Below you will find lots of information regarding hair and makeup, outfit selection, what to expect at your session, and more. Please read it thoroughly!
Neglecting to read this guide can result in a poor senior portrait experience, and the most frequently asked questions are answered right here in this guide!
Your session is going to begin at a pre-determined location. Please try your absolute best to arrive on time, if not a few minutes early. As a natural light photographer, your senior session is scheduled around the time that the sun sets. Once the sun is set, we can no longer shoot. Therefore, if you arrive at your session even 10-15 minutes late, it will affect the amount of time that we can shoot and the length of your session!
LOCATION
We all have our preferences. The location or locations where we shoot can be essential and should go along with your personal style and personality. Do you want to shoot by a creek, tall grass field, urban setting, or indoors? The possibilities are endless!
UNIQUELY YOU
Try incorporating a skill, sport, hobby, or passion into your session. No matter where the future takes you, an image that shows what you love doing pauses this time in history. I have captured sessions of a senior and her violin, another guy in his football, and another who loves the ocean and thought it would befun to have shots taken while paddle boarding.
MAD PROPS
Again, I want to showcase you in your natural element and your personality! Wear a uniform, and bring a furry friend or a vehicle you have put some major work into. Think outside the box because the options are endless! I want you to look back at these photos and see who you really were at this moment!
ON THE MOVE
We will get away from just posing! Let's catch you in action and work on being in the moment for more natural photos. Of course, we will do structured poses as well, but seeing you do your thing will make great shots for you to share with family and friends.
FASHION
Diversify your shots. I do allow for an outfit change. We can get the standard shots, but let's use some of those changes to let your personality shine via your outfit.
Be the best version of you, be extra!
WHERE THE HEART IS
I have worked with several seniors who have relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles) that they have asked to come along for their shoot.
Getting a shot with them while you are in your senior repertoire creates a great photo along with memories that last forever.
Now that you have a few nifty ideas, I can’t wait to see what you decide on doing. Your senior session will be a lot of fun, and one day, you will reminisce on these special times of young adulthood.
Remember, be yourself! Everyone else is already taken.
OUTFIT TIPS
I've always believed that clothing is an extension of your personality. For those who say, "Who needs clothes to express themselves?" I reply back with, "Who doesn't?!" Fashion is fun. Your body is the canvas, the clothes are your medium and the finished product as you stand in front of the mirror is your masterpiece.
That said, figuring out what to wear to your senior portrait session requires some major thought. After all, those pictures are immortalized forever and ever. Not only that, but your peers will see them and I can pretty much promise you that your parents and grandparents will have a copy of your senior portrait in their house somewhere.
Here are some tips to consider when choosing your session day outfits!
BE COMFY
If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! Personally, I try to steer clear of items that are fitted in the tummy area (don’t we all?) just because it makes me self-conscious and I’m constantly wondering if it looks bad. So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don’t include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking, and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!
BE BOLD
On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue, and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!
ADD LAYERS
In the cold months (fall + winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest + statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring + summer), you can add these layers + dimensions by wearing a tank top with a cute sheer cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!
ADD DIMENSION
Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered “daring” or “over the top” but, in portraits, they are the BEST!
Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins + cable knit sweaters or leather + fur make GREAT pairs!
ACCESSORIZE
During a senior session or any photo shoot, the more the merrier!! When planning your outfits, don’t forget to plan accessories!! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes, and other add-ons can make or break an outfit!
MIX IT UP
When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school related, sports-related, preppy, or edgy. I always recommend choosing 2 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly.
BE YOU
Most importantly, don't stray far from your personal style. Make sure the outfits you wear are something you'd wear in your everyday life. And don't forget to give your outfits a test run to make sure you are happy with your final choices.
DM ME
Don't be afraid to hit me up if you need help.
I've got a lot of experience styling my clients and would love to work with you to create the perfect outfit!
MY WORK WAS FEATURED IN:
HOW TO PREP FOR YOUR SESSION
The key to a successful senior portrait photo session is, without a doubt, preparation. You know what happens when you feel frazzled before and during a photo shoot? You look frazzled! For that reason alone, don't wait until the last minute to plan all your details or get everything in order.
Create a Schedule
On the day of your shoot, it's important to budget your time.
If you plan to have your hair, nails, and makeup done, make all
your necessary appointments far in advance. You can get your
nails done a few days before, but your hair and makeup should
bedone a few hours before your photo shoot (with enough time
between each appointment to get to your next destination).
Some salons do accept walk-ins, yes, but it's better to have an
appointment when you have other places to be. The last thing
you want is to be sitting at the salon sweating it out with both
eyes glued to the clock hoping you'll make it to the shoot on
time!
THINGS TO DO
No less than a week before your photo shoot, make a list of all the props you plan to bring, as well as all the clothes and accessories you'll be wearing. One by one, make sure you have all those items on your list.
Doing this a week before the shoot gives you ample time to find any items you wanted to bring to the shoot, but may have forgotten about. Don't forget to send me a list of your props, as well. Knowing what you want to use/wear helps me choose the right locations!
THE NIGHT BEFORE
The night before, go through your prop and garment checklist
again. As you go through the list, check the items off only after
they are packed and ready to go for the following day.
CLOTHES + JEWELRY
Make sure all your garments are clean and pressed,
then put them in a hanging garment bag.
Put your shoes in a box or another bag so they don't get your
clothes dirty.
Also, keep jewelry separated so they don't get tangled up in each other.
PROPS
Put all your props in the car you'll be driving to the photo shoot. This is especially important if you have a heavier chair or stool that you want to use. You don't want to mess up your hair or sweat off your makeup by lifting heavy objects right before your shoot. Plus, if it's all in there the day before, you don't have to worry about it on the day of.
NOW OFFERING SESSIONS FOR:
HOMECOMING + PROM
CAP + GOWN
COLLEGE REVEAL
Feel free to message me if you have any additional questions. I am SO excited to work together!!!
XOXO, Trisha