if you are here then that means that you have booked a senior session with me and I am so excited to work with you!

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I have been planning this guide for a long time now, and I am super excited to finally share it with you all! I am so passionate about senior photography, and it is something that I have absolutely LOVED since day one of my business. Part of my job as the photographer is to relieve as much stress as possible before the day of the session arrives, so that my client can fully enjoy their senior portraits with no worries! There are TONS of ways that you can prep before your senior session in order to make it the BEST possible experience! Here are some of my tips, tricks, and suggestions that will make planning your senior session both fun and successful! 

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Choosing your Outfits : 1.Be comfortable-

 

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self-conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!

2. Be BRIGHT + THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX:

On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! I do typically suggest for my clients to steer away from Fire engine red unless its in the form of lipstick ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Add LAYERS:

In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer) you can add these layers + dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!

4. Play with TEXTURES

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Don’t be afraid to ACCESSORIZE:

During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit! Don’t be afraid to over-accesorize, either…it’s always better to have more than not enough!  Dont be affraid to customize your looks! I love it when clients show up with custom flower crowns or flowers in general I LOVE the way they photograph. 

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When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school-related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2-3 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly. This provides a beautiful array of looks during your senior portrait session, so each outfit looks dramatically different!  I do suggest doing one of your 3 outfits a bit fancier than the others :) A pretty cocktail or formal dress is perfect!

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Hair & Makeup 

This is another HUGE part of a senior session that can completely alter the overall outcome of your images! I HIGHLY recommend professional hair and makeup to ALL of my clients for SO many reasons.It really does make HUGE differences.

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1. They are TRAINED professionals:

When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair + makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair + makeup so that they photograph well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don’t like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes + shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more! Some may think that there isn’t a difference…but I PROMISE you, the difference is HUGE! Even if you don't normally wear a ton of makeup you can ask for a natural look that will give you a wonderful flawless finish 

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2. Less STRESS:

Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair + makeup by yourself can make things ever harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can’t see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.

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3. Who doesn’t like being PAMPERED!?

I don’t ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply “taking pictures”, I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered + beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in photographs!

*If professional hair + makeup is simply not in your budget, that is a-okay, too!! I just recommend doing your makeup slightly heavier than normal, making sure to add a pop of color on your lips + using fake lashes if possible! Those little details will make the biggest difference!*

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Don’t Neglect the Nails!

And, one last tip!! In all of the chaos of senior session prep…don’t forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!!

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What makes you.... YOU? 

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A very important aspect of your senior sessions is what makes them specialized to who you are as a person. Consider your interests, hobbies, and goals and try to incorporate them into your session.  Do you play a special sport? Have a dream career? Have a special hobby? Are there special props that come to mind like fresh flowers or vintage chairs/furniture? Let me know how you envision your photos so we can work together to bring the best options to the table! One last thing, If you have a special senior ring bring it along for some ring shots! If you have any other questions please feel free to ask :) I do love to photograph anything different and unique so I would love to talk about how we can make this session super unique and creative to reflect you!

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