5 Things to Know Before Your UTK Senior Photoshoot (Knoxville Photographer Tips)

1. What to Wear for Senior or Graduation Photos

As a UTK senior photographer, I have seen a ton of outfit choices from pearl dresses to jerseys to jeans. The most popular outfit choice is a classic white dress, but there is no ‘best’ outfit. However, I do have some tips for picking an outfit that feels like you. Make sure you can move easily. Test it out by sitting down and also lifting up your arms. There’s nothing worse than feeling restricted in your clothes, which could lead to you not being able to do certain poses you want. Try to bring at least one outfit with neutral solid colors. If your only outfit is a bright color or pattern, you may wish later that you had a few photos with a more timeless look!

2. What to Bring to Your Photoshoot

You’d be surprised at how many seniors forget to bring their cap and gown to their graduate photo session! Along with those, bring any stoles and chords you’ve earned from a sorority or extracurricular. My best tip is to bring a pair of comfy shoes to walk around campus in between shots. Those heels will start to hurt! I also love when grads bring champagne, confetti poppers, pom poms, etc.

3. Invite a Friend or Family Member to Your Graduation Session

If possible, I recommend bringing at least one friend or family member along to your senior session. Firstly, it is helpful to have another person help carry extra outfits, props or bags so that you can relax and not break a sweat. Secondly, it may help with any nerves since you’ll have a friendly face cheering you on. It’s great for them to shout out inside jokes to help you break into a candid smile that makes for great pictures.

4. Create a Moodboard for Your Ideal Senior Session

One of the best ways to maximize the potential of your senior session and ensure the photos turn out exactly how you imagined, is to first solidify the aesthetic you are aiming for. UTK campus is pretty big and there are so many locations to choose from. Do you want all the gorgeous architecture as your background, do you prefer locations with more nature, trendy photos in the library…? Most graduates want a mix of all, but it’s important to communicate your ideas to your photographer so nothing gets left out. Click the links below to see the Pinterest boards I’ve created to help you get inspired.

Inspiration for Timeless Graduation Photos

Inspiration for Trendy Graduation Photos

Inspiration for Group Graduation Photos

5. Be Intentional When Scheduling Your Senior Session

If possible, schedule your session early before the ideal dates get taken. You want to be intentional and consider the following factors instead of picking a random date-

• What does your class schedule look like? You don’t want your senior session to be the night before a big final.
• Will you be in town on a holiday weekend? Maybe try to pick a day when a lot of people will be out of town for a holiday. Campus will be way less busy!
• What do you want the scenery to look like? Do you want lots of flowers? You’ll need to schedule a shoot earlier in the spring and not late May

Looking for a Knoxville Senior/Graduation Photographer? Let’s Connect!

Love what you see? If you’re planning a senior session in Knoxville and looking for the perfect photographer, click here to contact me with any questions you have about pricing or reserving a date on my calendar! Go ahead and follow me on Instagram to make sure you don’t miss out on any new sessions, tips and updates.