It’s here...your senior photo session! Most high school seniors have little to no experience with a professional photographer much less a formal portrait session, so it is normal to feel a bit awkward to start! You may not know what to wear, what location to pick or how to prepare. Don’t worry! I will walk you through the process. Photographing high school seniors is one of my favorite things.
What to Wear?
1. Clothes should be comfortable. If you want to be relaxed in your photos you need to have comfortable clothing.
2. I suggest having at least three different looks - one that is casual, one that is a more dressy option and (if you are an athlete) your team uniform or letterman’s jacket. If sports are not your passion, any clothing that represents your interests is your goal. Jackets, scarves and hats can add more variety.
3. Make sure to try on all of your outfit choices at least one week prior to your session. Additionally, ensure items are free of wrinkles and stains, and that undergarments are not showing.
4. If you wear glasses consider bringing a pair of extra frames that you can remove the lenses to avoid glare/distortion. Please do not wear transitions glasses for your outdoor session.
A few things to avoid:
1. Busy patterns and bright colors can draw the attention away from your face and to your clothing.
2. Short skirts and dresses can really limit your posing options.
3. Big stripes will add at least a size to your looks and take the emphasis off your face.
4. Large logos or graphic tee shirts across your chest are not only distracting, but they can date your photo. Try going for a timeless look - something you will not be laughing at 20 years from now.
Additional considerations for women:
1. Oily skin - especially on your face - with show up in your photos. If you can, wear an oil free foundation. You should bring translucent powder to touch up during your session.
2. Choose neutral eye colors and avoid highly frosted shadows. Never use any makeup with glitter in it.
3. Be sure to have fingernails clean and filed and avoid trendy nail polish. Opt for bare nails or a good neutral tone.
4. Hair cuts and color should be done more that a week prior to your session.
Additional considerations for men (Even though you won’t have to worry about make-up you do have a couple of things to consider):
1. Moisturize your lips couple of days prior to your session and bring lip balm with you to your session. Cracked or chapped lips are going to show in your photos.
2. You should make sure to shave beards the day of your session. Stubble will show in your photos.
3. Just like the advice above, hair cuts should be done around a week prior to your session.
Finally, the day of your session, make sure you are well-hydrated and well-rested. Familiarize yourself with the directions to our meeting place, and leave yourself time in case of traffic or you have trouble parking. You don’t want to arrive late and frazzled. Your senior photo session is about you, so let's work together and make it epic!
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