SENIOR PORTRAIT TIPS - 2022

In general, the more preparation you put into your session, the better your final portraits will be!

Below are tips to help you get in “portrait mode”. If you have a question that is not answered here, please do not hesitate to reach out!

SCHEDULE ALL THE THINGS.

Haircuts, makeup, manicures, etc. should be scheduled well in advance so you are not scrambling to find someone to do them last minute. Double-check your scheduled session time and location. It is a wise idea to plan on arriving at your session 15 minutes early.

PLAN YOUR OUTFITS.

Making wise clothing and accessory choices for your portraits is an important part of preparing for a successful session, so give it some thought. It could mean the difference between a successful portrait and “just another picture”.

Consider a minimum of 3 head-to-toe looks:

• A Parent Pleaser - This is the one you know they’ll love showing off for years to come. Think a crisp shirt and great jeans, with nice shoes and classic accessories for a timeless look.

• A Senior's Choice - What’s clothing makes you… you? Show your unique style in clothing that makes you smile.

• An Active Choice - From sports to chess club, your activities make up a big part of your high school experience. Bring a team jersey, dance costume or favorite debate duds to commemorate your achievements. Also consider your hobbies and interests outside of school.

It is a good idea to lay the clothing items you are considering out on a bed, including shoes, socks, jackets, ties, etc. Then, take a careful look at your collection. If your eye jumps to any one item, the same thing will happen in your portrait. You should consider swapping out that item. If you are not sure, bring it with you! It is better to have too many clothes at your session, than too few!

If you wish to wear a short sleeve shirt for your casual portraits, please also consider also bringing a long sleeve shirt or jacket for a few “traditional” photos.

Dark colors tend to slenderize the subject. Light colors tend to add weight to the body. Medium colors and tones usually work best. Bright colors will be distracting. Try to avoid overly baggy clothing or an abundance of lace or frills. Clothing with prominent logos can be overpowering and distract from your face.

YOU ARE THE JEWEL.

When it comes to jewelry, simpler is better overall. Anything flashy will stand out and distract from the star of the show, which is YOU! Plan your jewelry while you are making your clothing choices.

HAIR THIS.

Choose a hairstyle you wear on a regular basis for a natural look that represents you and how people remember you. Your senior portrait session is not the best time to try new experimental hairstyles. Play with your hairstyles a few days before the photoshoot to get the look you want in advance. Guys, this applies to you as well… make sure to get that haircut a week in advance so your hair has a chance to adjust and look natural. Bring extra hair ties, bobby pins, a mirror, a brush, hairspray or gel, and anything else you think you might need to freshen up during the shoot.

APPLY MAKEUP AHEAD OF TIME.

Unless you have arranged for hair/makeup as part of your session, please apply most of your makeup just before you head to your session. You want your makeup to appear in photos like it normally does day to day. Bring your makeup with you just in case you need to touch up. Avoid glitter/sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) – it doesn’t photograph well and makes your skin seem splotchy and uneven. Natural lips tend to look the best. Generally, avoid very glossy coverage and deep/bright pinks and reds. Lastly, bring powder – You can get warm during your shoot changing and posing, you don’t want a shiny forehead in your final images!

FAKE THE GLASSES.

If you wear glasses, consider buying/borrowing a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass. This will allow us more posing options during your session. Your optician will sometimes remove your lenses for you at no charge but give them plenty of notice so there is no rush.

DON’T FAKE THE TAN.

Just a heads up, there’s only so much I can do in post editing if you look like a freshly plucked orange the day of the session. Artificial tanning in excess can look unnatural and can throw your skin tone off.

FORGET ABOUT IT.

Please don’t be concerned about breakouts. If your acne is more severe, you are okay. Your photographer can take care of many things during post editing. Please let me know what blemishes, etc. you would like me to watch out for when editing.

BE HANDY.

Your hands will end up in some of your poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable – guys should trim their nails, and girls might need to touch up their manicure.

ADD SOMETHING SPECIAL.

Accessories can set the mood and represent your uniqueness. You may bring items that reflect your personal style, personality, and interests such as a favorite cap or hat, golf club, tennis racket, fishing/hunting gear, skateboard, musical instrument, letter jacket, football jersey/football, cheerleader uniform, etc. You are also welcome to bring a favorite pet if you wish. Pets that are unfriendly or difficult to control may not be the best choice. Also, if you are planning to bring props that require special precautions such as a pet, bow/firearm, motorcycle, vehicle, etc., we need to discuss in advance so we can plan accordingly.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.

Practicing facial expressions in a mirror prior to your session is a tip that all professional models use to learn how a certain expression “feels”. This allows you to learn how to call up that special facial expression on a whim. This can be extremely helpful for people that are uncomfortable smiling, or those who have trouble with “serious” expressions.

STRIKE A POSE.

Giving some thought to posing before going into your session will make it easier to work with your photographer, and you will look more natural and relaxed in your portraits. In the days preceding your portrait session, be particularly aware of people you see around you. Notice how people appear in commercials, movies, magazines, and TV shows, as well as people you see in public. Try to notice their poses and facial expressions. Which look appealing to you, and portray a pleasing feeling or emotion? Imagine yourself in a similar pose.

TAKE CARE OF DETAILS AND TO-DO’S.

Make sure clothes are clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to go before your session. (Drop off items for drycleaning 1-2 weeks ahead of time.) Gather your shoes, accessories, jewelry, props, styling tools, etc. in one place the day before your session.

DRINK/EAT/SLEEP.

Get plenty of rest the night before your session. If you are tired, it will show in your eyes and face. Also, be sure to eat a bit before your session so that you are not famished and have plenty of energy for a session lasting a couple of hours. Additionally, drink plenty of water in the days prior to your session so that your skin and body are well hydrated!

DON’T STRESS!

I will do everything in my power to make your session stress free and fun. Even though the list above is long, don’t let yourself get stressed out about it. They are only TIPS for you to consider. The benefit of working with a professional photographer is that I can adapt in almost any situation and am experienced at creating great portraits, even when things are not 100% perfect. Do your best to prepare, come with a positive attitude, and leave the rest to me! You’ve got this!