Chicago Senior Photos

Your Cheat Sheet for Epic Senior Photos

August 29, 2025

Hi, I'm Shalimar.
Chicago Senior Photography available in the city of Chicago, Evanston, Wilmette, Oak Park, Glenview, Park Ridge, Winnetka, Lake Forest, Northfield, Kenilworth
Learn more
arrow
Search
FREE DOWNLOAD
My Go-To Chicago Location Guide for Magical Senior Portraits
DOWNLOAD

Let’s be real – senior photo sessions should be fun, confidence-boosting, and totally YOU. But sometimes the nerves kick in and you’re left wondering: What do I bring? What do I wear? What if I trip over my own shoes?!

Deep breath, friend. I’ve got you covered! Here’s your ultimate Do’s and Don’ts cheat sheet to help you feel prepped and ready for your Chicago senior photos:

Your cheat sheet for epic senior photos in Chicago with award-winning Chicago senior photographer Shalimar B. Photography.
✅ DO this to shine during your senior session:

Pack fun outfits: Bring pieces that make you feel like your best self… Bold, comfy, and true to you.

Glow up your skin: Hydrated, moisturized skin makes a huge difference in how you feel and how your photos turn out.

Laugh it out: Nervous energy? Let it out with a good laugh. I’ll be cracking jokes the whole time, I promise.

Bring chill shoes: You don’t want to be hobbling between photo spots. Cute but comfy is the vibe.

Snack first: A little fuel goes a long way. Nobody wants hangry energy in their photos!

Bring your hype squad (1–2 max): The right people cheering you on = a major confidence boost. Just don’t bring the whole crew.

Be YOU: There’s no one else like you   and that’s exactly what we’re here to celebrate.

Your cheat sheet for epic senior photos in Chicago with award-winning Chicago senior photographer Shalimar B. Photography.
❌ DON’T do these things for your senior photos:

Rock crazy prints: They can distract from your face and date your photos. Keep it timeless and simple!

Try new products: The day of your session is not the time to test a new skincare routine. Trust me on this one!

Overthink poses: You don’t need to practice in the mirror. I’ll guide you every step of the way!

Break in new heels: Just… No. Your future self will thank you.

Show up hangry: See above about snacks. Just do it. 

Invite your whole class: One or two supporters = perfect. A crowd? Not so much.

Be a copycat: Let’s create something that feels like YOU   not like someone you saw on Instagram.

Your cheat sheet for epic senior photos in Chicago with award-winning Chicago senior photographer Shalimar B. Photography.

A lot of these things are covered in my client prep guides, so if you’re an SBP senior, you’re already a step ahead! I truly love photographing Chicago seniors, but hey, you can never have too many reminders, right?

And speaking of reminders… If you’re in the Class of 2026, this is yours: Now’s the time to book your session! Let’s create a senior photo experience that’s fun, relaxed, and totally YOU from start to finish. Click HERE and let’s start planning something amazing!

Shalimar B. Photography – Award-winning Chicago Senior Photographer

Wanna learn more about the senior photography experience at Shalimar B. Photography? Get the scoop on Chicago senior photos here & see what’s happening behind the scenes over on Instagram!

Your Cheat Sheet for Epic Senior Photos | Senior Photos in Chicago | Chicago Senior Photography | Chicago Senior Photographer

let's tell your story

I've photographed every personality type — the shy ones, the hams, the "I hate photos" crowd, all of them.

I know how to find what makes someone tick and pull it right into the frame. The goal is never a perfect pose.

It's a photo that looks so undeniably like you that you can't stop staring at it.

check availability

|

AI LLM

© 2026 - shalimar b photography

customized by pop impact

|

/ AI LLM