Life Savers
A list of my top products and tips to prepare yourself before your session. Might be graduation, family portraits or even just life saver accessories to have in hand.
What’s in My Graduation Session Bag?
Have you ever watched those Vogue “What’s in My Bag?” videos?
Well… this is my version, but for a graduation photo session.
If I had to build the ultimate session survival kit, these are the items I would include. Over time, I’ve found them to be incredibly useful — the kind of small details that truly save the day.
Let’s start from the ground up.
Shoes First
We’ll be walking quite a bit ,or at the very least, you’ll be standing for a long time.
Just like Birkenstock recommends breaking in your new shoes at home before taking them out into the world (to avoid painful blisters), I suggest the exact same thing for your graduation shoes.
Please try them beforehand.
If you don’t want to scuff them, wear them indoors — but soften them a little. Your feet will thank you later.
Comfortable High Heels? Only with Gel Cushions
If you’re wearing heels, there are silicone shoe inserts that have personally changed my life. I really like this ones made out of silico because:
1)You get beter grip!
2)Washable, that keeps them and your shoes clean.
They help prevent your foot from slipping forward and provide soft, subtle support — especially helpful during long sessions.
I usually recommend a simple pair from Amazon, but there are many options designed for different types of shoes. Click here for my Amazon list.
I promise you’ll love this product… and you’ll probably end up putting a pair in every shoe in your closet.
Dry Essentials
If there’s one thing I’m absolutely sure about, it’s how unpredictable the weather in Illinois can be.
One day it’s chilly, and the next day my client and I are sweating through the session because of the heat and humidity. And when that happens, having a mini portable fan feels like sent from heaven.
I highly recommend getting one of these little lifesavers.
Not only are they perfect for warm photo sessions, but you’ll use them all the time. I personally use mine to help dry makeup products faster or during my skincare routine. It’s one of those small purchases that ends up being surprisingly useful.
If you don’t already own one, this is your sign to grab one. You’ll thank yourself later.
Staying within this same theme, I truly believe a small hand towel is wildly underrated — one of those tiny square ones you can easily fold into your bag.
I joined this “trend” after my trip to Japan, where almost everyone carries one. It’s practical, thoughtful, and honestly… there’s something effortlessly chic about having your own personal towel.
On warm or humid days, it’s perfect for gently dabbing sweat without ruining makeup or leaving residue like paper towels sometimes do. It also just feels more polished and intentional.
And to wrap up this Sweat Topic: Armpit sweat pads.
This is one of those things you never think of but totally makes sense. Might be the warm weather or just nerves, but pasting this under your clothes doesn’t take anythig and will make you relax about posing or trowing your cap in the air.
Magic Tape
A special mention goes to clothe/ double side/ magic tape, because this product is seriously a lifesaver.
Whether you’re securing the neckline so nothing shifts or opens unexpectedly, adjusting the hem of a dress, skirt, or pants, or simply keeping fabric exactly where it should be… this little strip of tape does it all.
It’s also incredibly helpful for keeping graduation accessories in place without having to use safety pins and risk creating small holes in your outfit.
It’s discreet, practical, and one of those things you hope you won’t need, but feel incredibly grateful to have when you do.
Heads Up!
We made it to the final of this list! And theres 2 products I still need to recommend.
Lets start with the non-so-necessary but… maybe it is? Hairline Powder.
I remember when I saw this for the first time on one of the Kardashians episodes ( pelase don’t judge me) and thought to my self, this is actually very useful. It just helps polish and give that final touch to your hair look. Just give it a chance, Its really good!
And now, the pièce de résistance, the true hero of this entire list: the Cap Hairband.
This product is incredible. I swear, at least 1 out of every 5 graduates I photograph is completely unwilling to wear their graduation cap. And honestly? I understand.
If you have voluminous hair or you’ve spent a long time styling it, the last thing you want is to flatten everything with a stiff cap. It can feel uncomfortable, unstable, and just… not worth it.
After searching for a long time, I finally found a version I truly love. It attaches the cap to a discreet headband, keeping everything secure without ruining your hairstyle.
The best part? You can slide the band back and hide it completely when it’s time for the iconic “throw the cap in the air” moment — so it stays invisible in photos.
It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference in how confident and comfortable you feel during your session.
Its a wrap!
And now, a huge thank you if you made it this far. I know… it’s A LOT of information, but I promise it’s years of research and experience (and extremely valuable, in my opinion).
You can find all of the products mention here and more in my Amazon list.
Click here to check it out
