What Parents Do on Senior Session Day

Session day is all about your senior. You still have a place in it, and it’s an easy one.

This post walks you through the whole day, from hair and makeup to the Gallery Reveal. You’ll know when to join in, when to relax, and what comes next.

Quick Answer: Parents are welcome at every step of senior session day. You can sit in during hair and makeup, which takes about 1.5 hours at my home studio. You can stay for part or all of the session, which runs up to 3 hours. Two to three weeks later, you come back for the Gallery Reveal to see the photos together.

Before Session Day: Help With the Outfit Plan

Once your senior books, a Welcome Packet arrives in the mail. The month before the session, your family also gets senior prep guides and 7 prep emails. One of those emails includes the MBP What to Wear Styling Guide.

Outfits are a great place for you to help. Your senior picks outfits and sends me photos of each one. I give feedback so every look works on camera. You can help gather pieces and snap the photos.

There’s no limit on outfits. Most seniors bring 3 to 5.

For a head start, grab my free Senior Session Prep Checklist.

Hair and Makeup: Pull Up a Chair

Session day starts with hair and makeup at my home studio. It’s included for every senior at no extra cost. One licensed local artist does both, and it takes about 1.5 hours.

You’re welcome to stay for this part. Your senior should arrive with clean, moisturized skin and fully dry hair. The artist handles the rest. Read why hair and makeup is included in every senior session.

During the Session: Stay for Part or All of It

The session runs up to 3 hours. It starts about 3 hours before sunset, so the light gets better as we go. Most seniors get to 3 or 4 locations.

You can stay for the whole session or just part of it. Near the end, I take a few photos of your senior with the parent who’s there. It’s a few quick photos of the two of you, not a full family session. If you step away for part of the session, plan to be back for the end.

Most seniors have never had a professional session. That’s normal. Most settle in within the first few minutes. I guide every pose, so your senior never has to guess what to do.

If your senior wants a pet in the photos, you can bring them along. Every session ends with an interview with your senior. See the full senior session day timeline.

A Few Ways Parents Can Help

Bring water and a snack for your senior. Long sessions go better with fuel.

Let me handle the posing. Seniors relax faster when one person gives direction.

Cheer from the sidelines. Your senior will feel it, even from a distance.

After the Session: The Gallery Reveal

Two to three weeks later, you come back to the studio for the Gallery Reveal and Purchasing appointment. I call it the GRP. It takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

This is where parents play a big part. Everyone who helps decide what to order or how to pay needs to be at the GRP. If both parents are part of that decision, both parents need to be there. You and your senior see the gallery together for the first time. Every gallery has about 70 hand-edited images. Then you choose your favorites and the products you want.

Payment plans are set up at the GRP. Most families spread payments over 3 to 6 months. Learn more about what happens at the Gallery Reveal and what senior pictures cost in Lawrence.

FAQs About Senior Session Day for Parents

Can parents come to senior pictures?

Parents are welcome at every part of session day with Megan Bowers Photography in Lawrence, KS. You can sit in during hair and makeup at my home studio. You can also stay for part of the session or all of it. Near the end, I take a few photos of you with your senior. Most seniors settle in within the first few minutes.

How long does senior session day take?

Senior session day with Megan Bowers Photography in Lawrence, KS takes about 4.5 hours total. Hair and makeup comes first and takes about 1.5 hours at my home studio. The session itself runs up to 3 hours. It starts about 3 hours before sunset so we finish in the best light. Sessions happen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

What happens if it rains on senior session day?

Megan Bowers Photography in Lawrence, KS watches the forecast for you. You get an early heads-up and a check-in closer to start time. If rain cancels the session, it moves to the next available weekday with no fee. On windy or cloudy days, you choose whether to shoot. If rain stops a session partway, your senior gets a continuation.

When do parents see the senior photos?

Parents see the photos at the Gallery Reveal and Purchasing appointment (GRP) with Megan Bowers Photography in Lawrence, KS. It happens in studio 2 to 3 weeks after the session and lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. You and your senior see the gallery together and choose your favorites. Everyone who helps decide what to order or how to pay needs to be there. Payment plans are set up that day.

Let’s Plan Your Senior’s Session

I take 35 to 40 seniors each year, and most book 3 to 4 months ahead. Sessions run March through November. If your senior is Class of 2027, now is the time to reach out. I reply to every inquiry within 24 to 48 hours.