Summer vacation is just starting and with summer comes pool time, hanging out with friends, band festivals, sleeping in and…..your senior portrait session. You’re finally a senior and now it’s your time to showcase everything amazing about you and what you have accomplished. So, of course, you want your session to be perfect! And as your photographer, I want you to look and feel your best, plus have an unforgettable experience. After all, you are only a senior once! That’s why I’ve compiled this great resource to help you prepare for an incredible senior session.

CLOTHING

The number one question I get is, “What should I wear for my session?” Clothing is a HUGE decision for any portrait session and can make or break your portraits. I know that sounds a bit dramatic but if you accidentally wear something that isn’t flattering on camera or you’re not confident in then it can end up ruining the whole experience for you. So here are the best ways to choose what to wear.

1. Be Comfortable: I always say to wear what makes you feel comfortable, confident and is YOUR style. During your session we will be incorporating poses that include sitting, laying down or walking so you’ll want to make sure you can comfortably move in your outfit and feel confident that you are looking your best no matter what your position may be.
2. Avoid Distracting Elements: Always keep in mind that neon colors, large pictures or words and bold patterns can be a HUGE distraction. Our eyes tend to be drawn to these things more then your face.
3. Add Accessories and Layers: Bringing along accessories like a hat, jean jacket, chunky necklace or scarf can totally change up a look and add more variety to your images without having to completely change an outfit. Layers adds tons of dimension as well. Try pairing a sheer cardigan with a summer dress or fun statement earrings with a simple top. In the fall or winter you can pair a sweater cardigan with a flannel and a long necklace. Layers and accessories also adds more options for posing.
4. Experiment with Textures: Don’t be afraid to pair different textures together. Think leather, sequins, cable knit, lace, faux fur all can add more depth to your portraits.
5. Number of Outfits: A common mistake for some seniors is choosing too many outfits, believe it or not! Having too many images (because of having several outfits) to pick favorites from can be overwhelming and even daunting! Choosing 3-5 outfits for a good number and variety.
6. YOUR Style: Last but certainly not least…be true to you and your style. Choose outfits that reflect your personality more so than what the current fashion is. Sometimes the latest clothing fads are not always best. I want you to look back on your images and love them…whether it’s a couple months later or a couple years later. I never want you to think “What was I thinking wearing that!?” or “That’s not really me in that outfit.” If you’re ever in doubt about anything just ask yourself, “Would I wear this on a regular basis? Is this apart of my daily routine? And is this really ME?”

HAIR + MAKEUP

Hair and makeup play an equally important roll during your senior session as clothing does. It’s fun to jazz it up a little all while staying true to yourself in the process. But there are definitely a few things to be aware of before you start prepping.

1. Haircut: If you are contemplating a haircut before your session (this probably pertains mostly to guys) I highly recommend scheduling your appointment 2 weeks before. This way if it’s cut a little too short there is still some time for a little bit of growth to occur. For the ladies, I strongly discourage changing to a completely new hairstyle before your session. If you’re not in love with the new style and it’s not what you had expected then your confidence and comfortability could lack during your session.
2. Hair Color: If you are thinking of changing to a new hair color, wait until after your session. This goes hand-in-hand with a new hairstyle. I would hate for you to be disappointed if the color didn’t turn out exactly how you had expected. If you regularly color your hair then I suggest coloring at least 1-2 weeks before your session to ensure your color is set in and looks natural.
3. Hire a Professional: I strongly recommend hiring a professional for hair and makeup on your session day…and for several reasons. A trained professional knows exactly how to give a classic, natural look that shows up flawless on camera. They know the right ways to contour your face to look great in every light. They know exactly how to cover up every blemish perfectly. They know what colors to use that compliment your eye and skin color. And they can use false lashes to make your eyes pop! They also know how to prepare your hair so humidity doesn’t kill your curls and will last the entire session. If the professional’s knowledge isn’t enough to convince you then perhaps less stress is. Preparing for your session can be stressful so let a professional take the lead with hair and makeup so it’s one less thing to worry about. Plus who doesn’t love to be pampered!?!? If professional hair and makeup is out of your budget…no worries! I just recommend doing your makeup slightly heavier than normal, making sure to add a pop of color on your lips plus using fake lashes if possible! Those little details will make the biggest difference!

SKIN

It’s summer time so of course we all want to enjoy the sun BUT with your session approaching there are a few things to keep in mind. Avoid direct sun at least 3 days before your session to prevent sunburn. Also try to avoid over tanning because the camera can accentuate your skin color and could end up making it look more orange than golden tan.

PROPS

Don’t be afraid to incorporate props or anything that has special meaning to you in your session. Whether it’s sports jerseys, a musical instrument, an antique car or balloons…these items can personalize your images and showcase you and the things you love.

LOCATIONS

You can add even more personality to your session by choosing the location. It could be a local coffee shop, a park or a family farm. Let me know if there is a special place that is sentimental to you.

So much to consider when it comes to your senior session! But it’s all worth it when you look back on your images and remember what an unforgettable time you had! Plus you’ll have amazing images to treasure for a lifetime!

Much Love,
Carissa