Black and white portrait series showing different angles and expressions in a polka dot top.

The senior Style guide

The simple guide to ensure you feel confident going into your session.
Woman in white tee and wide-leg jeans holding a DSLR camera, posing playfully in a studio setting.

 

Hi, I'm ava


I’m a 2004 girl w/ a big love for photography & I’m so glad you’re here.


I believe your session should feel like an experience, not just a photoshoot.


  • Intentional locations
  • Styled outfits
  • & a vibe that feels elevated.


With a clear vision and thoughtful styling, your gallery will feel cohesive, elevated, and totally iconic.


This guide is filled with my recommendations & can be used as inspiration & a checklist. Get excited!


xoxo,

Ava

 

01

 

the vibes

 

go to outfits
A person in a white dress poses in a field of vibrant yellow goldenrod flowers on a sunny day.

field


Soft, nostalgic, and full of movement.



Best if you love natural light, movement, soft textures, & photos that feel candid and natural.



Think:

  • Flowing fabrics
  • Motion
  • Dreamy
  • Photos that feel candid
  • Nature/greenery


Delicate white lace summer dress with embroidered details, buttons and ruffled tiers features intricate floral patterns.
A couple's legs shown in romantic poses against a grassy field with boots and a white dress visible in golden sunlight.
Stack of folded blue denim jeans showing textured fabric and stitching details in close-up view.
Black and white fashion photo showing a cozy cable knit sweater paired with a light flowy skirt and knee socks.
Person in coral dress lying on grass in artistic outdoor photoshoot with natural lighting.
Delicate floral lace fabric in cream color with intricate embroidered patterns creating a romantic texture.
Someone stands in a golden field at sunset casting a long shadow across the grassy landscape.
Vintage-inspired white cotton blouse with peter pan collar and puff sleeves paired with classic blue jeans in outdoor setting.
Person in denim and cowboy hat lies in tall green grass field on a cloudy day.
Delicate white ruffled tulle fabric with intricate pleats and layers creates an ethereal bridal texture.
Person in cozy beige turtleneck sweater and white skirt relaxing on grass while wearing brown leather boots.

Field sessions photograph best when outfits feel soft, natural, and lived-in. The goal is an effortless, timeless look that moves with you.


Choose pieces with movement and texture. Lace, ruffles, satin, linen, and denim photograph beautifully in open spaces. Texture adds depth and keeps the images from feeling flat.


Hair that’s loose and natural fits the vibe best. Soft curls or a blowout work perfectly.


Footwear depends on the look you’re going for — barefoot for carefree, boots for edge or country feel, sandals, loafers, or flats for something classic.

Person in burgundy dress poses gracefully on grass during golden hour outdoor photo session.
Reminder:


- Colors set the tone of your photos

- Keep colors in the same world for a cohesive gallery

- Choose colors that make your features pop

- If your features look dull or washed out, skip it

CBUS Locations that match this vibe:

Buss Farms

Harvest Hills

Westerville Field

Someone in a white strapless mini dress and heels poses playfully on stone steps near classical columns.
A person in a white polka dot dress crouches by a black iron fence in a series of playful outdoor poses.

city


Clean, editorial, and full of confidence



City sessions focus on structure, contrast, and timeless architecture.



Think:

  • Polished outfits
  • Strong lines
  • A modern feel
  • Chic


Close-up view of black leather boots and lace-trimmed stockings against a light background.
Elegant black leather gloves with luxurious fur pom pom accessories arranged on white background.
Person in oversized denim outfit playfully posing on a crosswalk with brick buildings in the background.
Three pairs of brown leather baby moccasins with gold bow accents shown from different angles.
A person wearing sunglasses, white top and baggy jeans poses playfully on a European cobblestone street with buildings behind.
A series of photos showing a blonde updo hairstyle being styled with a gold hair clip from different angles.
Mirror selfie showing a sleeveless navy blue dress with pleated skirt and button details.
Close-up view of cowhide leather belts with brass buckles showing natural fur texture and patterns.
Person in black outfit and white socks sitting on sidewalk next to ornate building with multiple poses.
A fashion photo series showing a model in a red sweater striking dynamic poses against a white background.
A close-up sequence showing a person's arm wearing a beige sweater and white sleeve cuff with jewelry details.
Side profile fashion portrait showing black lace top, dark sunglasses, and heart-shaped earring in moody lighting.

City sessions give you a blank slate, which means contrast is key.


Start with a simple, clean base, then build from there. Structured and intentional pieces  add interest to your look. Leather, denim, fur, blazers, and subtle accessories instantly elevate an outfit.


Girly details still work downtown — lace, ruffles, and soft textures create a feminine contrast against the city.


The city is also the perfect place to add edge. Leather, boots, darker tones, blazers, and jackets balance softer elements and keep the look elevated.


Mixing feminine details with leather or denim always works.


Footwear finishes the look. Boots bring edge, heels elevate, and loafers or flats keep it classic.


Want something more casual? A street-style look like denim on denim with a pop of color in your sneakers is effortless and looks so good downtown.


A person in a navy blue strapless dress poses against a light-colored background in a series of casual portraits.

Supreme Court

Statehouse

Jeffery Mansion

City Hall

02

 

outfits

 

go to beauty prep

timeless


Go for timeless over trendy. Neutrals, simple patterns, and classics won’t feel outdated later. Elegant & outfits you’ll love for years

A collage of casual clothing items including denim jeans, white socks, burgundy flats, and a light colored sweater.

versatile


Outfits you can mix, layer, & move in give us more options. Pieces that can be layered & can work in multiple poses. More versatile = more photos.

A collage of fashion items including a black dress, denim shorts, black boots, a printed jumpsuit, and a denim jacket.

comfortable


You want to feel confident in your outfits. Nothing too tight, overly cropped, or pieces you’ll be adjusting. Breathable & easy to move in.

flattering


Choose colors that flatter you. Stick to tones that complement your skin and don’t wash you out. Does this match my location & vibe?

A collection of clothing and accessories including white tops, denim skirts, brown boots and gold jewelry arranged in a grid.
Reminder:

Pieces should complement each other, not compete. When your look feel connected, your gallery feels intentional.

A person stands in a modern living room wearing a white button-down blouse and dark midi skirt with classic black pumps.
Reminder:

Little details matter. Cute socks, jewelry stacks, belts, even your shoes. They’re what take an outfit from basic to styled. These pieces pull everything together, add personality, and give us those fun detail shots that make your gallery

Black and white close-up of small feet wearing white socks and dark mary jane shoes on grass.
03

 

beauty prep

 

go to details
A person lies on green grass during a golden hour photoshoot, creating a relaxed and joyful outdoor portrait.

Skincare



Leading up to your session do not try new skincare products. Skip anything that could cause irritation or unexpected breakouts. Stick to what your skin already knows and likes. Hydration is the priority. Well-moisturized skin photographs smoother, more even, and healthier.


I do recommend adding a little color or glow to the skin. If you plan to fake tan, exfoliate beforehand and moisturize before and after so everything applies evenly and fades well. Keep it light and glowy, nothing heavy or orange. A subtle glow always looks great on camera and helps your photos feel warmer & brighter.


Be mindful of tan lines, especially with strapless tops, off-the-shoulder looks, or open backs. Be mindful of tan lines, especially with strapless tops, off-the-shoulder looks, or open backs. Even tan lines are noticeable on camera and can limit outfit options.





Tip:

When choosing a spray tan, look for formulas with blue, green, or violet undertones to help cancel out orange tones.

Five black and white film stills show dramatic close-up shots of emotional expressions and interactions between people.

makeup



Think your everyday makeup, just slightly more defined. Stick with what you know works and avoid trying a brand-new look or trend right before your session. The biggest thing I notice in images is lips, so choose a lip product that adds color and hydration. Overall, aim for a fresh, clean, and polished look that still feels like you, not heavy or overdone.


Hair



If you get your hair colored or maintained regularly, try to schedule your appointment close to your session so everything looks fresh. Bring a light oil or smoothing spray for flyaways and frizz. Golden hour backlighting can highlight every little hair sticking out, so this makes a big difference. Hair should feel touchable and natural, not stiff or overstyled.






Tip:

Create a small bag to bring on session day. Lip gloss, hairbrush, & powder to get rid of shine.

04

 

Details

 

go to process
Woman in white ruffle crop top and light wash jeans poses casually against rustic building with string lights.

01 pay attention to your hands

Hands are your second face



Clean, polished nails always elevate your look, whether that’s a full manicure or just natural and tidy. Hands show up a lot in photos, so make sure nails are finished and photo ready.


Stack rings, add a bracelet or watch, give your hands something to wear. I love poses where hands are in the frame or lightly framing your face. Those details show up more than you think and they matter.


Quick checklist:


-Clean manicured nails

-Rings

-Bracelets

-Watch



A woman in a black strapless dress poses elegantly against a white stone column in a sunlit outdoor setting.

02 Quick Outfit Check

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Details Show Up on Camera



Wrinkles, lint, and little distractions show up on camera. Take a few minutes before your session to steam or iron your outfit and lint roll everything. It makes a bigger difference than you’d think and keeps your look clean and polished.


Also do a quick check before we start shooting. Bra straps, tags, and pockets can easily sneak into photos. Make sure straps are hidden, tags are removed, and pockets are empty so nothing pulls or bulges. These small checks save time and keep your gallery looking clean.



Quick checklist:


-Correct undergarments

-Wrinkle free

-Lint free

-No tags



05

 

Process

 

go to process
Woman in black dress walks through elegant stone archway corridor with wooden shuttered windows.
A person in a black top and light jeans dances and spins on a grassy hill with tall buildings in the background.

YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW HOW TO POSE.



THAT’S MY JOB.



You are never on your own during a session. I guide you the entire time. I’ll direct poses, movement, hands, posture, and expression so you never feel awkward or unsure of what to do.


We’ll do a mix of still, intentional shots and natural movement so everything feels relaxed and real, not stiff or forced. I’m constantly watching the light, angles, and overall flow to make sure we’re getting the most flattering shots possible.

A stylish outfit featuring a black top and white pants photographed on an elegant outdoor staircase at sunset.
A floral print peplum top with flutter sleeves shown in a sunny outdoor field setting.

get excited!



I hope this guide leaves you feeling excited and full of ideas. On shoot day, I’ll guide you through everything so nothing ever feels stiff or awkward.


Your only job now is to finalize your outfits, choose your setting, and show up ready to lean into the experience. If you need help deciding anything along the way, I’m here.


I can’t wait to create something elevated, effortless, and completely you.


See you soon!


xoxo,

Ava Christine

contact ava

 

follow me on instagram @avachristinecreative