How To Prepare For Your Senior Portrait Session:

Tips To Get The Best Photos

Clothing

Choosing what to wear for your Senior Session is a significant decision, so please allocate adequate time to plan your outfits in advance and ensure they fit, are comfortable, and attractive. I suggest putting on a little fashion show for a trusted family member or friend beforehand and soliciting their opinion on whether the outfits you’ve chosen are flattering and tasteful. This will help you feel confident in your choices when we’re shooting! You are welcome to snap photos & share your outfits with me in advance for feedback, or feel free to bring extra outfits to the session and we can make choices there.


  • Style & Colors
  • Bring a variety of outfits to the shoot that show off your personality. This can include something casual/cozy, something you would wear when going out with friends, and something fun and/or dressy. Outfits with pops of color photograph well whereas whites, grays, tans, creams, and beiges tend to wash out in individual portraits. It is important to consider colors that compliment your skin and hair color. Additionally, avoid stripes, plaids, words/sayings, and other busy patterns that will pull attention away from your face.
  • To ensure that your garments are free of wrinkles, holes, stains, or tags, please take the time to fix these issues prior to your session. Additional retouching fees may be applied if these problems are not resolved prior to the shoot. For your comfort, we suggest that you drive to the session in something comfortable and put on the first outfit when you arrive. Please bring all outfits on hangers!
  • Layers & Accessories
  • An easy way to achieve variation in your gallery is by layering your clothing. This not only adds depth and dimension, but also allows us to explore different posing options. Incorporating a sweater or scarf, or simply swapping out jewelry, are all great ways to get different looks without investing a lot of time in changing clothes. In the warmer months, bring along both shorts and pants to go with one top, to get 2 completely different looks.
  • Don't forget accessories! Jewelry should enhance your outfit, but not take it over entirely. A statement piece with a simple outfit is great for one look, but don't plan to wear it the entire session. For quick use, I recommend placing jewelry in plastic Ziploc baggies and hanging them on the hanger with the appropriate outfit.
  • Shoes
  • Don’t forget your shoes! We will be taking a lot of full-body shots, so make sure your shoes are clean and match your outfits. Shoes and boots with a bit of a heel/wedge are recommended, but flats & sandals can be worn with more casual outfits. Avoid flip flops, as they are often awkward-looking in photos and can ruin an otherwise stunning shot!


Please be advised that during the session we will be doing a variety of poses that include but are not limited to standing, sitting, and leaning. Make sure you are dressed comfortably and can move freely without worry of your clothing. If you have a special outfit that you would only like to wear for certain poses, please let me know in advance so we can plan accordingly.


Hair, Make-up, Nails & Skin

Your hairstyle and makeup are just as crucial as your outfit choice. Do not wait until the day of your event to decide how you will wear your hair and makeup. Consider trying out different styles ahead of time so you can decide what looks best with your outfit.



  • It is advisable to schedule haircuts and/or coloring at least 1-2 weeks in advance of your photo session to avoid any unwelcome surprises (or give yourself time to get used to your new look)! Eyebrow and other facial waxing should be done 24-48 hours in advance to prevent redness and bumps.
  • While professional hair and makeup is not required, it can certainly have its benefits. A professional Hair and Makeup Artist is trained in how to conceal and contour, as well as choosing colors that best compliment your skin and hair tones. They know the right amount of makeup to apply so that it will be visible on camera. They can also alleviate a lot of stress, and it can feel great to be pampered! If this is something you can afford and are comfortable doing, I would highly recommend it.
  • If you intend to do your own make-up, please apply a little more blush than you would normally, but avoid going overboard. This is also not the time to experimenting with a smokey eye if you have never attempted it before. Shimmer eyeshadow is acceptable, but glitter is not. Make sure to bring your own make-up to the session, so you can touch-up as necessary. Face/pressed powder can be useful to have on-hand in case it becomes warm, to help reduce shine. I myself do not bring any make-up to the session.
  • Please make sure your nails are well-groomed. If you don’t prefer to wear nail polish, that’s okay, just ensure they are clean & cut. If you do wear nail polish, be sure to select a timeless color that will complement all of your outfits. And don’t forget those toes if you have open-toed shoes!
  • In the weeks leading up to your session, take care when exposing yourself to the sun. Be mindful of tan lines, especially those caused by straps on your shoulders. If you have them, don’t fret, simply choose outfits that conceal them.
  • Do not worry about blemishes, scars, or other skin imperfections! We will discuss retouching after the session and you can let me know what you want me to keep in the photo and what you’d like me to touch up. Do NOT try to hide them with make up as this will cause bigger problems.


Eat

Please make sure to have a meal before the session. It is important to have sustenance before the session so that you'll have the energy to enjoy it (which will show in the photos!).


Give Yourself Time

It is very important to give yourself enough time to get ready and arrive at the Senior Portraits location ahead of schedule. This way, you can enjoy the experience to the fullest and not feel rushed or stressed. It is also important to be punctual; we will be working against the clock to beat the sunset, and trust me when I say that the sun always comes out on top.


Take the Pressure Off

Even though we’ve talked about the importance of clothing, hair, make up, etc., I still want you to have a great time. Once you arrive at the session, all the hard stuff is done. Now it’s time to enjoy yourself! Don’t try to “model”. Talk with me, laugh with me. Just be yourself. I will do my best to make you as comfortable in front of the camera as possible, but take the pressure off yourself to look a certain way and just relax. You don’t want your photos to look exactly like anyone else’s anyway


Bring a Parent, and a Sibling or Friend!

Please remember that a parent or guardian must accompany any minors to the session and be present for the entirety of the session. If you have a friend who will help you perform at your best but will not be a distraction, you are welcome to bring them along.


If you have questions about this guide or the session in general, please reach out. I am excited to work with you soon!