This is an exciting time for the class of 2026, only a few months left to go before they walk across those stages and head off to start their college experience. I'm taking a look back at one of my favorite sessions of 2025 on the iconic Rainbow Row with Sierra Kratzer. We're going to revisit her amazing style and wardrobe and her directly from her about the session she had with me last summer.

Let's first talk about the location: Rainbow Row

Easily one of my most requested routes from seniors but for great reason: the colors. Sierra said "All the colors matched the vibe I wanted for my pictures and I think it's such a cute spot with a lot of potential to do a bunch of different things." And she hit the nail on the head there. East Bay Street and the Rainbow Row Route is one of those places that I can get a huge variety of backdrops and colors without having to walk too far. Sierra's session was in June at sunrise, so it was definitely hot and humid too. So the less walking we can do, the better!

From left to right, we have the difference of about 5 house lengths, yet we have a completely different look. And the image on the right is her *favorite* from her session.

How do you choose outfits for your senior session?

I think that Gen Z and Gen Alpha are taking it back to Pinterest, Sierra did! She utilized Pinterest not just for outfits but the location, some poses she wanted to try and overall inspo for her session. As a photographer I think it's so important to utilize these as well. Sharing a board with a senior, seeing their ideas come together, seeing their style- all of these things will not only help you get to know your client but to help feel out their personality and style that they want to show throughout their gallery. 

I always send out a prep guide ahead of the session for my seniors to talk about what to look for and how to bring things together. I recommend starting with what's in your closet now. Pull out the key outfits you LOVE and that you always find yourself going back to. From the most formal or stylish to the most comfortable. Lay them out and really determine exactly what you love about them: is it the fit, the color, the vibe, or the brand?  When you go shopping for some new items keep these outfits in mind (photos in your camera roll are helpful) to find other pieces or outfits that mimic those same feelings and fit. 

Shop for accessories in the same trip if you can to make sure you're matching the tones and details the best you can. From shoes, to jewelry to accessories like a cute bag or fun hat. Create an entire ensemble that we can capture in multiple ways. Adding accessories or props like a bouquet of flowers just brings the style up a notch. 

And for the record, Sierra said that she "strongly agrees" that buying new outfits for her session was important and that the prep guide was also very helpful. So you didn't just take my word for it!

Why Charleston for your Senior Session?

"I’m from Pennsylvania but I really wanted my pictures to be in Charleston and this session made everything I had in mind come to life and even better than I imagined."

I hear time and time again during my sessions that seniors just want something "different" to represent them and set them apart from their classmates. Coming to Charleston on a family trip or a girls trip with your mom is the best way to see the city and carving out a little time to do your senior photos here makes the trip even more fruitful. 

Any advice for a future senior, about anything at all?

"It is your pictures and your experience and Erin is very understandable and wants you to have a great experience! Do not be afraid to say if you don’t like something or if you want to change something so your pictures turn out exactly how you want!! ALSO lots of hairspray, it gets humid!"

Great advice actually, I know there are so many times when seniors really want to please their moms or even myself with a particular pose or outfit, etc. If something doesn't feel like you please just say it! I want the images we create to really represent you and only you.