What if you’re shy in front of the camera? When do you get your photos? These top 10 senior session questions are answered with care by Jaclyn May Photography.

Prom night is here—cue the heels, hairspray, and high emotions. If you’re a mama with a teen getting ready to head out in full glam, you know the pressure is real to snap a few perfect pics before they speed off with friends.

As a senior photographer based in Liberty Hill and Austin, Texas, I’ve been on the front lines of prom nights for years. And I’m here to help you avoid the dreaded “bad lighting, weird angle, blurry chaos” photo situation. Whether you’re working with an iPhone or a DSLR, these 5 tips will help you take jaw-dropping prom pictures that you and your teen will actually want to frame.

So, grab your camera (or phone), charge it up, and let’s get into it!

📍 1. Find the Right Light
Lighting can make or break your prom photos. The trick? Look for soft, natural light. The absolute best time to shoot is during golden hour—that dreamy, glowy time about 1 hour before sunset.

If you’re taking photos earlier in the day, avoid harsh direct sunlight. Look for open shade, like next to a garage, under a tree, or on a porch. This keeps shadows off faces and colors looking true.

Bonus tip: Make sure your teen faces toward the light source to keep their face evenly lit and eyes sparkling!

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Teen couple in formalwear standing in golden-hour light in Liberty Hill, TX

👗 2. Capture the Details
Prom is all about the details—the sequins, the shoes, the corsage, the hair twists. Don’t skip over the small stuff! These shots add story and style to your prom photo collection.

Try this mini checklist:

Close-up of the corsage and boutonniere

Back of the dress or detailed embroidery

Jewelry and hair accessories

The shoes (especially if they’re sparkly or bold!)

These shots are perfect for Instagram carousels or photo albums.

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Close-up of corsage and sparkly bracelet at prom in Austin, TX

📸 3. Mix Posed and Candid
Get your classic “posed” shots—standing straight, smiling, arms around each other—and then shake things up! Some of the best prom photos happen when teens are laughing, adjusting each other’s boutonnieres, or spinning around just for fun.

Here are a few ideas:

Have them walk toward you holding hands

Snap a photo of the teen laughing with their date

Ask the group to do a silly pose after the formal one

Capture someone twirling in their dress

You’ll end up with genuine emotion instead of stiff smiles.

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High school seniors laughing during a candid prom group photo in Liberty Hill

👨‍👩‍👧 4. Don’t Forget Family Shots
Your teen might act like they’re over it, but deep down, these photos with YOU mean something. So make sure to grab a few quick shots of your teen with mom, dad, siblings—even grandparents if they’re there.

Keep it quick and casual so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Trust me, these will be some of your favorite photos years from now.

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Proud mom hugging daughter in prom dress before the dance in Austin, TX

📱 5. Use What You’ve Got (Or Book a Mini Session!)
No fancy camera? No problem! Most smartphones today have incredible portrait capabilities. Just turn on Portrait Mode, tap the face to focus, and shoot away. Keep your elbows steady and take more than one—you’ll be glad you did.

Want to level up your photos with zero stress? I offer limited Prom Mini Sessions in the spring across Liberty Hill and Austin. These are short, sweet, and deliver high-end prom portraits without the rush or the pressure.

Reach out here if you want to reserve a spot for next season!

Suggested Image Alt Text:
Senior girl posing for professional prom mini session in Liberty Hill, Texas

👑 Final Thoughts: Prom Night is a Big Deal
This night is about more than just dresses and dancing—it’s about celebrating your teen growing up, stepping out, and making memories that last a lifetime. These photos will be a piece of that legacy.

Whether you’re snapping the pics yourself or want help from a pro, the goal is simple: capture the joy.

And if you’re looking for a senior photographer in Liberty Hill or Austin, Texas who knows how to capture real, authentic, joyful prom moments? I’m your girl. Reach out here to learn more about prom and senior sessions with Jaclyn May Photography.

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