Tips for your Senior Pictures…..

Are you a senior now or are going to be a senior next year? Have you been thinking about your senior pictures? Here are some tips to help you get ready and get those awesome shots you’re wishing for:

*   A few weeks before your scheduled session, get your hair trimmed. This is not the time to go for a new style or to try out the latest fad. Just a simple trim will do. Getting your hair cut a few weeks before gives your hair time to relax a bit and avoid that just-been-cut look.

*   About a week or more before your session, spend some time putting together a few outfits that you will want to wear. Prepare two or three different looks. Make one simple with neutral solid colors – a more classic look, and another can be more colorful, but do not wear shirts with words or sayings. We want your senior pictures to be about you, not a cute or edgy saying. If you play sports or are involved in other extracurricular activities, you might want to get some of your pictures taken in what you wear to participate in those activities. This is only a suggestion. Try each outfit on in its entirety so you know what shoes and/or accessories you will need for each to complete the look you want. Be sure there are no loose buttons, torn hemlines or seams, stains, or holes on your clothing.

*   Be on the lookout for poses and styles of photos you like. Bring some along to show the photographer. It’s better to have an example than to try and explain what you are thinking.

*   If you’re going to get a manicure or pedicure, do it the day before your photo shoot. It is best not to have very bright or neon colors. It will detract from the overall picture.  Unless you’re going for a really dramatic look, understated is usually the best approach. You should also get all of your outfits, accessories, and props together the day before your photo session so you will not be stressing on the day of the shoot.

 *  The day of your photo session, leave yourself plenty of time to get ready. Shower, style your hair, and apply makeup, etc. Be sure to eat something. You don’t want to get all light-headed in the middle of the session! Dress in one of the outfits you have selected, then pack up the rest, along with your sample ideas, if any, and any other props you would like for your photos. Arrive a few minutes early for your shoot so you can check your look before you get started.

*   Now, take a deep breath and relax. Get ready to have some fun! I will do everything in my power to make your photo session an enjoyable one! And, the more relaxed you are, the better your photos will be!

For the Girls

Hair

Hair styling should be appropriate to the clothing selection. Avoid new hairstyles or having your hair cut or permed the week before you appointment to allow your hair to adjust to the change. If you would like to change your hairstyle during your session, this can add a little more variety to your photographs. It should, however, be a simple change that can be done quickly.

Makeup

Makeup for photographs should be as you normally wear it. Too much makeup tends to give you that "painted" look; too little

might not show off your features. A loose translucent powder is helpful to eliminate shine especially for oily skin. Since most portraits concentrate on the eyes, great care should be taken to make them perfect. Avoid using excessively bright colors, and mascara should be neat and without "clumps." Keep dark black eyeliner to a minimum, as the black tends to make the eyes disappear. And we want to see your eyes!

Clothing

We suggest you bring a variety of clothing to your session. We recommend a traditional dress outfit for your formal and then a selection of casual outfits that best show your personality. Darker solids usually work best for your formal portrait. Off-the-shoulder dresses are nice, but avoid tan lines.

White or pastels usually are best for light backgrounds. Basic primary colors as well as black and white and neutral colors are great for casuals. Denim always photographs nicely. Remember that the clothing should be flattering but not overpowering.

Things to avoid: Strips, bold patterns and prints that distract, bright floral (pastels are okay), clothing with wording on it, and neon colors. Often the best policy is to bring extras, and we will help you decide when you get here.

Eyeglasses

Glass glare in a portrait is expensive to remove. Glass Glare on certain types and shaped lenses is nearly impossible to avoid, so we ask that you bring a second pair with the lenses removed, if possible.

For the Guys

Grooming

Hair should be neatly combed in an appropriate style for the clothing.Avoid getting your hair cut the week before your session. Make sure that you are clean shaven before your session. Retouching can hide blemishes but not razor stubble. Any mustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed.

Clothing

I suggest you bring several outfits to your session. If you are unsure what looks best, we'll help you decide which is best. Casual outfits are best kept to solid colors. Denim, white, black and solid earth tones & neutral colors almost always look good. Casual clothing allows you greater variety as well as expressing your personality.

Things to avoid: stripes, bold patterns and prints that distract, neon colors, and clothing with any wording on the front.

Senior Ring

If your girlfriend has your ring, don't forget to get it back and bring it in to your session so it can be included in your photos.

Eyeglasses

Glass glare in a portrait is expensive to remove. Glass Glare on certain types and shaped lenses is nearly impossible to avoid, so we ask that you bring a second pair with the lenses removed, if possible.