ASU Senior Photos: How to Prepare for Your Senior Session
Senior photos are more than a milestone—they’re a reflection of who you are at this moment in time. If you’re planning ASU senior photos in Tempe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the best time of day to what to wear and where to shoot.
Best Time for Senior Photos in Arizona (Lighting Tips)
Lighting is the most important factor in photography—especially in Arizona.
In Tempe and the greater Phoenix/Scottsdale area, the sun becomes extremely intense between 9am and 3pm. During this time, the light is directly overhead, which can create:
Harsh shadows under the eyes
Bright highlights on skin
Limited flexibility in location
Recommended Times:
Shortly after sunrise (soft, clean light)
1 hour before sunset (warm, golden tones)
Please refer to sunrise and sunset table here.
If midday is the only time available, sessions can still happen—we’ll simply focus on shaded areas and be more selective with locations.
Popular ASU Photo Locations:
Old Main at ASU – timeless architecture, brick buildings, a beautiful water fountain, and a classic starting point
Palm Walk - Tree-lined walkways and shaded corridors
Hayden Library - architectural, large steps
Art Museum - signature pink walls and unique design
ASU Library - modern and architectural
Farmer Education Builiding - surrounded by unique sculptures and rows of blooming hedges
Memorial Union - modern with deset plant vignettes
The campus offers countless beautiful vignettes, and I’m always intentional about incorporating florals and seasonal color to add depth and vibrancy to the images
What to Wear for Senior Pictures
Your outfit should feel like you—elevated, but still natural.
What Photographs Best:
Solid colors or subtle patterns
Neutral tones, earth tones, or soft color palettes
Well-fitted, comfortable clothing
What to Avoid:
Large logos or graphics
Neon colors (can reflect onto skin)
Wrinkled or overly busy fabrics
Choose skirt or dress lengths that allow for comfortable movement and sitting during the session
Make sure tops fit comfortably and provide the coverage you want, with undergarments staying seamlessly in place
Pro Tip: Bring a second outfit for variety—one casual and one more polished. For extended sessions, we can do up to three outfits (Business, casual, dressy)
Before Your Session:
Clean shoes (especially for walking shots)
Groomed hair and facial hair, haircuts should be scheduled a couple weeks in advance
Natural, polished makeup (if worn)
Bring touch-up items if needed
What to Expect During Your ASU Senior Photo Session
I’ll guide you through everything—from positioning to natural movement—so your photos feel effortless and authentic. You don’t need any modeling experience. If you have visual references or inspiration (Pinterest, saved images, etc.), I welcome them—collaboration is one of the best ways to create something truly personal and refined.
Including Family in Your Session
Senior photos are a meaningful milestone—not just for you, but for your family as well.
I always welcome the opportunity to incorporate parents or family members into a portion of the session. These images often become some of the most treasured, capturing this moment in a way that feels both personal and lasting.
We’ll typically include family photos at the beginning or end of the session to keep the flow relaxed and focused. From there, the remainder of the session is dedicated to individual portraits.
Optional: Professional Headshots
Many seniors choose to include a few professional headshots during their session—perfect for LinkedIn profiles, resumes, and future career opportunities.
These images are clean, polished, and slightly more refined than traditional senior portraits, while still feeling natural and approachable.
If you’d like to include headshots, I recommend:
A more tailored or structured outfit (blazer, button-down)
Neutral tones for a timeless, professional look
It’s a great way to leave your session not only with graduation photos, but also with images that support what comes next.
Final Thoughts: Creating Elevated Senior Photos
The best senior photos come from a combination of great light, thoughtful preparation, and intentional styling—your outfit plays a key role in the overall look and feel of your images
Book Your ASU Senior Photos
If you’re ready to schedule your session :
👉 Book Here