is more than just photos—it's a celebration of this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. From your pre-session consultation where we design your vision, to a fun and relaxed photoshoot, to expert editing and a personalized ordering appointment, every detail is crafted to tell your story.

At your ordering session, you'll select from heirloom-quality prints, wall art, albums, and digital collections. Each package includes a product credit that can be applied toward whatever you love most. The average client investment is $1,000.

The Senior Experience – $1,200

The ultimate senior portrait experience. Lasting up to 5 hours, this session includes professional hair and makeup, a short studio session, and multiple on-location shoots designed to showcase your unique style and personality. You'll enjoy unlimited outfit changes, couture gown rentals, and exclusive access to my style closet.

Includes a $500 product credit to apply toward digitals, prints, wall art, or albums.

✨ An investment in luxury, confidence, and unforgettable memories.

The Yearbook Experience – $700

Designed to capture your senior year from every angle, this package includes four 45-minute sessions scheduled throughout the year. Whether it's seasonal portraits, sports, hobbies, or special milestones, you'll have the opportunity to document every chapter of your senior year. Each session takes place at one location and includes up to two outfit changes.

After each session, you'll choose your favorite images and products to build a collection that truly reflects your journey.

Includes a $200 product credit to apply toward digitals, prints, wall art, or albums.

✨ An investment in documenting your senior year from start to finish.

The Signature Senior – $350

The best of both worlds, this package combines the variety of a full senior session with the flexibility of a second mini session later in the year. Begin with a Traditional Senior Session featuring two locations, up to four outfit changes, and plenty of time to create a diverse gallery. Then return for a 30-minute Mini Senior Session to capture another season, showcase a sport or activity, celebrate cap and gown season, or simply create a fresh new look.

Includes:

  • One Traditional Senior Session (up to 2 hours)
  • One Mini Senior Session (30 minutes)
  • $125 product credit to apply toward digitals, prints, wall art, or albums

✨ An investment in capturing every chapter of your senior year.

The Traditional Senior – $250

A classic session designed to give you variety without feeling rushed. This 2-hour experience includes two locations and up to four outfit changes, giving you plenty of time to create a gallery filled with different looks, backgrounds, and personalities.

Includes a $125 product credit to apply toward digitals, prints, wall art, or albums.

✨ An investment in timeless portraits you'll treasure forever.

The Mini Senior – $125

A short and sweet option for seniors who want just a glimpse of the experience. This 30-minute session takes place at Arbuckle Acres or downtown Brownsburg and includes up to two outfit changes.

Product credit not included.

✨ An investment in celebrating this milestone with beautiful portraits.

Schedule your consultation here

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

 
Kelly did a fantastic job working with me! She was fun, had great locations, and helped me feel confident with my photos. I loved the variety she offers and I will continue to choose her as my photographer!

—Samantha Oliver 

Class of 2025

GALLERIES

Woman sitting on a tree branch by a pond, surrounded by lush greenery.

SENIOR SESSION

Young woman in green graduation attire, smiling outdoors with trees and water in the background.

CAP AND GOWN