Senior Session Prompts

Sarah Estes
Sep 19, 2023
2 min read

Senior sessions can be very intimidating but trust me the seniors are even more intimidated and uncomfortable. The first couple minutes I try to just talk to my seniors get to know them, and snag some static poses before jumping into some fun prompts.

Some of the main prompts I use are:

Walk towards me then walk away and look over your shoulder
Act like you have a tiny purse
Sitting Poses
Lean against something

These poses aren't as hard as some other prompts but it's a good way to get your subject to feel comfortable and forget that you're taking photos of them.

1. Walk towards me then walk away and look over your shoulder

This is a pretty easy prompt that I like to start with to get my subjects used to being in front of the camera and being comfortable. While they walk you can have them do various things! I ask them to look around and then look at me once. Sometimes if I'm feeling rambunctious I'll get them to do high knees.

2. Act like you have a tiny purse

This pose is very effective for a good headshot up close. I also like to get my subjects swaying and looking around to add some movement. All you have to do is hold your hands close to your upper belly like you're holding a tiny purse.

3. Sitting Poses

There are a thousand sitting poses you can do. When I do sitting poses make sure your subject isn't hiding their hands, slouching, or that you're getting a crotch shot. You can switch it up by sitting on one hip with legs to the side or legs up front and hands draping over their knees.

4. Lean against something

This is an easy pose that is great for a potential LinkedIn headshot. It makes them look professional and confident. This is also a way I like to use leading lines to make them the center of attention. If they don't know what to do with their hands have them cross their arms, stick their hands in their pockets or have one hand lightly hold the other arm.