How to Look Your Best in Senior Portraits
Everything we have learned in 20 years.
NOTE: Find a quiet place to read this – grab a coffee – an energy drink – relax and enjoy this reading.
Hair decisions
Make sure you get the look you want with hair. Guys – like it is one style that you will still be wearing at your wedding. Girls – options abound.
One session/one look – just make sure that it matches clothes the way you want.
One session/two looks – if the hair can be switched up in less than 15 minutes then absolutely do so during the session. You can even pull it up for an additional look as well.
Two sessions/two looks – sometimes you need or want a radically different look that may be too hard to switch to. NO problem. We can just schedule a hair session for another day. Pick the one with the least outfits (usually one or two).
Fun Option: Since you are often off for the day….Make it a day. Plane a special breakfast or lunch to enjoy with everyone. Some even o part of the session…go to lunch and then get the hair switched up and come back in the afternoon.
Looking Your Best
Realize we not only do corrective posing and lighting, but retouching is also done on every image you get. Good news is the things that are hard to fix are within your control: tan lines, sunburn, wrinkled clothing, and messy or dirty nails.
True Story: Guy walks in with a gym bag, and I knew he was going to do multiple outfits. I asked where the other shirts were, he said “here” as he pulled three blue dress shirts from his gym bag. There is a reason we have an ironing board at the studio.
Haircuts should be done in advance of the session by a week or so (guys especially). Shave. Guys. Shave before your session even if you are in the “once every three months phase.” Shave. Girls too.
What to Wear
Portraits should focus the viewer’s eyes on your face- not your clothing. Clothes that fit correctly make you look the most amazing. Correctly sized clothes can remove 10-20 lbs.
Three categories:
Formal:
This category could be a coat and tie or prom dress or something as simple as a plain dark top. Do not neglect this category it is often the favorite of parents and seniors alike. We are creatives so just because it is a formal outfit doesn’t mean it looks like a school picture.
Night on town:
A Special event with friends…what would you wear. That is what this category is all about. That nice, but not a dressy outfit, better than school but not formal.
Casual and Extras:
Yes. The very casual outfit that is often the favorite goes here. Super comfy and often “looks like you.” Also, included here are things like sports uniforms/band/ unique hobbies. You pick.
Have something from every category and more options for your favorite.
Accessories are important.
Jewelry, belts, scarves, shoes & hats add personality. Props are fun too. Need ideas? Popular choices include your car, pets, cap & gown, and items related to your hobbies (ex: a camera for a photographer, art supplies, sports gear, musical instruments).
Love Pinterest for Ideas? So do we.
Here is our Pinterest Board: Pinterest Board Link
You’ll want to choose a variety of outfits that reflect all of the facets of your personality. Remember, your grandparents and even your kids may see these photos, so it’s best to lean towards classy rather than sexy, and classic over trendy in at least a few shots, so your portraits will stand the test of time.
Bring the closet
Not really but do bring variety – not the same color blue for all outfits. Realize too that you can bring more than you know you can use. We can help choose what looks best with what we have, and Eric will often get inspiration for a specific idea from an outfit.
Also, don’t forget our beautiful Japanese maple – it
(Mostly) Useless Information: The first Japanese Maples trees arrived in England in 1820 from Asia.
Attitude is Everything
There are over fifty muscles in your face!
Great sleep is a must.
Plan a relaxing day if your session is later in the day.
Understand you don’t do this every day – but we do. Nothing is going to surprise us or isn’t something we can’t handle. We are going to talk to you, show you just the poses and get the perfect expressions.
You choose a professional over Aunty Edna who bought a nice camera for a reason.