Can you believe it’s here?

Can you believe it’s time to take your senior photos? It probably seems like yesterday that you were stepping foot on that school bus for the first time.

Why get senior photos by a professional? Can’t I just use my phone?

Senior photos are used in yearbooks, graduation party announcements and even framed as gifts. You’ll want to make sure you capture your senior year with some nice, high-resolution images for a trusted professional (like me) :-)!

I’ve written some tips for helping you make this time stress-free and helping you prepare to make your photos reflect your true, authentic self! I’m here to help you feel confident and ready for that special day.

You might feel a little nervous and a bit awkward.  That’s normal! I’m here to help you feel relaxed. As the session goes on, you’ll find yourself getting a little more comfortable and hopefully having some fun! Don’t worry – deep breaths!  I’m here to figure out where to place your hands and arms, how to stand, sit, where to look, and find all the best ways to help that natural light reflect your beautiful self!

Tip 1 – Plan Your Outfits At Least A Week Ahead

Take some time a week before your photoshoot to go through your wardrobe and decide what to wear. You can bring a variety of outfits to the portrait session, so there’s no need to settle on just one. As you’re looking through your clothes, keep a few things in mind:

Avoid busy patterns and distracting colors.

Choose what is comfortable, flattering, and makes you feel most confident. 

Make sure your clothes are wrinkle free and capture your personality.

Bring any layers – shawls, cardigans, a couple shoe options, and any hats.

Try on your outfits and see if you are able to move freely and comfortably. 

Front and back pockets! These are great to have (but not necessary) to have a place to prop your hand(s) in photos.

Be aware of your eyeglasses and the possibility of sun glare.  If these are part of your everyday routine, please wear them and I will do my best to avoid any sun glare. You could borrow or buy a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare.

Tip 2 – Plan Your Hair and Makeup

Keep it simple and natural.

Wear your hair down, and maybe bring a hair tie for that ponytail/messy bun look.

Try not to overdo your makeup – look like you!

Remember that your hands will end up in some of your favorite shots. Be sure to make them presentable – clean and nails painted if that’s you!

Tip 3 – Plan for Touch Ups

Depending on the weather, you might want to bring a small mirror, powder, deodorant to touch up/ freshen up.

Bring some makeup or or lipstick to touch up as needed.

Bring a comb, brush, or hairspray to fix any unwanted fly-aways.

Bring a water bottle to hydrate and help calm any last-minute jitters.

Tip 4 – Think About Props

Bring anything that you might like to capture in your photos. A favorite hobby, sport, or passion that was a large part of your high school years might be nice to include in your images. Do you have a sport, hobby, or instrument that was a big part of your high school experience? Bring it!

Tip 5 – Practice Your Smile

Look in the mirror and practice your smile.  It might sound silly but see what you find looks most natural! Try a variety of expressions, think of something that makes you laugh and notice when you are most like yourself.

Tip 6 – Look at Some Inspiration Photos

I’ve created a Senior Pictures Board on my Pinterest site to help spark some ideas – Click Here

You can also look in magazines or other social media sites like Instagram.