How Should I Prepare for My Senior Pictures?
Tips for an Awesome Senior Photo Session
Congrats! If you are reading this blog post it means that either you or your child are about to enter his/her senior year. Graduation is an exciting moment in life. Many people like to document this occasion by hiring a photographer to capture images that represent that final year of high school. In some cases, the photos are used for the yearbook and in others they are captured as a memento for you and your family members to share.
Some clients may feel some trepidation about a senior photo session, but this should be a fun and easy experience. With a little bit of preparation and some guidance from an experienced Long Island senior photographer, your photoshoot can go off without a hitch.
How far in advance should I book my session?
This is a great question. I think the Summer between junior and senior year is ideal. At this time, you have a more open and relaxed schedule. It gives you plenty of time to go through your proofs, select your images and print them for graduation. My next favorite time would be the Fall of your senior year of high school, prior to the holiday season. The weather is still ideal and you still have plenty of time prior to graduation. Last, would be early Spring prior to your graduation. Please do not wait until the month or month before your graduation to schedule your photos. Odds are the photographer will be booked and you won’t have your images on time.
Have a Clear Vision for Your Session
You have to know what style and overall of vibe you want for your images. This is how you choose the right photographer for you session. While some people like to incorporate the cap and gown and schedule the session at the high school, it is not a necessity. It is all about the overall vibe you want for your images.
If you are unsure of what you want, head to social media, Pinterest, the Internet, ads, prior yearbooks and look at classmates’ photos. This will help figure out what you like and what you don't. Every photographer has a unique style, so you want to make sure you choose someone who is aligned with your vision.
Once you book your photographer, don’t be shy. Send over ideas and photos. You can do this by sharing a Pinterest board you created or simply by sending over a few photos in an email or text. The more clear you are with your photographer, the happier you will be with your images. I love it when clients send me their ideas. It gives me a direct link to the creative part of their brain so I can see the exact vibe they want to capture. If you don’t necessarily have a clear vision, that's OK too. I can direct and pose you and suggest options.
What Should I Wear to a Senior Portrait Session?
This often times the hardest part of the session. It really is simple though. Wear something in which you feel confident and that represents your style. Furthermore, you want to make sure it fits appropriately, makes you feel comfortable and allows you to move. Consider the location at which you will be shooting, and dress in an outfit that you'd wear to that location if you were just visiting. If you are uncertain, no worries. I am here to help and will suggest outfits that work for the location and aesthetic you are going for.
A few dos:
Prepare more than one outfit. Two is ideal, but no more than three.
Looks can be both casual or dressy, but they should reflect your personality.
Wear colors that work with your skin
Consider wearing neutrals
Dress with your whole body in mind. Think about hats, shoes, and undergarments. They should complement your outfit.
Some don'ts
Don't wear neon or overly saturated colors unless we've discussed it. It doesn't photograph particularly well in a lot of settings.
Don't wear athletic apparel with large logos. Or any large logo. Except for band T-shirts. LOVE band Ts.
Avoid patterns with small stripes or checks as they won't photograph well either.
What Should I Bring to My Senior Picture Session?
It's a good idea to select outfits for your senior pictures weeks to days in advance of your session. Once you've done this, pack or prepare the outfits the night before and create a checklist of the other items you might need. These might include things like:
Comb or hairbrush
Makeup for retouches
Wrinkle Remover spray
Extra Outfits
Accessories (hats, jewelry, ties, etc)
Props (footballs, volleyballs, pom poms, instruments, florals, cap and gown etc)
Pack your bag the evening before and double check everything before you leave for the senior photography session.
Should I Do My Own Makeup for My Senior Pictures?
A makeup professional's job is to get you camera ready. They are up-to-date on styles and trends and have an in-depth understanding of the products best suited for photography. If it's in your budget, I highly recommend you utilize their services. But I do understand that some seniors would rather do their own makeup, and that is totally fine. For seniors looking to add a bit of polish to their everyday look, here are some easy tips:
Use natural light to apply your makeup.
Apply a primer before your foundation.
Wear a foundation with fuller coverage.
Apply a bit more makeup than your everyday look but keep it natural. Don't cake it on.
Stay away from bright lip colors that clash with your skin.
Pick matte makeup and avoid ANY makeup with a shimmer. It'll bounce light back to the camera and might not be flattering.
Practice, practice, practice
Tanning Prior to a Session
This is a big No. Suntanning can cause tan lines and using lotions or sprays might cause an uneven, blotchy look. Neither will look greta in senior photos. Plus, cameras see color differently than the human eye, and what might look good to you, might not look good through the view finder. Your natural skin tone is best. If you do want a bit of color, consider using a small amount of bronzer.
Should I Style My Hair for My Senior Session?
When prepping for your senior portrait session, it's best to stick to a hairstyle that you've worn often enough to know that you like it. Clients have made the mistake of getting a brand new color and style only days before their senior pictures. While a trim is OK, I'd advise against a whole new hairdo. What if you hate it! We also want people to recognize you. If you do color your hair as part of your regular hair maintenance, please color it at least a week before session date so that it has time to settle in.
When applying styling products, remember that we want hair movement --- not a helmet. This is one of the many reasons why I love the wind for sessions. Movement creates emotion.
If you are concerned about styling your own hair, I recommend using a professional stylist before the session. A number of professionals are educated in both hair and makeup and can come to your home to style you before your senior photo session. Again, thi is not a necessity, but is an option.
To Tan or Not to Tan
Not to tan. Suntanning can cause tan lines and using lotions or sprays might cause an uneven, blotchy look. Neither look awesome on your senior portraits. Plus, cameras see color differently than the human eye, and what might look good to you, might not look good through the view finder. Your natural skin tone is best. If you do want a bit of color, consider using a small amount of bronzer.
Contact Me
I'm a senior portrait photographer based in the North Eastern Florida and Long Island, NY area. Message me for more info.