Planning Your Senior Portrait Session

 

Many students are nervous about their senior portraits because they want to look great. These portraits will be in the family for many years and sent in Senior Announcements to the family. A little pre-planning will go a long way to assure you of a successful shoot.

 

We have created these tips as a way to help your senior photography session be more fun and help make it memorable.

 

Please Arrive on Time.

This is important. If you are running late you will be stressed. In addition we sometimes have portrait sessions after yours or you may lose your daylight. We want your photo session to be relaxed.

 

The last thing we want to have you do is re-schedule part of your session because you were late.

 

Non-clothing items to consider

You should bring items that show who you are. Typical items that Seniors want to have in their portraits are:

  • their cars
  • their motorcycle
  • sports items - jerseys, awards, trophies
  • hunting equipment including guns
  • friends, siblings
  • musical instruments
  • pets - snakes, dogs, cats, horses, rats are all welcome
  • special collections including teddy bears, dolls, and anything that is important to them

 

 

Plan The Clothing for your Senior Portrait Session.

Large prints, plaids or stripes are not recommended because they will draw the viewers eye away from you. There is no limit to outfit changes so feel free to bring some extras. It is OK to experiment with portrait clothing and accessory ideas.

 

You should get everything ready the night before your session. When you are prepared for your senior photography session you will be more relaxed the day of the shoot. Treat your clothes with care so they look great in your portraits.

 

If you are not sure how to get organized here are some hints:

  • Put each outfit on a hanger. Put jewelry and shoes in a plastic zip lock bag and hang it on the hanger with the clothing it goes with.
  • Don't forget grooming items such as makeup, hair care items, and some additional jewelry.

Senior Photography Clothing Suggestions

 

DON'T FORGET YOUR SENIOR CLASS RING!

 

For the Men:

  Men usually like plain t-shirts, jackets, and especially letter jackets.

  Mom will often want to see you in a long sleeve shirts.

  Jeans, and khaki pants are popular. Please remember black socks.

  Bring a variety of outfits that are different in color and style. Mom will probably have some ideas too.

 

 

For the Women:

  Fashion magazine are a great place to get ideas. For a particular look, bring it along.
  If you normally wear make-up bring it. If not, don't. We want you to look comfortable and natural.

  Bring a variety of clothing styles and colors. Typically, you will want to cover the range from comfortable to formal.

  T-shirts are not as popular with the woman.

  Bring clothes you like and maybe some you know Mom likes too.

Plan what kind of Senior Portraits you want

We have a lot of photography examples on our website and we try to change them out often. If you see one you like feel free to print the page or just take notes on it. We always have new ideas for our seniors. In fact, one of my goals is to do something new for each of my Seniors.

 

During the session you will be excited and it can be easy to miss a special portrait that you wanted. Please look at our examples pages for starting ideas.

 

Bringing Pets and Friends

Having a friend or a pet in your photos is part of the fun of your senior portrait experience. If you bring a friend they are welcome in several photos and they will also be able to brag that they helped. If you bring a pet, please make sure there is a safe way for the pet to be out of the way and not distracting you.

 

Plan Your Hair Style

If you are planning on a hair cut have it done about a week before.

If you want to change your hair style to match a particular outfit you are welcome to use our dressing room. Feel free to make adjustments to show off your style.

 

Make-up

Sometimes we are asked about makeup for photography. The general rule is slightly heavier, like you might for a special night out. If you visit www.formodels.com you will find some tips there as well.

 

Generally speaking, you don't need to wear much. Concealer will even out skin tone and powder will help with any unwanted shine. Lip gloss is an excellent finishing touch to emphasize your lips.

 

Braces

If you have braces, please practice smiling naturally. Don't worry they can be removed.

 

Glasses

Unfortunately most glasses have glare, and some prescriptions have more than others. In addition, if your prescription is strong, like mine, you will see some distortion behind them.

 

You might try checking with your optometrist to see if they will loan you a pair without glasses. We will work hard to minimize any problems.

 

Our digital artwork can remove some glare in your senior portraits, but sometimes we can't.

If you want to remove the lens yourself we will provide you with a small screw driver. We won't do it ourselves because we are afraid of being responsible for any problems.

 

Sunburn and Fast Pre-Portrait Session Tans

Avoid excessive sun prior to your session. Red and peeling do not photograph well.

Yes, a suntan can enhance your photographs but harsh tan lines are very unappealing. If you are tanning, move the straps around so that you don't develop tan lines.

 

Moles, Beauty Marks, Tattoos and Piercing's

Let us know if you want something emphasized in your Senior Portraits or downplayed. Also, when you order, make sure to tell us in writing what we should retouch.

 

If you have any additional questions please call us. 316-755-2787

 

 


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