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. A little pre-planning will go a long way to assure you of a successful shoot.

We hope that these tips are helpful.

Please arrive on time. This is important. If you are running late you will be stressed and sometimes we have sessions after yours or the sun may be setting. We do not want you to feel rushed.

The last thing we want to have you do is re-schedule part of your session because we ran out of time. You would not want to have to wait because the person before you was not on time for their session.

Props, poses, and backgrounds.locations are chosen according to your clothing style. Feel free to bring extra outfits. You never know when we will have an idea for that extra outfit.

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 well cared for.

One way to organize everything is to put each outfit on a hanger. For example, 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.

Make notes on what you want

Grab a notepad and take some notes on any special portrait looks you want. During the session you will be excited and it can be easy to miss a special portrait that you wanted.

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.

That is part of the fun.

Collections and Special Props

Bring things that are a part of who your are. This can easily include sports equipment, uniforms, musical instruments, artist materials, or other collections. We will gladly make them a part of your photo session.

We have had everything from rats to horses.

Hair

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. As a Senior you have many styles and looks. Feel free to make adjustments to show off your style.

 

Make-up

Sometimes we are asked about makeup changes. The general rule is slightly heavier like you might for a special night out.

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 digitally.

Glasses

Unfortunately most glasses have glare, and some prescriptions have more than others. In addition, if your perscription 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. Of course we will work hard to minimize and 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, Tattos and Piercings

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