Clothing
The number of clothing changes will depend on your session choice. You will be photographed in what you wear to the session as well as a few other changes. Scarves, jackets and other accessories can also easily be added or removed to give more variety and a different look.
Hats are terrific for a few shots, but don’t wear a hat to your session and show up with “hat head.”
Make sure you have shoes to match each outfit.
Try your clothing on before you come to the session! Make sure it is comfortable and flattering. Bend over, sit down, make sure you don’t have skin showing where it shouldn’t be.
Make sure your clothing is clean (no pet fur, stains, etc.) and wrinkle free.
Colors: Dark colors are slimming and good for indoor shots. If you’re having photos taken outside, wear a solid color or something with a splash of color for nice contrast in your photos. Bring a variety of colors, not three black outfits.
Avoid horizontal stripes, loud patterns and shirts with writing or logos.
If you intend to wear a “strappy” dress or light-colored clothing, be sure to wear the appropriate undergarments that will not show in your photos. Bra strap removal will be done at an additional cost.
Do not wear baggy clothing that may give you an appearance of being larger than you really are. Avoid tight clothing that you are uncomfortable in, as this will limit some of your poses. A very short skirt can also limit poses.
General Information
Sleep – Try to get a lot of REST the night before your shoot. Don’t stress over it! If you’re scheduled for an early morning session, get up early enough to let any sheet wrinkles, puffy eyes, etc. disappear. Make sure you EAT before your session so you’re not hungry. If you’re bringing family members with you, make sure they know we will likely be photographing for a couple hours.
Skin – Avoid sunburn! We don’t want to have to reschedule to avoid a red or peeling face.
Acne – Don’t worry about a having a few blemishes! If you want me to remove minor acne during retouching, I’m happy to do that.
Hair – Get a haircut at least a month in advance for girls and a week for guys. This gives it time to grow and look more natural. Don’t try a new hairstyle the morning of your session.
Makeup – Wear what you normally wear, just slightly darker. Take care when applying eye makeup – as this is the focal point of your photos!
Nails – Your hands will be showing in your photos. Be sure if you have polish it is not chipped. Neutral colors are best. The same applies for toes if you’re wearing open-toed shoes, or if we do any barefoot shots.
Glasses – if you wear glasses, please see your optometrist about loaning you a pair without lenses, or have your lenses removed for the session. If this is not an option, I’ll do my best to avoid glare on the glasses, but there may be an extra charge of $15 per image for glare removal when ordering your portraits. Glare will not be removed from the proofs.
Braces – Braces will not be removed from proofs, but can be removed for ordered portraits at a cost of $15 per image.
Scars/Birth marks/severe acne – Scars and birthmarks will be removed during editing only if you request them. Severe acne may require extensive retouching. If that is necessary, it will not be done on proofs, but will be done on prints you order. Basic retouching is included, but extensive retouching requires an additional fee, which is outlined in your session contract.
Tips to help you look your best for your
senior portraits
What to Bring
Props – Anything that says something about you! Sports equipment, uniforms, musical instruments, mobile phone, books, class ring, etc.
Do you have a vehicle you want to be photographed with? We can do that. Dirt bike, 4-wheeler. We can do that, too. Horse or a family pet. Sure!
Please let me know ahead of time if you will be bringing any props, so I can plan ahead for some creative ways to incorporate them.
People – Parents are encouraged to be present for the entire session. You are welcome to bring a friend or two as well.
Your wardrobe changes!
Touch-up stuff: lip balm, powder, hairspray, etc.
Posing Expressions
This may sound silly, but practice does make perfect. Practice different expressions and poses in the mirror before your session. Here are a couple ideas:
Look in the mirror and smile with your mouth. Now, try again and think about something that makes you happy. See the difference in how your smile reaches your eyes?
Try a few other expressions: serious face, smile with no teeth showing. What do you like? What don’t you like?