Tips! For Exceptional Senior Portraits

Clothing

Please avoid stripes and plaid at all costs! Solid colors photograph much better! Also, change up your wardrobe a little. If you like the color blue – please don’t choose all blue clothing – that can make for some boring photos. Also, vary the style! Bring some dressy clothes, medium and casual looks. Remember, it is best to do a couple of poses/outfits that mom will like, than we can focus on you and what you like.

Our sessions let you do unlimited looks within your scheduled time period. What this means is, if you change fast, you will have more time in front of the camera. Most people can get 4-5 looks per hour. We suggest you bring double what you think you will wear – that way we will have more to choose from.

Also, keep in mind, some shots are close up, others are full length. Plan your outfits from head to toe. We would hate to do a full length shot of you all dressed up, only still wearing your tennis shoes.

Make sure your clothing flatters you and your personality. If you think you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller.

Makeup

Ladies - Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal – think of how you would apply it for evening. Try to have a new tube of mascara so it goes on evenly and with no clumps. We do get close ups on your eyes and we want them to be flawless. Avoid makeup with SPF in it. Although it is always a great idea to wear it – the SPF tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

Hair

Try to avoid changing your hairstyle or cutting your hair right before your photo session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are great but make it quick or you loose camera time. Be sure to bring your hair care tools and products with you if you need them.

Although we try to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair “is supposed to look like.” So be sure you like the way you look before we start.

Jewelry

Keep it simple! We want the attention to be on you – not on your jewelry. Big, shiny jewelry is often times distracting – we want the subject to be YOU!

Props

BRING THEM!!! Bring props that help to define who you are. Some popular choices are: sports equipment, uniforms, music instruments, vehicles etc. The sky is the limit, be creative!

Glasses

Most glasses glare - some prescriptions more than others. Best case scenario, check with your optometrist and see if they will give you an empty “loaner” set.

Arrive Early

If you are scheduled for 7:00-8:30 and show up late or not ready, please keep in mind that you will have less time in front of the camera. If you need time to do some finishing touches when you meet with us please come a little early.

Friends and Parents

Friends and parents are welcome. They can often time be a big help.

Weather for Outdoor Portraits

Let’s face it; we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it rains, we simply have to reschedule. Don’t worry about clouds, they actually HELP!! But rain falling IS a problem. We will always be in contact with you regarding the weather – if you think the weather is questionable where you are – don’t hesitate to call us.

Undergarments

It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing flowered underwear and not realize it’s a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a black sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundation wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best you can hope for. Also, if you need a strapless, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad. With today’s thin fabrics, you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.

Finger and Toe Nails

THEY SHOW!!! Be sure that your finger and toe nails look the way you would like them to because it’s almost always a given they will be in your photos. If the “chipped nail” look is NOT the look you are going for – be sure to fix it! Also, natural is usually best because it goes with everything – neon orange – probably not!