Your senior photos shouldn’t be a stressful experience! From my experience as a Knoxville senior photographer, there are several common mistakes I’ve seen clients make. You can avoid making these mistakes at your session. Get my recommendations below.
One of the biggest mistakes I see seniors make is choosing the wrong outfits. Choosing outfits you feel confident in shows in photos. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, loose, or short. If you feel awkward in the outfit, you won’t appear as relaxed in the images. Flattering outfits are an important part of a stress-free experience. I help my clients with tips for choosing outfits so they feel comfortable when they step in front of the camera.
I highly recommend choosing pastel or neutral colors for your photos. These look great in almost any location from the fountain at Knoxville’s World’s Fair Park to the historic streets of downtown Maryville. Small patterns tend to distract the eye and create a strange optical illusion, so they should be avoided.
The most important factor in any senior session is the lighting. I encourage seniors to choose outdoor locations with access to plenty of light. Dark, forested areas can create unflattering shadows. That being said, we can still get photos of you in a location with trees. We’re just looking for a more open space for photos where trees aren’t completely surrounding you.
Always plan to show up early for senior photos. Your photographer will plan your session around the sunlight. This is typically around sunrise or sunset. If you don’t show up on time, you’ll lose valuable time with the best lighting. I always suggest that my seniors plan to show up 10-15 minutes early. You never know when an unexpected delay will keep you from arriving at the location on time.
When selecting a Knoxville senior photographer, pay attention to the style of their photos. Some have light and airy imagery, while others have a dark and moody style. Only reach out to photographers with the style you favor.
Additionally, the type of experience they offer may also differ. For example, I provide clients with a stress-free process from start to finish. Each senior client gets tips for location ideas, outfit tips, how to prepare, are guided through flattering poses, and can order optional high-quality prints online after the session delivered straight to their door.
August 11, 2025
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