AMP UP YOUR PHOTO VIBE & STYLE !
When styling outfits, some seniors forget to think about accessories, but they can elevate your look and infuse the styling with your personality.
Shoes: Your footwear need to work with the outfit and the environment. For example, if you plan on wearing a gown, more than likely, you'd wear a heel. But a heel could be an issue if we're shooting in a field immediately after a rain. So bring a few pairs so we have options. Sometimes shoes won't even be seen so just go ahead and text me your outfits and we can figure it all out.
Jewelry: Add a little bling to your photo session by incorporating studs or hoop earrings, statement necklaces, or any other piercings you might have. Maybe think about a necklace /earrings for each outfit. Or maybe you wear the same jewelry each day and want just that to be the statement items.
Incorporate a pop of color. Use a bright belt or pair of shoes to add a bit of fun to a simple outfit.
Hair accessories: Forget about boring barrettes and headbands and search for something that boosts your style quota.
Winter Warmth: If your photo session is scheduled for one of the colder months, adding scarves, hats and gloves will not only help keep you toasty, but they'll add texture and pops of color to the image.
Convert one outfit into another. We won't have a ton of time to change during the session, and a great way to get more than one look out of an outfit is to switch up the accessories to change the mood of the outfit. Grab a jean jacket or scarf or anything you can add or takeaway to change how the photo will look visually.
Pick Multiple Outfits The length of a senior portrait session varies from photographer to photographer, but I typically spend between 60 to 90 minutes with my seniors. In that time, I can usually capture at least three looks (more if you're quick to change). These can be any three looks that you love, but a lot of seniors select one outfit that is casual, one dressy outfit, and one that showcases your personality or an activity that you love (i.e. a sport's uniform, cheerleading outfit, etc). Several weeks before the session, start shopping and/or selecting outfits. If you plan to order them online, you should buy a few different options for each look. You'll be able to try them at home, keep the ones you like, and return the ones you don't. [Before you buy, check to see if the company charges for return shipping. We don't want to accrue any extra fees.]
Here's What Not to Wear First, let me assure you that these rules are not written in stone. I created these guidelines to help ensure the best possible outcome for your senior photo session, but if you're not into it, it's your shoot. You do you. I have lots of experience and just some suggestions to what might not look good in camera.
I hate a neon green and most neon colors for your full senior session. I find the color somewhat tolerable indoors, but once we step outside and it starts clashing with all the beautiful colors of nature.
I also prefer my seniors not to wear clothes with logos or text. Exceptions are band Ts and anything that speaks on female empowerment. Huge fan of all things that speak to ladies' bad assery. But if your shirt says "Just Do It," please, just don't.
This next rule sounds weird, but it's very important: don't wear fabrics with extremely fine patterns. Small repetitive lines, checks, or stripes can overload the camera's sensor and create a distorted wavy effect we call moiré. It’s an editing nightmare for me.
Don't show me your bra strap. Wear an undergarment that works with your shirt/dress. There are tons of choices for undergarment and bras that you can wear to hide the straps.
Picture-Perfect Hair, Makeup, and Nails
I will always recommend that my senior girls use an experienced hair and make-up artist to ready them for their senior session. If you need the recommendations for local artists, contact me and I will put you in touch. But some seniors prefer to manage their own hair and make-up, and I'm here for that as well.
PHOTO-READY MAKEUP
You might already have a go-to look that you wear on a regular basis. I'm sure it makes your skin glisten and glow, but please understand that makeup for photos is probably different that your everyday style.
- Before you start to apply makeup, clean and moisturize your face. You'll want to begin with healthy skin.
- Find a room with the natural light, and apply your makeup there.
- Start with a primer to smooth out your face.
- Apply a full coverage foundation.
- Set your foundation with a translucent matte powder.
- Select products that look natural with your skin tone and avoid trendy colors that will age your images. Your blush should be the color of your flushed skin.
- Avoid mineral makeup; eyeshadows, blushes and powders with a shimmer; and products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. For photos, it's best to stick to matte makeup.
- Practice your makeup before the session.
EYEGLASSES
If you want to wear your glasses in your senior portraits, think about popping out your lenses or borrowing empty frames from your optometrist. This is the best way to avoid glare or distortion that eyeglasses can cause in portraits.
NICE SIMPLE NAILS
The day before your session, either get a manicure from a professional or trim and clean your nails yourself. If you plan on painting your nails, stick to soft, neutral colors as brighter colors might be distract from your pretty face.
Rock a Prop if you Got It
Using props for your senior pictures is not necessary, but it can add a storytelling element to the images. If you're a cheerleader and want shots in your cheer gear, bring pom poms. If you play basketball, bring the ball. If you're a bookworm, bring your favorite novel. You get the idea.
BEFORE YOUR SENIOR SESSION
- Try on your outfits to make sure everything fits, you feel comfortable, and have everything you need ready to go. Make sure your bra straps aren’t showing with any of your chosen tops.
- Iron and hang your clothes for the drive to your session. This will prevent wrinkles.
- Don’t wear a hat or headband on the way to your senior portraits. No one loves hat hair!
- Hairspray the part of your hair to prevent flyaways. Sounds silly, but this simple trick makes a HUGE difference for longer hair.
- Check your nail polish for chips, and do a last-minute touch-up.
You can always text me with any questions you might have before your session so we are both on the same page and ready to rock your session !!!
