Handy tips and guides to make your senior portraits the best they can possibly be.
Clothing:
The outfits you choose to wear for your portraits can make your picture great, or just ok. We recommend that you choose clothes are are not fad like, or that have writing across the front. Traditional styles will stand the test of time, and keep your portrait looking fresh for years to come. Try to choose styles that will be in style “next year” and for years to come otherwise your portrait will quickly look outdated in a year or two. Long sleeve tops and long pants are best. The studio is air conditioned so you will be comfortable in long sleeves. Dark colors work great for a timeless classic portrait. Light tops and jeans are wonderful for a more casual look, don't be afraid to bring colorful clothing too. We do suggest that you stear clear of big strips and bold patterns.. We recommend that you do not borrow clothing from an older sibling, or friend. We find that they may not be the best fit and that shows in the final images. If you have trouble deciding what to wear just bring it all with you and we can sort it out here, We also have an assortment of solid colored long sleeve tops in various sizes here in the studio that are available to you. Please make sure that your clothes are pressed and hung. I often see seniors come in with all their clothing and shoes stuffed into a duffel bag. Please do not do this. If your clothes pick up a few wrinkles on the way over, we have a clothing steamer available to you at the studio for your convenience.
We would encourage you to bring clothes that are “you”. Most young men are photographed in a shirt and tie, sometimes with a jacket, young ladies usually have a nice blouse or dress, and we will have available a black drape if you would like too. Moms love these pictures and they are always turn out nice. Along with that I would encourage you to bring clothing you are comfortable in, especially for outdoor portraits. Outdoor portraits work well with short sleeves, but tank tops or strapless do not generally photograph well.
Your shoes WILL show, and your sock WILL show. Not in all the pictures but they will show in some of them. So try to coordinate your socks and shoes with your outfits. If you are wearing dress shoes, please take the time to clean them, sneakers toss in the washer. Sandals are also good for photographing outside. You will also be asked to be barefoot in some of the shots .
Your Nails will show!! Guys, make sure your nails are clean, girls make sure if you wear polish that it is fresh and not chipped. I have polish remover at the studio, if needed.
HAIR AND MAKEUP:
We would recommend that you do NOT get a new style before your senior pictures are done. A perm, coloring ect. If you hate it you will hate your pictures! We also recommend that you get your hair cut ( gentlemen ) no more that 1 week before your appointment, and SHAVE BEFORE YOU COME HERE. Do not rely on your morning shave, then you will have a 5'o'clock shadow, and it cannot be retouched out. A fresh shave is a must.. I know that especially in the summer the humidity can play havoc on your hair and a bad hair day is not fun. That is why we have made available to you in our dressing room, a blow drier, curling iron, hairspray, as well as a spray bottle of water, please bring your personal hair brush with you. We do suggest that you come ready and make touch ups if necessary. Ladies, wear you hair as you normally do, then bring with you hair bands, scrunchies ect... this gives us flexibility in your shots.
Ladies, we would encourage you to do your makeup before coming. If you
normally do not wear makeup, a small amount of brown/grey eyeliner, and mascara along with a touch of clear lip gloss can make a huge difference in making your eyes really stand out in the photos. I would also ask that you bring your makeup with you, especially loose powder. That way it is handy for touch ups.
Accessories:
Guys don't forget to grab your belts, ties, tie tacs, cuff links ect.. Girls bring your jewlery box with you so you can coordinate your jewelery with your outfit and setting. If you have it don't forget to bring your class ring!
If you wear glasses it is easier to have the lenses removed before you sitting, but don't worry if you cannot we can work with them the way they are. If you wear contacts, they tend to make your eyes look dull in the pictures, so if you can remove them please do so, or grab a bottle of saline on your way out the door.
Props/Pets
You senior portraits are all about you! Bring the things that make you, you!