Hi! I'm Megan!
It's your SENIOR year!
This is your time to shine!
I am so glad I get to play a role in such a special time of your life. I absolutely love specializing in senior photos! This year is such a special one and I think it's so important to capture who you are during this time. My goal is for you to be as comfortable in front of the camera as possible and really allow you to show your true personality with me! During this time I want to be your biggest hype girl and incorporate everything you've envisioned for your senior photos.
Warmly,
Megan Hughes
WHAT THIS GUIDE ENTAILS!
This guide includes everything you could possibly need to plan your senior session! The first half includes all the fun details on how to plan your outfits, helpful makeup tips, and props you might want to include. The second half is my full location guide where you'll be able to take a look at all of my favorite spots! By the end of this guide you can let me know which spots you are thinking and we can get every detail regarding your session mapped out to a tee!
YOU'RE BOOKED! NOW WHAT?
Some Questions to think about..
- What is your overall vibe for your senior pictures?
- Do you prefer a more rural feel (think nature, flowy grass, water, flowy dresses) or more of an Urban feel? (think city vibes, skyscrapers, busy streets)
- Orrr would you prefer a mix of both?!
- Is there a specific location you want that needs to be booked in advance?
- Do you have interest in booking Hair & Makeup? If so, this is something you’ll want to book in advance!
WHAT TO EXPECT
& A FEW NOTES FROM YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
All sessions are held in the evening during Golden Hour
The last two hours before sunset is the most magical time and my favorite time to do sessions! This means there is a chance you might have to leave school early depending on the season and package you have.
For Example:
Sunset at 7:30pm = around a 5-5:30pm (sometimes later) start time (Most sessions)
Sunset at 5:30pm = around a 3-3:30pm start time (During daylight savings time - November - Early March)
If you schedule Hair and Makeup you will also need to have this done prior to your session start time, and sometimes can only be done earlier in the day.
Our session will also have additional flex time to drive/change in the mix as well!
Don’t Stress! This is a fun personalized experience!
My shoots are always fun and playful! You can be completely YOU! In fact that’s the only thing I expect from you, just to be relaxed and be yourself. I will keep things very simple to start, and then add on as time goes on. Don’t stress about not knowing how to pose! I will guide you the whole time.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Try on all of your outfits
Once all of your outfits have officially been picked out and finalized, you want to make sure you have tried everything on WITH the undergarments you are planning on wearing. Make sure to walk around, squat, spin, stand and just allll the things to make sure you are fully comfortable and nothing is popping out! I would recommend neutral undergarments, so you don't have any random bright colors accidentally coming out!
Get your nails & Hair done (if wanted)
A few days leading up to your session you want to make sure you've got your nails done/painted (fingers and toes!) If this is something you want of course! Your hands will be very visible in a lot of your photos. You also want to make sure your hair is done if you get it done! If you plan on wanting to try something new with your hair I would recommend potentially waiting as you never know what could happen if you got bangs or a new color that you've never done before.
Book hair and makeup (if wanted)
If this is something you want to do, refer to my hair and makeup contacts in this guide! Hair and Makeup is made to last and can be done in the early hours of the day. If not, no worries! I have some helpful tips in this guide as well!
Be Careful of Tanning / Sunburns
A very big one: TANNING! If you self-tan please make sure you're doing the best you can with blending on the elbows, hands, and creases of your body. If you also plan on being in the sun before your session, WEAR SUNSCREEN! I can not make any edits to any of the orange spots from tanning or your sunburns. If you are severely sunburned, I would most likely have to reschedule your session.
Don’t do anything out of the norm!
Please make sure not to do any chemical peels or anything out of your normal skin care routine a few days leading up to your session. You never know what could happen with trying a new product!
Drink lots of water & Get lots of rest
Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water the week leading up to your shoot—it really does make a difference in your skin and energy.
WHAT TO WEAR:
Every session will include 2-3 outfits, depending on which package you have. I recommend doing 1 outfit at each location. If you have the Sunshine Package plan to bring a 4th outfit just in case!
If you have no idea where to start - Use this formula:
- Casual
- Dressier
- One that represents you
Casual
For the casual outfit, you can choose from denim bottoms (jeans, skirt, shorts, etc;) and a simple top. Think of this as your “first day of school fit”. It can be simple, but nicer than something you would wear everyday.
This outfit is also great for variety with posing - using belt loops and pockets.
Dressier
For the dressier outfit, you can try something you would wear for a special event or just a pretty dress! Maybe even heels!
One that represents you
For the outfit that represents you, I recommend anything you would wear on a normal day / something that is unique to you. Think of your favorite outfit that you would wear everyday if you could!
Keep in mind-
These are all suggestions for those not knowing where to start - if you prefer to have all dressy or all casual that is totally okay!
Locations play a huge role in your outfits as well. Fields are great for short or long flowy dresses, where heels and an elevated outfit might match more with urban building.
How do we change?
I have a popup tent that goes everywhere with me! Some locations have bathrooms near by that we can access as well, but if we don’t we can use the popup tent or the car if you’d rather do that as well!
HAIR & MAKEUP
I truly believe having professional hair and makeup done for your senior session really makes your photos pop and stand out that much more. So many of my girls have enjoyed the experience and felt so much more confident in their photos. Your senior portraits are just that – yours. They are literally ALL about YOU. So if you want a natural look because you never wear makeup and are worried about your photos not representing your authentic self, I am here to take those worries away.
If you prefer doing your own makeup, go for a look that's slightly more amplified than your everyday style to ensure it shows up well on camera.
Start with a Clean, Moisturized Base
Good skin is the best foundation. Before applying any makeup, wash your face and moisturize. Hydrated skin helps your makeup sit smoother and last longer — especially in outdoor sessions where the light picks up everything.
Stick with Matte + Natural Finishes
Shimmer might look cute in person, but keep it minimal. One of my biggest makeup tips for senior portraits is to stick with matte or satin-finish products — especially for foundation, eyeshadow, and lipstick. It photographs best and keeps the focus on your features, not your glow-up grease.
Don’t Skip Primer + Setting Spray
You’re going to be moving and potentially sweating. Lock your makeup in place!
Primer helps smooth your skin and keep everything in place, while setting spray makes sure your look lasts from the first photo to the last. Your makeup should work as hard as you do!
Go a Step Bolder Than You Think
Here’s a little secret from behind the lens: the camera softens makeup.
That means your lip color won’t pop quite as much, and your eyeshadow will look more subtle in photos. So don’t be afraid to go one shade bolder than your everyday look — especially on your lips, cheeks, and lashes.
Keep It You
This is a big one: your makeup should reflect your personality.
If you love full glam, go for it. If you’re a minimalist, soft glam works beautifully. The point is to feel like yourself — just with a little boost. These makeup tips for senior portraits aren’t about changing you. They’re about showing up confident, comfortable, and photo-ready.
HAIR & MAKEUP CONTACTS
LET'S TALK PROPS
Incorporating things into your session is a super fun way to make your session more personal!
Here are few things to think about adding to your session!
- Letterman Jacket
- Cap & Gown
- Future College T-Shirt
- College Flag/Pennant
- Bouquet of flowers
- Sports jersey or Medals
- Instrument
- Car/Truck
- Future Career
- Confetti/Glitter
- Books
- Anything that's special to you!
THEN WHAT?
Take a look at my locations listed in this guide
This will allow me to give you more info on each spot, and give you a better understanding of how our session together will flow. We will also plan out your outfits for each location, so we know every detail going into your session! Or if wanted you can dive into this on your own!
Send me your location choices!
Once you have taken a look through this guide, please email or text over your location selections!
Schedule a "Catch Up" call with me - (if wanted)
I love to do a quick call before sessions to get to know a little more about you and chat through all of our final details (locations, outfits, anything else you might want to incorporate) to make sure everything is perfect! I know everyone has busy schedules, but I promise to only take about 15 minutes of your time. My goal by the end of our call is that you will feel relaxed and at ease going into your session knowing exactly what to expect!
Await for your session timeline & relax!
Once all of our locations and outfits are finalized, I will send over our session timeline after our call with exact times and locations on when and where to meet. Sometimes meeting times can be adjusted earlier due to weather, so keep that in mind.
Everything will be mapped out to a tee, so don’t stress!
AFTER YOUR SESSION
Turn around time!
While you eagerly await your gallery, I'll be hard at work editing your beautiful photos. The typical turnaround time is 2-3 weeks, depending on the season. Rest assured, your stunning images will be worth the wait!
The Full Gallery
Once the full gallery is finished you will receive an email with your gallery link, your download pin and your mobile app link (if you have the Sunshine or Star Package).
You will have free range to do whatever you like to do with the photos now! Share to social media, print them, etc;
Download to a safe place
Once you receive your photos, you will want to download your photos immediately to a safe place (folder on computer, USB or external hard drive) as the gallery link may expire at some point.
Download your photos correctly
When you receive your photos, please make sure to follow the correct download steps when downloading your photos. Using your download pin you will be able to download your whole gallery at once or individual photos.
Please DON’T screenshot your photos as this will decrease the quality and make it blurry - Especially if you post to Instagram!
HOW TO DOWNLOAD
YOUR PHOTOS
LOCATION GUIDE
Locations with Booking Fees
The Sekrit Theatre
$150 Per hour
On the East Side of Austin!
Laguna Gloria
$130-$150 Per Hour
Wednesdays & Thursdays only / Friday mornings only
Indoor Studios
$75-$85 Per Hour
Several Studios in the Austin Area
The Wayback
$125 per hour
I haven't worked here yet, but would love to!
Zilker Botanical Garden
$50 Fee
Entry no later than 2:30pm - must be done by 4:30pm - (can be tough if wanting other locations in golden hour) Might be a good morning option!
Mattie's Austin
No fee
No booking fee- Sundays, Mondays, or Tuesday's only due to Restaurant hours
Some of these spots book up fast, so if it’s something you are potentially interested in, let me know and we will want to book as soon as possible!
*Client is responsible for this booking fee*
Additional Info Regarding Locations
- Golden Package includes local locations only. These locations can be anywhere in the Leander, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Round Rock, North Austin area.
- You must book the Sunshine Package if you are looking to do any location in Downtown Austin. A travel fee of $50 will be applied as well. Let me know if you have a custom request!
- All locations MUST be no more than 15 minutes from each other.
- Some locations may be more than 15 minutes, but we would need to discuss the options. Please let me know!
GEORGETOWN SQUARE
Downtown Georgetown is the perfect spot for ones wanting an "urban feel" without going downtown! You can either dress it up or still have a casual look! So many options in a small area!
I consider it one big location, so we could still do 2-3 spots within the square since everything is close together!
- Blue Stairs
- Wish Well House
- White Brick Wall
- Square Building Area
- Monument Cafe
- Glass Wall area and Pillars
- Sidewalk Pergola Area
GEORGETOWN NATURE
I have quite a few Nature Locations within the Georgetown Bubble! These
THE OVERLOOK AT LAKE GEORGETOWN (3 SPOTS IN ONE)
- Trail walkway with tree overhang
- Tall Grass
- The cliffs by the water
- I usually like to finish here for Golden Hour!
- About 15 minutes from the Georgetown Square
SAN GABRIEL PARK
- More of a maintained grass, trees, wooden fence lines, and by the river! Can walk in the middle of the road for some fun shots!
- Around the corner from the square!
BLUE HOLE PARK
- Beautiful waterfall and water access with some greenery as well
- Parking garage next to it- Can always do shots on the top of there as well!
- Around the corner from the square
BERRY SPRINGS PARK
- Beautiful preserve of trees, open grass, sidewalks, a barn area, and wooden fences
- About 10-15 minutes from the Square and The Overlook
CEDAR BREAKS DOCK
- On the other side of the lake from the Overlook
- Cons: Very small dock and sometimes people can be fishing there, just a risk we take!
TALL GRASS FIELD
- A random field I have if you're still wanting some tall grass vibes at sunset!
- Near the square
NORTH AUSTIN & BEYOND
Some more nature spots that are a little more spread out! These are good for some 1 hour spots or splitting between another spot!
Brushy Creek Park
- Nature all around! Tall fluffy grass, sometimes wildflowers, and water
Round Rock Barn area
- Not too far from Georgetown
- Red and metal barn with an old truck
- More country vibes
Salado, TX
- A little more north from Georgetown / small town vibes
- Nature with grassy spots and creek access
- Wooden fences and shots in the middle of the road
Bull Creek
- Creek access - sometimes have to get in to get to certain spots
- Water levels can be hit or miss due to rain
- Fence and grass area as well
MAYFIELD PARK
- Lots of greenery, flowers, ponds, and peacocks!
- As the fall goes on, greens become more sparse
MATTIE'S
- Sunday, Monday and Tuesday only (due to restaurant hours)
- Grassy spots and wrap around porch
PILLARED BUILDING STEPS AND BLACK MIRRORED WALL
- In the heart of downtown (parking can be a little tough, but there is a garage)
- More of an urban feel
AUSTIN LIBRARY BUTTERFLY BRIDGE
- Easy parking with garage access
- Have to play frogger in the middle of the street- can be a little stressful
SOUTH CONGRESS & CROSSWALK
- A few different pockets along South Congress
- If wanting to do Crosswalk, we have to play frogger here as well
SOUTH CONGRESS BLACK TILE WALL
- Higher up the hill of SOCO
AUDITORIUM SHORES
- Fun place to finish with Golden Hour
- Can flip one way to get more trees nature and fence lines, then flip the other way to get the full city skyline!
ROOFTOP GARAGE ($10 ENTRY)
- Fun urban vibes with skyscrapers around
UT AUSTIN
- Pretty architecture around campus even if you aren't planning to go to UT
DOWNTOWN
CONT.
COMMONS FORD RANCH
- About 20-30 Minutes from Downtown
- 2 different key spots: By the water with the dock area and then higher up the hill with the tall grass, fence and barn area.
- Usually like to finish in tall grass for golden hour!
BEE CAVES OFFICE
- More of an urban vibe with a fountain, stairs and architecture
- Around the corner from Commons (Good place to start)