Jump To:
Tips for great Senior Pictures...
Arrive Early
If you are scheduled from 3:00-4:00pm for your session and you show up late or not ready, you will have less time in the camera room and may even need to reschedule your session. Try to arrive to the Studio 15 minutes early, with your hair and make-up done and maybe even in your first outfit. If you need to change into your first outfit here, that is fine, just keep in mind that you will want to be able to change rather quickly. We want you to get the most from your session
Clothing
First of all avoid STRIPES and PLAIDS! Solid colors always photograph best. Also bring a variety of color, just because green is your favorite color doesn't mean you should bring all green outfits! Avoid wording on your clothing, except in the case of items with your school name or mascot. Vary the styles, bringing in all jeans and tees will get kind of boring. Vary the dress level, bring in a dressy outfit, some medium and some casual. Remember it is best to do one or two outfits that mom will like, then we can do the things you like. Our sessions allow you to do several different outfits per session. The less time you spend changing the more poses you will have to choose from. Spend all day in the dressing room, you get less time in front of the camera. Most people can get quite a variety of poses to choose from within each session. Remember to layer a jacket, it can be removed easily to create two different looks and get you even more out of your session. Hats and other accessories work well and create fun and unique poses. Not sure what to bring; then bring extra outfits and we can help you choose. Some shots are close-up and others are full length. Make sure to plan complete outfits, it is really hard to get a nice full length formal shot when all you have to wear are big bulky tennis shoes. Group your outfits On Hangers. It is amazing how many people come in with their clothes stuffed into plastic bags and wonder why they are wrinkled! Make sure they are ironed and ready to go the night before, then there will be no rushing around at the last minute creating the chance to throw things in a bag or forget them all together.
Hair
Avoid changing your hairstyle, coloring or cutting your hair right before your session. Let it be natural. Quick easy hairstyle changes during your session are OK, but make it quick or again you cut into your session time. Crazy colors or bleached hair may be trendy now, but in 10 years you might say "What was I thinking?" Bring your hair care tools and products with you if need be. Although our photographer tries to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair is supposed to look like. So make sure you like the look or let the photographer know your preferences. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility.
Jewelry
Best tip here, keep it simple. We want the attention on you. Big shiny jewelry can distract from the real subject, YOU. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you may want to put it in plastic baggies and hang them on the hanger with the corresponding outfit.
Props
BRING THEM! Bring props that help define who you are. Some popular choices are: sports equipment (soccer, foot or basket balls, hockey stick, helmets, whatever), sports uniforms, music instruments ( from school tuba to rock guitar ), activities ( dance leotard and shoes, swimming, hobbies, you name it ), vehicles if the session allows, make sure to have your vehicle washed and waxed the day before. Glasses Most glasses glare! Some perscriptions more than others. Your best bet is to check with your optometrist. Most will "Loan" you an empty set of frames similar to yours for your photo session. If this is not possible we will be able to remove the glare for a minimal retouching fee.
Sunburn/Tanning
AVOID SUNBURN! Sunburn and peeling skin DO NOT photograph well!! Tan, yes, burn, no. If you are a winter or spring session and your tan has faded, you might consider tanning. But don't over do it so you look too fake-and-baked. Avoid wearing outfits that will show your tan lines, they do not look good when photographed. We can retouch them out but there will be a charge for this service.
Complexion
Don't worry about blemishes we will retouch blemishes off of your previews before you come in to place your order. Pets Pets are OK as long as they are house broken and good with people. It is a good idea to have someone come in with you to watch your pet before your session and then take them home when you are done with them. You could also bring a pet carrier to contain them while you are being photographed without them. Treats can be helpful to hold a dogs attention.
Friends and Parents
Friends and parents are welcome. They can be a help. However, if they distract you, then it is best to have them wait in the lobby. In most sessions you can have a couple of shots taken with a boyfriend, best friend, parent or sibling at no extra charge. If you are doing some potraits with another person make sure to coordinate your outfits, for a more put together look.
Weather and Outdoor Portraits
Let's face it, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it rains, there is nothing we can do, we simply have to reschedule. Don't worry about clouds, they actually help! No squinting because of the sun. Rain falling is a problem. Just because it is raining by you doesn't mean it is raining here, we will call you if your session needs to be rescheduled. If you are doing an indoor and outdoor combo session, we will still be photographing your indoor session.
Tattoos, Scars and Braces
Just let the photographer know if you want tattoos to show or not. It is that easy. We will not automatically retouch scars, but they can be retouched or softened on the portraits you order at no extra charge. Extensive work may have a slight extra charge. Braces? Don't worry. They can be retouched off an image for a retouching fee. But don't fight smiling, a braces smile is better than a dorky holding back a smile look.
Top of PageSpecial Consideration for Guys
Clothing
Remember, if Mom gets her nice outfit for her portrait, she is much cooler on letting you get what you want! Bring the right shoes for your outfits. Docs or sandals photograph much better than big bright tennis shoes. Bring a dark t-shirt to wear under dark shirts. A white t-shirt under a dark shirt sticks out like a sore thumb. So bring a black or gray tshirt. Also remember that your clothng should fit you. Baggy clothing only makes you look larger than you are and it can also look sloppy. Avoid large, bold brand names or words on your clothing. Already, a few big names from just a few years ago, you wouldn't be caught dead wearing now. No need to make your portraits advertising billboards for clothing brands.
Shaving
Please make sure you are clean shaven. Retouching stubble has an extra charge and still does not look as good as being clean shaven.
Hair
Be careful of changes right before your session. If you need a hair cut, do it at least two weeks before your session. Avoid bleached or crazy colored hair, it is only a trend of the moment and will not look as good in your portraits. Natural or maybe the highlighted look are a better choice, than a look you may not have by the end of the year.
Make Up? Not just for girls!
Believe it or not a natural foundation or powder will make your complextion look better and cut down on shine, which will make better portraits. Talk to Mom we're sure she will be able to help you out.
Top of PageSpecial Consideration for Girls
Clothing Styles
Be careful of baggy clothes that might make you look larger than you are. Too tight clothing can also make you appear larger as well as hug places you would rather not have them expose. Make sure your clothing flatters you. If you have large arms, be careful of sleeveless styles, they can make your arms look fuller. Wild to mild. We don't really tell you what you can and can not wear. A little sexy is OK, but don't make ALL of your outfits that way. We photograph everything from prom dresses to swimsuits. What one person likes may not be appropriate for the next person. Our philosophy is, as long as it is rated PG, we don't care. Doing portraits with friends or siblings remember to coordinate your outfits for a more put together look.
Undergarments
It is amazing how many times someone will come in wearing underwear with patterns on them and not realize it is a problem until they go to put on their WHITE PANTS or TOPS! Or come in wearing a white bra and put on a dark sleeveless shirt. Please bring appropriate foundations to wear for each outfit. Flesh colored is the best you can hope for. Also if you need a strapless, bring one. Tucking the straps down usually shows and looks bad. With todays thin fabrics, you might want to carefully select these pieces so they do not give unsightly lines.
Fingers and Toe Nails
NAILS SHOW! If they have the paint all chipped off, it will show. Many casual shots are taken barefoot, so don't forget about those toes! Avoid real bright colors. Natural or basic works best. We don't want to draw attention to your Neon Green toe nails and they may end up looking awful with your next outfit!
Tans and Strap Marks
Tan lines are not attractive in portraits. We suggest you vary your swimsuit top or use a tanning bed to minimize any tan marks. Remember to not overdo your tanning, Skin that is too dark or red because of burn will not look attractive in your portraits. If you do have tan lines, then make sure to choose outfits that do not show them.
Makeup
DO NOT wear glitter or super shiny lip gloss! We don't want you to look like you have dust all over your face and that you don't have lips. Shiny lip gloss reflects light leaving a huge white area on your lip. Definitely NOT attractive. Plan to wear natural skin foundation with natural powder to tone down your facial shine....even if you don't wear makeup. This will give you healthier looking skin for your portraits. Mascara should be clean and contain no clumps. If your mascara is old and clumpy you may want to purchase a new one.
Top of Page