Make Senior Year Magical
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know to ensure you LOVE your senior photos. I've included things such as how to choose the right outfit for you, some ways to prepare, and how to get comfortable being in front of the camera.
WARDROBE
What shoes do I wear?
Pick shoes that go with your outfit, simple as that! You're going to want to wear something that is comfortable and that you can walk/pose in. If you have a pair of shoes you want to wear but aren't comfortable, pack a back-up option for traveling between locations!
UGH! My outfit looked better in my head.
I always recommend trying on your outfit 1-2 more times the week before your session. Try your best to avoid last-minute shopping, because you may panic-purchase an item you don't really love. Make sure you try your FULL outfit: shoes, accessories, and hairstyles, before committing. Always have a backup!
How do I decide what to wear?
Whatever you choose, your outfit will be a direct reflection of you and your personality. Pick what you feel confident and comfortable in. If you're going for a specific look (EX: western, grunge, retro), let me know during your consultation and I'll send some recommendations your way! While you're shopping, feel free to snap some photos and send them my way, I'm here to help!
Wardrobing Tips
COMFORT
This is the most important part of outfit shopping. Pick an outfit that is comfortable, but doesn't look like pajamas! We don't want to see straps digging into your shoulders, collars too tight, and skirts that constantly need to be pulled down. You want to pick an outfit that is easy to pose in and can be worn for your entire session.
AVOID LOGOS
We want your senior pictures to be all about you! That being said, try to avoid clothing with big, bulky text or logos because they are often distracting. College commitment or even your school's sporting team shirts are a better substitution for your new North Face hoodie.
COLORS
During your pre-shoot consultation, we will cover the location(s) your session will be taking place. I'll give you suggestions based on season, surroundings, and the overall desired look you're going for don't worry! I also have another blog post on which colors pair best with each season.
HAIR & MAKEUP
Should I get a haircut before?
Yes! And no...Guys, if you're getting a haircut for your session, try to book it for at least a week before your shoot. We want to give your hair time to "settle" and look more like you on the day-to-day. Ladies, if you're going for color (or a cut), also try to schedule it in advance to make sure that you love it. Allowing cushion time makes sure that your hair is exactly the way you want it.
How much makeup should I wear?
This is also completely up to you. If you want to stick with your daily makeup routine that's fine! I do however recommend always: a bit of mascara (or falsies), a lip gloss or lipstick, and at least a bit of face makeup.
I saw this hairstyle on Pinterest, I'm gonna try that day!
Oh no! Senior pictures are probably not the time to test out that crazy updo you saw. If you like a hairstyle, try it out a few days before, practice it, and make sure you like it with your outfits.
Do I have to wear false eyelashes?
I personally like when clients wear eyelashes because they show up really well in photos, but I've also seen the other side of that. If you're not very experienced with false eyelashes, don't stress yourself out trying to put them on 10 minutes before your shoot. I'd rather have you stick with simple mascara than see a lifting eyelash.
Thoughts on Glitter/Shimmer?
Nope. I would skip sparkles altogether. Highlight is okay, just don't overdo it. Light, shimmery eyeshadows almost always photograph oddly. Try to stick to neutral, matte shadows and bases.
OH NO! I'm breaking out, what do I do?
Don't stress! Your blemishes are an easy fix in post. Stay extra hydrated the week before your shoot, it makes for flawless skin.
Leading Up To Your Session
STEP 01
Sun-Kissed Skin
Try to avoid using any spray-tans or self-tanners within 4 days of your session. Streaky or missed spots can become very obvious and we don't want you to look orange! The same goes for tan-lines, make sure you're applying sunscreen religiously, or else we might end up with some gnarly burns that are difficult to edit out.
STEP 02
Practice Posing
It may sound silly, but once you have your outfit on, step in front of a mirror and practice moving comfortably in your outfit. Practice your smile! Teeth? No teeth? Whatever makes you feel confident. I'll be helping with poses so don't stress too much.
STEP 03
Check Your Hands!
Whether you indulge in a fresh, acrylic set, opt for an at-home manicure, or just trim your nails....please do something! Your hands will be in every photo, so we want them to look good. Check for chipped polish or missing acrylics, fellas please trim your nails!
STEP 04
Iron or Steam Garments
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE iron your items before your shoot!!!! Small wrinkles from driving to your session are easy to fix, but that dress you pulled out of your suitcase from vacation 3 months ago is a lost cause. I'm pretty good at photoshop, but not THAT good. If you have multiple outfits, place them on a hanger for the car ride to your session.
hope this helps
Happy Senior Year!!