Welcome
To Your Senior
Planning Hub
Your senior year is a big deal, and this is where we start bringing it all together. You don't have to have everything figured out—that's what I'm here for. But the more you share with me about what you love, your style and what feels like you, the more I can create a session that truly reflects who you are.
Ready to start planning? Jump to the Steps ↓The more I know about you, the more your session can feel like you.
From the beach to downtown to your favorite spot.
Let's incorporate the things that matter to you.
You don't have to know exactly what you want for your senior pictures.
This hub will walk you through everything you need to know—from sharing a little about yourself, to getting ideas, choosing locations, planning what you'll wear and figuring out how we can bring the things that matter to you into your session.
Your job isn't to plan the entire session. It's to help me get to know you. The more I understand what you love, what feels like you and what you're envisioning, the better I can build a session around what you actually want.
Take it one step at a time. You'll also get emails from me along the way that tell you what to work on next and bring you right back to the part of this guide you need.
To Your Senior
Planning Hub
Your senior year is a big deal, and this is where we start bringing it all together. You don't have to have everything figured out—that's what I'm here for. But the more you share with me about what you love, your style and what feels like you, the more I can create a session that truly reflects who you are.
Ready to start planning? Jump to the Steps ↓Experience
The more I know about you, the more your session can feel like you.
Locations
From the beach to downtown to your favorite spot.
You, You
Let's incorporate the things that matter to you.
You don't have to know exactly what you want for your senior pictures.
This hub will walk you through everything you need to know—from sharing a little about yourself, to getting ideas, choosing locations, planning what you'll wear and figuring out how we can bring the things that matter to you into your session.
Your job isn't to plan the entire session. It's to help me get to know you. The more I understand what you love, what feels like you and what you're envisioning, the better I can build a session around what you actually want.
Take it one step at a time. You'll also get emails from me along the way that tell you what to work on next and bring you right back to the part of this guide you need.
A Few Common Questions
You don't need to have everything figured out before we start. Here's what I actually need from you—and what I'll help you with along the way.
Do I need to have everything figured out before we start?
Not at all! That's what I'm here for. I'll help with locations, outfits, timing and all the little details along the way.
Your job isn't to plan the session—it's to help me get to know you. Tell me what you love, what you don't, what feels like you and what you're envisioning. I'll use all of that to help bring your session together.
Why do I need to complete the Questionnaire + Style Quiz?
Because I want your senior pictures to feel like you—not like a session I could have planned for anyone.
The Questionnaire + Style Quiz help me get to know your personality, style, interests and what you're drawn to before we meet. That means I can come to your Planning Consult already thinking about locations, outfits and ideas that make sense for you.
It should only take about five minutes, but it makes a huge difference in how personalized we can make your session.
Does my senior need to attend the Planning Consult?
She is absolutely welcome to, but she doesn't have to! Mom and I can handle the Planning Consult together.
This is another reason the Questionnaire + Style Quiz are so important. Even if your senior can't be at the consult, I've already heard directly from her about her personality, style, interests and what she wants from her session.
What if I have no idea what I want to wear?
That's completely fine—and very normal. You don't need complete outfits picked out before we meet.
Start noticing what you already love and feel great in. We'll work through the options together, and I'll help you create variety and make sure your outfits work with your locations and the overall feel we're creating.
What if I feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera?
You don't need to know how to pose, where to look or what to do with your hands. That's my job.
I'll direct you through the entire session so you're never standing there wondering what to do. We'll keep things moving, have fun with it and create images that still feel natural and like you.
From Booked to Session Day
Your Senior Session Timeline
Here's the big picture of what happens between now and your session.
I'll keep you on track every step of the way.
View the Full Timeline
Close Timeline
You're Booked!
Start Exploring
Your Planning Hub is ready whenever you are.
6–4 Weeks Before
Plan Your Session
Consult, questionnaire, inspiration + outfits.
3–4 Weeks Before
Planning Consult
We'll create your outfit, location + session plan.
3 Weeks Before
Pull It Together
Finalize outfits + gather the special details.
2–1 Weeks Before
Get Session Ready
Beauty, grooming + final outfit checks.
1–2 Days Before
Pack It Up
Steam, pack + get ready for hair and makeup.
Session Day 🎉
Show Up + Enjoy It
The planning is done. I'll take it from here!
2–3 Weeks After
See Your Photos
Your Ordering Appointment + the really fun part.
No need to memorize this.
I'll email you along the way and let you know exactly
what needs your attention and when. ❤️
From Booked to Session Day
Your Senior Session Timeline
Here's the big picture of what happens between now and your session. You don't need to remember any of it—I’ll keep you on track along the way.
Swipe to see the full timeline →
Your Planning Hub is ready whenever you are.
Consult, questionnaire, inspiration + outfits.
We'll create your outfit, location + session plan.
Finalize outfits + gather the special details.
Beauty, grooming + final outfit checks.
Steam, pack + get ready for hair and makeup.
The planning is done. I'll take it from here!
Your Ordering Appointment + the really fun part.
No need to memorize this. I'll email you along the way and let you know exactly what needs your attention and when. ❤️
Watch This First
A quick four-minute walkthrough of everything below.
Your Quick Start Guide
In a Hurry? Here's the Short Version.
You don't need to tackle everything at once. Start where you are, and I'll let you know when it's time for the next step.
Before You Do Anything Else Book Your Planning Consult →Want all the details? They're here when you need them, but there's no need to read ahead. I'll keep you on track every step of the way.
This is your home base. Outfit help, locations, hair + makeup, what to bring, where to go and all those little details are here. If you have a question along the way, check your Hub first—there's a very good chance I've answered it for you. ❤️
Okay, but seriously... open every step + read the whole thing. 😉
HERE'S HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE:
Below you'll find six steps that walk you through everything you need to do between now and session day. Open each step and read it all the way through. Some you'll work on now, and others you'll come back to as your session gets closer. I'll email you along the way to let you know when it's time for the next one.
Let's Make This Feel Like You.
Start with these first three steps. Open each one, read it all the way through, and complete what's inside before your Planning Consult.
Before You Do Anything Else
Book Your Planning Consult
Your Planning Consult is where we'll bring your outfits, locations and ideas together.
Plan to schedule it about 4–5 weeks before your session. That gives you plenty of time afterward to shop, pull outfits together and make any final decisions without feeling rushed.
Already closer than that? No stress—we can usually make it work up to two weeks out.
Book Your Planning Consult →Can't find a time that works with your schedule? Email me or text me and we'll find one that does.
Already booked? Perfect. Start with Step 1 ↓
01 Let's Get to Know You Questionnaire + Style Quiz
This is where it all starts! There are two quick things to fill out before we meet:
Your To-Do
Complete Your Personality Questionnaire
This one's linked straight to your profile in my system, so the very first question asks who booked your session and their phone number. That's simply how everything on my end gets tied together.
Plan on about 5 minutes. It doesn't save your progress, so set aside a few minutes to go through it all in one sitting.
Take Your Style Quiz
This only takes a few quick minutes and helps me get a feel for your aesthetic, your colors and your vision for session day.
02 Gather Inspiration Save the colors, locations + ideas you love
Now for the fun part. You're not making any final decisions yet. You're simply saving the things you're drawn to so we have a starting point for your Planning Consult.
Your To-Do
Start With Your Style Quiz Results
If you've completed Step 1, you should already have your Style Quiz results. They'll give you a starting point for colors that work beautifully with your skin tone, fashion ideas and the overall style you're drawn to.
Keep those results in mind as you browse the KHP Pinterest Planning Guide. You'll find different colors, outfit ideas and overall looks to help you start figuring out what feels most like you.
Browse Locations + Save Your Favorites
Take a look through my Location Guide and save a few places that catch your eye. Screenshot them, jot down the names or save the pages—whatever is easiest for you.
Don't worry about whether they'll work together or which one is “the one.” We'll figure out the best locations for your outfits, style and session during your Planning Consult.
Save Anything Else That Feels Like You
Outfits. Colors. Poses. Movement. Hair + makeup. Sports. Hobbies. A certain mood or feeling. Even one tiny detail you love.
Screenshot it, pin it or save it to your phone—whatever is easiest. The goal isn't to copy someone else's session. It's simply to help me see what you're drawn to.
Extra Credit 😉
Want to keep exploring?
My full Pinterest is packed with even more senior inspiration. Browse as much—or as little—as you'd like and save anything that catches your eye.
03 Plan Your Look Start pulling outfit ideas that feel like you
Your outfits are a huge part of creating variety in your session, but you do not need to have everything figured out before your Planning Consult. Right now, start pulling together possibilities so we have plenty to work with when we meet.
Your To-Do
Start in Your Own Closet
Pull the things you already own that make you feel really good the second you put them on. Your favorite jeans, the sweater you always reach for, a dress you love, a great skirt or anything else that already feels completely like you.
Don't worry yet about whether something is “senior picture worthy.” If you love yourself in it, pull it.
Think Variety
Instead of finding several versions of the same outfit, start looking for pieces that give us different looks throughout your session.
- Jeans + a favorite top or sweater
- A short dress or skirt
- A long dress or something with movement
- A mix of casual + dressier looks
- Different colors, textures and silhouettes
Pull More Than You Think You'll Need
Don't narrow things down too much yet. Pull your favorites, take screenshots of anything you're considering buying and keep the possibilities open.
During your Planning Consult, I'll help you look at how everything works together—your outfits, colors, locations and the overall feel of your session.
Extra Credit 😉
Need a little more outfit inspiration?
I've put together lots of help below—from my complete What to Wear Guide to real senior outfit inspiration and the KHP Style Closet. Browse as much—or as little—as you need.
Tap in to browse. Pick any image you love and it'll pop up larger so you can really see it.
Location HUB
5 things to never do before your senior session
5 Mistakes to avoid for your senior session
Top 10 locations- Location inspiration
Best Senior photos of 2023
- session inspiration
Help! I don't know what to wear for senior pictures!
Tips to start your session outfit planning
More posts
Need some extra guidance?
We've Got the Big Decisions Made.
Now it's about pulling everything together. I'll keep guiding you as session day gets closer.
The Countdown Is On.
Come back to these steps as your session gets closer. I'll email you along the way and let you know exactly when each one needs your attention.
04 Pull Everything Together Finalize outfits + gather your special details
We're about three weeks out, which means it's time to take everything we talked about during your Planning Consult and start pulling it all together. No rushing—this is simply the time to get organized while there's still plenty of breathing room.
Your To-Do
Finalize Your Outfits
Turn the outfit ideas from your Planning Consult into your actual session wardrobe. Try everything on together—including shoes, undergarments and accessories—so you know the whole look works.
If we talked about sending me final outfit photos, this is the perfect time to send them.
- Shoes for every outfit
- The right bra + undergarments
- Strapless or adhesive options if needed
- Jewelry + accessories
- Belts, socks, layers or jackets
- Anything else we talked about during your Planning Consult
Order Anything You're Missing
Missing shoes? Need the right bra, jewelry, accessories or one last piece to finish a look?
Order it now—not the week of your session. 😉
That gives you plenty of time for shipping, exchanges or a backup plan if something doesn't work the way you expected.
Gather the Things That Tell Your Story
Start pulling together anything meaningful we talked about including—sports gear, instruments, your class ring, letterman jacket, a favorite book, your car, sentimental pieces or anything else that feels like you right now.
Have a new idea since our Planning Consult? Text me. We can absolutely update the plan.
These don't have to be big “props.” Sometimes the smallest things—a necklace, a book, a jersey or something you've had forever—are what make your senior photos feel the most personal years from now.
05 Get Session Ready Beauty, grooming + your final details
The big decisions are made and your outfits are coming together. Now it's time for the little things that help you feel polished, comfortable and completely like yourself when session day arrives.
- Hair: If you're due for your normal cut, color or root touch-up, now is a great time. Stick with what you know and love—this isn't the moment for a dramatic new cut or color.
- Brows: Tweeze, wax or shape them with enough time for any redness or irritation to settle before your session.
- Nails: Keep them neat and clean. If you're polishing them, choose something that works with all of your outfits and make sure there's no chipped polish. Don't forget your toes if they'll show with any of your shoes.
- Skin + lips: Keep doing what normally works for you. Don't introduce new skincare products, peels or treatments right before your session. About 3–5 days before your session, gently exfoliate your skin + lips so everything is smooth and ready for makeup.
- Tanning: Be extra careful about new tan lines and avoid laying out or using a tanning bed during the week before your session. Skip experimenting with self-tanner. If you choose a spray tan, stick with a professional you've used before and already know you love.
- Grooming: Plan any shaving or grooming around the outfits you're wearing— especially legs and underarms if you'll be wearing dresses, skirts, tanks or sleeveless tops.
- Glasses: If you'll be wearing glasses in your photos, contact your optometrist now and ask whether they can temporarily remove your lenses or let you borrow a pair of empty frames for your session. We'll always do our best to avoid glare, but sometimes it's unavoidable.
- Hydrate + take care of your lips: Drink plenty of water and use lip balm regularly so your lips aren't dry or peeling on session day.
Don't pick at it or suddenly throw every skincare product you own at it. Keep things gentle and let me handle the little temporary things in retouching.
Start saving a few hair + makeup inspiration photos to your phone. You don't need to find the perfect look—a few examples of what you love will give your artist a great starting point, and she'll help create something that works beautifully for you.
Doing Your Own Hair + Makeup? 💄 Click here for my photo-friendly hair + makeup tips
If your session doesn't include professional hair + makeup, no worries! Here are a few tips + tricks to help make sure you feel fabulous and your makeup photographs beautifully.
Remember, the camera and outdoor light can soften makeup a little, so you'll usually want slightly more definition than you wear on a normal day. You don't need heavy makeup or need to look like someone you're not—we just want your features to still show beautifully on camera. ❤️
- Choose a foundation or base without SPF if possible. Some SPF-containing complexion products can photograph more reflective or create flashback, especially when flash is used. For session day, I recommend using a foundation or base you already know and love that doesn't contain SPF.
- Keep your colors natural to YOU. Think about your skin tone, eye color and the shades you already know look beautiful on you. Rather than experimenting with a trendy color you've never worn, look for inspiration that complements your coloring. Pinterest is a great place to search things like makeup for blue eyes, makeup for brown eyes or ideas for your specific skin tone.
- Make sure your foundation matches your skin tone. Blend it well through your jawline and into your neck so your face and body photograph as one consistent tone.
- Give your features a little extra definition. A touch more blush or bronzer, defined eyes and some lip color can keep your features from getting lost on camera. Think slightly more polished than your everyday makeup, not dramatically different.
- Choose a natural or matte finish. A little glow is beautiful, but avoid an extremely dewy base, lots of glitter or highly reflective products. We can always add glow where we want it—we don't want unwanted shine taking over.
- BRING YOUR POWDER! This is the big one. 😉 Bring translucent or pressed powder with you so we can touch up your forehead, nose and chin throughout the session. Florida heat + humidity happen, and powder is one of the easiest ways to keep you looking fresh.
- BRING YOUR LIP COLOR OR GLOSS TOO! Lips are one of the first things that may need a touch-up, especially after changing outfits, drinking water or snacking.
- Stick with products you already know + love. Session day isn't the time to try a brand-new foundation, skincare product or completely different makeup look. We want you to feel comfortable and still look like yourself.
- Style your hair in a way you already know and love. This isn't the day to fight your natural hair or try to make it do something it never wants to do. 😉
- If you know your hair doesn't hold curl well or struggles with Florida humidity, keep that in mind when choosing your style. There's a good chance it'll behave the same way on session day, so choose something that works with your hair rather than against it.
- Bring anything you may need for touch-ups— a brush or comb, extra hairspray, bobby pins, clips or your usual styling products.
Most importantly, you should still look like YOU. These aren't rules about how much makeup you have to wear. They're simply little tricks that help the makeup and hair you already love translate beautifully to photographs.
- Do one final outfit try-on. Make sure every outfit still feels great and that you have the correct shoes, undergarments and accessories for each look.
- Send me anything I still need to see. If we planned on a final outfit check or you changed something since your Planning Consult, send it over now.
- Steam or iron your clothes. Don't wait until session day to discover something needs more attention than you expected.
- Put outfits on hangers. Swivel-hook hangers are especially helpful because they work beautifully on my garment rack.
- Keep jewelry + accessories with the right outfit. Small bags clipped or hung with each outfit make everything much easier when we're changing looks.
- Gather your meaningful extras. Pull together the sports gear, instruments, class ring, sentimental items or other details we decided to include. If there's something else you love that feels like you right now, bring it too!
06 Pack + Show Up 🎉 Your final checklist + session day details
You're almost there! At this point, all the planning is done. Use this as your final checklist, get everything together, and then your only job is to show up and enjoy it.
Screenshot this or print it out and check things off as you pack.
- Every outfit on a hanger Swivel-hook hangers are best. Skip plastic hangers if you can, and please skip garment bags too.
- Jewelry + accessories with each outfit Put jewelry and accessories for each look into a small plastic baggie and attach it right to that outfit's hanger. Everything stays together and the little details don't get forgotten in the rush of session day.
- Shoes for every outfit
- Nude/seamless bra + underwear
- Strapless or adhesive coverage if needed
- Everything steamed or ironed
- Optional backup outfit If you want to bring an extra outfit just in case, go for it! There's no pressure to actually wear it if it doesn't feel right that day.
- Translucent powder
- Favorite lip color or gloss
- Hairspray + bobby pins
- Brush or comb
- Safety pins + fashion tape
- Hair tools or accessories if needed
- Hair + makeup inspiration photos saved on your phone
- Sports gear, instruments, class ring + meaningful items we're using And if there's something else you love or that feels like you right now, bring it! It doesn't have to be something we planned ahead of time.
- Deodorant
- Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
- Snacks
- Bug spray
- Mom's letter ❤️
- Put everything together in one place.
- Double-check outfits, shoes, accessories + meaningful extras.
- Make sure your hair + makeup inspiration photos are saved on your phone.
- Charge your phone.
- Eat a good dinner, hydrate and get some sleep!
- Don't pick at your skin or try any last-minute beauty treatments.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you can settle in and we can start on time.
- Arrive with completely dry hair unless your artist has told you otherwise.
- Come with a clean, moisturized face and no makeup.
- Wear something easy to change out of without pulling it over your finished hair + makeup. A button-down or zip-up is perfect.
- Have a few hair + makeup inspiration photos saved on your phone to show your artist.
Hair and makeup can shift a little with humidity and weather. Don't stress—we've got it covered.
1520 Longleaf Pine Pkwy, Suite 12
St. Johns, FL 32259
Go ahead and save this address in your phone/GPS now so it's ready for session day.
- Eat before we start. It's going to be a long, fun day and you'll feel so much better if you've eaten.
- Bring someone who can help with outfit changes, carry things and keep an eye on your belongings.
- Give yourself plenty of travel time.
- Keep your phone nearby. I may text you if weather, parking or our starting location changes.
- Feeling under the weather? Call or text me as soon as possible so we can figure out the best plan.
You don't need to walk in feeling confident or knowing how to pose. Confidence comes while we're shooting—that's what I'm there for. I'll guide you through everything.
Frequently asked questions
How long does my session take?
We offer two session types, a two-hour session and an approximately four-hour session, depending on which one you booked. The four-hour session includes hair and makeup, so we usually block out about six hours of your day total to cover everything. The two-hour session doesn't include hair and makeup, so it's just the two hours.
The four-hour session typically covers about four locations, while the two-hour session sticks to one or two locations close together.
How many outfit changes can I do?
It depends on your session length. The four-hour session usually includes six to eight outfits, and the two-hour session usually includes two to three, sometimes four, depending on how much time we have.
Do I need to get my hair and makeup done professionally?
If you booked the Luxe session, hair and makeup is included. If you booked the two-hour session, it's not, but you're welcome to add it on, just reach out and I'll connect you with the person I normally use. It really does help take the stress off session day.
That said, you don't need to get hair and makeup done at all, plenty of clients do their own. Check out Step 05: Get Session Ready in this guide for some general tips either way.
Do I have to get my nails done?
Nope, not at all! If you do want to get them done, keep it classic, a simple, timeless color always photographs best. If you'd rather skip it, that's completely fine too, just remove any old polish beforehand. Clean, bare nails photograph just as beautifully as a fresh manicure.
Either way, steer clear of anything trendy or bold. Your nails will be in your photos, and you don't want them clashing with your outfit, think red nails under a yellow dress. Classic and simple never goes out of style.
No press-ons, no last-minute nail experiments, just do what you'd normally do. Don't let this be something you stress over, it really isn't a big deal. See more tips in Step 05: Get Session Ready.
Can my family or friends come to my session?
We'll chat through this at your Planning Consult, sometimes it's helpful, sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, so we'll figure out what's right for you. A parent should always be with us for the session. If you'd like a friend there too, I usually suggest just one.
Can I bring my pet?
Your pet is welcome to come, though most pets don't love being out for the full two or four hours. It usually works best if someone can bring them toward the end of your session, or you save them for your cap and gown session later in the year. We'll talk through it at your Planning Consult so we have a plan.
What if it rains or the weather doesn't cooperate?
Florida weather can be unpredictable. Weather calls are sometimes made right up until the last minute, so we'll stay in touch and land on a plan together based on your schedule. I usually start talking weather about seven days out, then again at 48 hours, 24 hours, and the morning of, so you'll hear from me more than once if it's looking iffy.
What if I feel sick?
Please let us know as soon as you can. We'll notify your hair and makeup artist right away if needed, and if it comes on suddenly and you're just not up for it, that's completely fine, we'll get you rescheduled.
What if I need to reschedule?
For anything outside of weather or feeling sick, we just ask for at least a week's notice so we can find a new date that works.
When will I see my photos?
You'll get a sneak peek on Instagram about a week or so after your session, then we'll get together for your ordering appointment about two to three weeks after your session date.
If your session is coming up soon, go ahead and get that ordering appointment on the calendar now. Just email or text me at kelleenhitephoto@gmail.com or 1-904-506-7588 , or book it here to grab a time yourself.
What if I have other questions?
Jot them down! We'll go through everything together at your Planning Consult, it's a great way to put all the little things together.
What's next?
You'll get a sneak peek on Instagram about a week after your session, then we'll meet up for your ordering appointment two to three weeks after that.
Head over to the Post-Session Hub any time to see everything for what comes next, your gallery, ordering, booking your appointment, all of it.
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