Portrait of someone wearing a navy blue polo shirt against a blurred natural background with golden bokeh lights.

The senior Style guide

The simple guide to ensure you feel confident going into your session.
Person in red sunglasses and jeans strikes playful poses against dark background in photo collage.

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.


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

01

 

the vibes

 

go to outfits
A person in a white button-down shirt stands thoughtfully in tall beach grass with the ocean visible in the background.

Nature


Soft, natural, and relaxed.


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


 

Nature sessions look best when outfits feel relaxed and natural. Think easy, everyday pieces that don’t feel stiff or overdone. The goal is a clean, timeless look that feels like you.


Choose clothing with some texture and structure. Denim, linen, light layers, and well-fitted basics photograph really well in open spaces and add depth without trying too hard.


Hair should look natural and clean. A fresh cut or light styling is perfect—nothing heavy or overly styled.


For footwear, stick with sneakers, loafers, or sandals. They fit the nature vibe best and keep the look casual and effortless.

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

Person in casual summer attire with black shirt and khaki shorts poses against two-toned brick wall.

Urban


Clean, confident, and bold.



City sessions focus on strong lines, contrast, and classic architecture for a bold, modern look.

Urban sessions give you a blank slate, so contrast is key.


Start with a clean base: jeans and a simple tee. Shorts and a button down. Joggers and a crewneck. Then layer with a sweater or jacket to add interest & texture.


Footwear keeps it effortless—sneakers or loafers work perfectly.


For casual downtown vibes, try a hoodie under a jacket to keep it relaxed and effortless.

Reminder:

- Casual can still look sharp—choose pieces that fit well & feel crisp. A sweatshirt & joggers work if they’re clean and intentional.

02

 

outfits

 

go to prep

timeless


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 Neutrals, simple patterns, and classics won’t feel outdated later.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

variety


Don’t stick to one look the whole session. Switch up styles or colors—for example, a sweater for one look and a button-down for another. Mixing it up gives your gallery more variety.

A person wearing a green sweater and khaki pants stands in a grassy field on an autumn day.

comfortable


You want to feel confident in your outfits. Nothing too tight 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?

03

 

prep

 

go to process

Skincare


Leading up to your session do not try new skincare products. Skip anything that could cause irritation or unexpected breakouts. The biggest thing I notice are lips looking dry, so choose a lip product that adds color and hydration.

Hair


Keep it fresh and natural. Hair should feel touchable, not stiff. Trim, shape, or shave facial hair a few days before—stray hairs show up on camera, so clean up edges, any stray eyebrow hairs between your brows, and light hairs on the chin or upper lip if you don’t have a full beard.

Person in black t-shirt leaning casually against outdoor railing during golden hour.

Details


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. Tags and pockets can easily sneak into photos. Make sure tags are removed and pockets are empty so nothing pulls or bulges.


04

 

Process

 

Black and white artistic photo series showing someone sitting on ground wearing Nike sneakers in three similar poses.
Person in a light blue hoodie smiling against dark wall 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.

A person in a white shirt smiles while sitting in a grassy field against a gray sky background.
Person in plaid shirt and jeans sits on brick wall surrounded by autumn foliage during outdoor photoshoot.

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.



See you soon!

contact ava

 

follow me on instagram @avachristinecreative