Getting Ready for Your Session


Start off by CHOosing 3 DIFFERENT OUTFITS WITH ACCESSORIES THAT YOU CAN INTERCHANGE WITH ANY OF THEM. THE FIRST OUTFIT CAN BE A CASUAL. SIMPLE AND PUT TOGETHER. THE FAVORITE. YOU CAN ALSO GRAB A FEW SHIRT OPTIONS IF YOUR NOT SURE WHICH ONE WOULD BE BEST. THE SECOND OUTFIT CAN BE A LITTLE MORE FORMAL AND THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN STEP UP THE LAYERING AND ASSESSORIZE! THE THIRD OUTFIT CAN BE CENTERED AROUND YOUR PERSONALITY, SUCH AS A SPORT, HOBBY OR INTEREST. YOU CAN ADD AN INSTRUMENT, LETTERMEN'S JACKET, SPORTS UNIFORM, OR EVEN YOUR PET. 


JUST A FEW IDEAS...

THE CASUAL LOOK 
  • Jeans and a cute shirt paired with some tennies. Layers are good, so a jacket or sweater and cute jewelry.
  • A flowy sundress and a light denim jacket with nice sandals or a simple wedge. Super fun, you can add a hat!

  • Jeans and t-shirt with an open buttoned shirt on top, a tennis shoe (non-athletic)
  • Light pair of pants with a button up shirt with sleeves rolled up


THE FORMAL LOOK 
  • A black pair of pants with a slim fit colored crew neck sweater, heels/dress shoes
  • Dark denim jeans with a slim fit colored tee and a black blazer, heels/dress shoes
  • A structured dress with a simple neckline, heels/dress shoes
  • A romper and a wedge heel


  • A crew neck sweater with a dark pair of pants, dress shoes
  • Dark denim jeans and a V-neck tee with a blazer, dress shoes
  • Black pants and a colored button up shirt, dress shoes


THE PERSONALITY LOOK
  • A sports outfit like a basketball uniform or dance costume, complete with ball and dance shoes.
  • A musical instrument or hobby related items like paints or a book.
  • If you are super into fashion, perhaps you want to pick a trendier look for your final outfit to really show your style of the time.
  • College sweatshirt and jeans always a good look.



LET'S GET PREPARED
  • Plan Outfits in their Entirety. This means every look should be styled head to toe including the proper shoes, camis help to make changing easier, and jewelry/props. That way you are not missing anything on the day of the shoot.
  • Pick Outfits from Clothing You Know and Love. Senior pictures should be a true representation of your personality. There is no need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Keep in mind that choosing solid colors and stay away from big patterns that might distract from your face. 
  • Play with Layers. A denim jacket, blazer, or open button down shirt can help pull a look together. A well-fitting outer layer will enhance your body’s silhouette and photograph nicely.
  • Plan Ahead with Hair. Everybody’s hair is different, but most haircuts look their best o to 2 weeks after the initial cut. Guys should shave the day of the shoot, but be careful with nicks. 
  • Take Care of your Hands. A natural manicure, with clear or no polish, will help keep your hands looking presentable. Hands show up in a lot of poses, especially headshots and when working with props. If you love your color, be sure to pick a neutral color that goes with all of your outfit choices.
  • Be Mindful of Your Shoes. Shoes, like hands, can show up in some of your favorite poses. Make sure to not only have the appropriate footwear per outfit, but also that shoes are clean and presentable.
  • Play with Solid Colors. Natural, solid colors like blue, greens, grays, and whites will photograph best and work well with most backgrounds. Solid colors work great especially for close-ups. The focus will be on you rather than your outfit.
  • Go for Classic Jewelry and Accessories. A simple necklace and earrings, or your everyday watch should be all the jewelry you need. Avoid wearing anything too attention grabbing. Again, the photograph should accentuate your face, eyes, and personality. No need to draw unwarranted attention towards accessories, especially because they can easily date the photograph.
  • Apply Makeup Normally. You want your portraits to highlight your natural beauty. Having your makeup done professionally is always nice. Just be sure that whatever you do with makeup, that it photographs well in natural light and matches well with your neckline. Stay away from over highlighting.
  • Bring Translucent Powder or Oil Blotters along with hair product.  While in real life a bit of shine can give you a “dewy glow”, it can unfortunately look oily on camera.
  • Glasses and what to consider. When photographing glasses, there are tricks with positioning and angles that will help with most lighting situations. Keep in mind that with transitions and the purple hue from the uv coating that is added to your glasses can be more challenging to work with. 
  • Personalize your Photos with Props.
  • Make Sure your Clothing is Pressed. All clothing should be ironed and arrive to the shoot on hangers. Wrinkles are very obvious in photographs.
  • Relax and Have Fun! These photos represent a wonderful time in your life and the experience of taking them should be just as fabulous as the finished product. Plus, when you are happy and enjoying yourself it will shine through in the photos. Feel free to bring someone who can make you laugh and make your experience memorable.

  • Don’t wear glitter makeup, too much lip gloss or over highlight. This type of makeup can end up reflecting light in all the wrong ways.
  • Don’t wear overly branded clothing. Keep in mind styles change and it will help to make your images more timeless and distract from your beautiful face.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions if you have them. I am here to make your senior portrait experience fun and memorable.