When thinking about your Senior Portraits- there are lots of things to consider! After many years of experience, hopefully this blog will help you with your list and planning! 

Preparation Tips

Now that you’ve booked your session, here are a few tips for you to help you get ready for your close up. Follow these guidelines the weeks leading up to your session and we’ll take care of the rest!

1. Choose two to three outfits to wear during your session and lay them out so they are ready to go. Make sure they are clean and wrinkle-free.

2. Also, don’t forget to pack any accessories you’ll want for each outfit – jewelry, scarves, headbands, etc. Bring matching socks/tights, and shoes for each outfit if one pair won’t go along with all of them.

3. While you’re at it, if you plan on bringing any props – your ballet shoes, favorite book, sports gear, etc. – go ahead and lay that out as well. If you are going to bring your car to the session and want it to be in photos with you, be sure to wash it the night before/day of your session.

4. Get a good night’s rest the night before so you can look well rested for your session.

5. Get your hair cut about one to two weeks prior to your session. Don’t drastically change it from your normal style in case you don’t like it. Have the hair stylist show you some easy styles you can do during outfit changes to switch it up a bit.

6. If you wake up two days prior to your session, or the morning of, and acne has appeared on your face – don’t pick at it and make it worse while trying to get rid of it. Apply some makeup over the area (not too heavy) and leave it at that. We offer basic retouching, which includes blemish removal; so don’t even worry about it.

7. Get a manicure the day before or day of your session to ensure your nails look their best. Don’t forget that the color needs to match all of your outfits. For this reason, and to keep a clean appearance, we suggest going with the French manicure or just a clear coat of paint.

8. Practice a nice natural smile and cute poses in a mirror or send us over some things we can talk to you about that will help you relax – your favorite movie, your boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.

9. If you are doing a session with your BFF or BF, don’t forget to coordinate an outfit with them so you guys don’t clash.

10. Most importantly, remember to relax and have fun. I'll make sure to photograph the best versions of you so you'll love the end result! 

Accessories Make or Break Your Outfit

You’ve got your outfit planned, now it’s time to consider your accessories, which can make or break your outfit. Here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Don’t let the accessories wear you. Too big or too many can overwhelm your face and body, taking away from the overall image. This is about you.

2. Choose accessories that mean something to you. Maybe you want to wear a ring your mother gave you, or those earrings that always earn you compliments.

3. Try not to choose anything that’s heavily ornamented. In a few years, ultra trendy items can look really, really dated. Funky and fun are A-OK, of course, but be thoughtful in your decisions.

4. Make sure your accessories all work well with your outfit. For example, a thin belt may flatter your figure more than a thick belt. And those dangly earrings may look best with your hair up while the studs look good with your hair down.

5. Get a second, and third, opinion. Wear everything you plan to put on for your session day and ask for someone else’s advice. Take some pictures, even, and ask your friends and family if they have any suggestions.

 Need some inspiration? Check out some samples below!