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Tips for Senior Photo Session:

1.  Plan to Bring 2-3 Outfits

Arrange to bring several outfits to your photo session in a variety of colors, not just your favorite hue. Remember to bring accessories for all outfits, from footwear to jewelry and hair accents. Since several full-body shots are also taken, check shoes to be sure they are clean and that both socks match – that full-body shot could end up being your favorite pose.  We may not go through all the clothing you bring, but it's better to have several selections ready.  

2. Keep your clothing visually simple.

Don’t bring outfits with words or designs, stripes or pictures, except possibly your school logo. You want your face, eyes and expression to command attention, not the words on your shirt.  Make sure to wear Tank tops in case you need to do a quick shirt change near the car. 

3. Give consideration to color.

Solid colors are recommended for most or all outfits.
Darker shades tend to make people look slimmer. Try not to wear flesh-tone or neutral colors such as white, beige, tan, pale peach or pink, or gray, as these can dominate the picture and make you look washed out.  Spring and summer colors of sky blue, pale green, watermelon and dark peach to complement the outdoor setting are fine. For fall, consider wearing red, gold, deep orange, emerald green, black, and dark green.

4. Use clothing to accentuate your best features.

Girls may want to forego short sleeves or spaghetti straps if their arms are heavy, since these styles will only accentuate that feature.
Turtleneck tops look best on people with long necks. Round and square faces look good in a square-neck top, while thin faces or pointed chins are attractive with rounded-neck tops.

5. Go easy on the jewelry.

Avoid wearing attention-grabbing jewelry.  The photos should accentuate your face, eyes and personality, not draw unwarranted attention to your jewelry.
Also, jewelry can date a photograph very quickly. Classic jewelry pieces are best.

6. Apply makeup normally.

It’s tempting to get very “glam” when having pictures taken, but this could very well make you look like a stranger in your senior portrait.  Apply your makeup as you normally look on a day-to-day basis.  Avoid glitter or sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) – it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots.
Also avoid too much lip gloss. It can also leave white spots from the flash or make you look like you’re drooling.

7. Bring powder.

If you have it, bring along some translucent powder. While in real life, a bit of shine to the face gives you that “dewy glow,” it unfortunately can look like “too much glow” in photos.

8. Go with practiced hair styles.

Getting senior portraits done is not the time to leave your hair uncombed for that “natural” look. Also, avoid experimental hairstyles.   In general, friends and family prefer to remember you as you looked most of your senior year, not just during the period when you had your pictures taken.  Get a haircut at least a week in advance to give your hair a chance to adjust and look natural.

9. Guys need a fresh shave.

A fresh shave for guys is recommended, and mustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed.

10. Don’t worry about blemishes.

Don’t worry about a blemish or bruise. Digital retouching and some smoothing will be done if necessary.

11. Don’t worry about braces.

Your braces are a part of the high-school “you” and shouldn’t be avoided or hidden.  So just Smile!

12. Stay away from tans.

Don’t overdo the tanned look. For one thing, it looks unnatural. For another, your pictures could reveal peeling skin or a cherry-red nose.

13. Help your glasses avoid glare.

For those who wear glasses: Either buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass.

14. Make sure your hands are presentable.

Like shoes, hands can show up in some of your favorite poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable – guys should trim their nails, and girls might need to touch up their manicure.

15. Practice your facial expressions.

Before you go to the photo shoot, practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror at home. You can try various smiles, serious but relaxed looks, and animated expressions for action shots (with sports gear, for example).

16. Work on your poses.

I will arrange your standing and sitting positions for a variety of shots, however, you can try out different stances and positions at home, in front of a mirror, or by asking for feedback from a friend or family member.   The overall goal is to appear natural and upbeat.   I want you to get the most from your session and you know how you look best.  J

17. Personalize your photos with props.

This is your time to show what your favorite things are in High School.  Feel free to bring letter jackets, musical instruments, cheer/band uniforms, or anything else that is significant to you.  You are completing a journey.  When you look back 10, 20, 30 years from now, you’ll want to remember all the things that made this journey special. 

Can’t wait to spend time with you during our session!  If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know. 

 

Fall Session Ideas -

I didn't create these photos, just sharing the ideas with my clients!

 

Spring Session Ideas -