Getting Ready for Your Senior Picture Session

What to wear

Start with your personal style. It’s important that you feel comfortable in the outfits you’ll be photographed in and that they flatter your body type. As you plan your outfits, try to bring a variety of necklines, sleeve lengths and color options. Be aware that, in pictures,  sleeveless or strappy tank tops and dresses can increase the appearance of the size of your arms. If this bothers you, staying with tops that have some sleeves can help. Dress head to toe with each outfit: tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories, shoes, and undergarments that work with the outfit. Girls, remember to include an appropriate bra for the shirt or dress you will be wearing. This is often forgotten! Hiding straps as you pose can be distracting. Boys, please bring a solid white tee shirt to wear under shirts. Also, wrinkles will show in a photo, make sure your bring your clothes on hangers to the session. When in doubt, bring lots of extra clothes and we can help you put together outfits that you love!

Accessories

Accessories can liven up an outfit.  Think necklaces, earrings, fashion rings, and belts.  Add a scarf or hat to an outfit and get a whole new look.  Bring several pairs of extra shoes: from sandals, to boots, to pumps, or sneakers. (Did we mention we love shoes?)

Makeup

Eyes- Enhance eyelashes with black mascara. If your mascara is old and clumpy, make sure you replace it before your photo session. Dark brown eyeliner is a natural alternative to heavy black eyeliner. Well groomed eyebrows are important as well.

Cheeks- Add a little blush on the top of your cheekbone. It will add dimension and color to your face. Avoid makeup with “sparkles” in it. When you move, it gives a nice shimmer, but in a photo it can create a white spot that looks like a blemish.

Face- Avoid makeup with an SPF in it. The SPF tends to create a sheen on your face. Apply a base coat of foundation that matches your skin color and use a translucent powder that will help control shine. Go a little heavier with your base coat for your session than you would for everyday.

Lips- Go for gloss that will add a little bit of color to your lips and keep them from looking dry or chapped. Guys might want to bring some chap stick to their session.

Please bring your makeup with you when you come to your session. It’s nice to have access to makeup that compliments your skin color if we need to reapply. Even if you are someone that does not wear a lot of makeup in your daily life, it’s a good idea for your session to wear a base coat to even out your skin tone, cover up blemishes and control shine. Also a small amount of eye, cheek and lip color will enhance your features.

Sunburn/Tanning

Avoid over-tanning and sunburns before your session! Tan lines are very hard to fix in photoshop, so it’s best to avoid getting them before your session or to wear clothes that will cover them up.  Also, if you get a spray tan or use tanning lotion, plan to have the tan be fresh and even (no streaks) especially on your hands and feet.

Nail Care

Your fingernails and toenails most likely will show in your pictures.  It’s not necessary to get a manicure, but remember to remove old, chipped nail polish from your nails before your session and apply a new coat either in color or clear.

Favorite Things

Try bringing a few of your ‘favorite things’ to your session with you.  This is a great way to show your unique personality and what you love doing.  These images are really fun and are perfect to include in an album! Sports equipment, pets, musical instruments, books, cell phones, cars, dirt bikes and a sibling or two 🙂 are a few examples of what other seniors have included in their sessions.

Don’t Forget

Get enough sleep the night before your session and drink plenty of water. Most importantly, relax. Your session will all come together perfectly! Just arrive ready to have fun and get great senior pictures!