How to Prepare

Preparing For Your Session

Not sure what to expect for your senior session? Here are some tips to ease your concerns.

ARRIVE EARLY

Please show up a few minutes early. If you need to do your hair and make-up, make sure to plan enough time. If you have an hour long session and you spend thirty minutes getting ready, that is thirty minutes you could have been in front of the camera.

ORGANIZE

To make the process of switching outfits easier, make sure to come organized. This means having complete outfits down to shoes and jewelry. Use a hanger to keep your outfits organized and free of any wrinkles. Also, place jewelry in a plastic bag and attach it to the hanger. You want to look your best and make the most of your session, so don’t throw your outfits in your gym bag.

CLOTHING

First and foremost, AVOID stripes and plaid! Solid colors make for better portraits.

Second, variety is key. Having one look, such as all tank tops or all green outfits, gets boring. Bring an assortment of colors and styles that show off your personality. Remember to bring a range of casual to dressy. Remember to pick out an outfit or two that mom will like!

Plan out complete outfits. We shoot close ups, full length and everything in between. Be sure to include shoes because you don’t want to get stuck in a dressy outfit with your soccer cleats!

Remember that certain styles of tops are more flattering than others. Long sleeved shirts tend to work better when compared to sleeveless tops.

Make sure your clothes are ironed.

UNDERGARMENTS

Make sure you have proper undergarments. Don’t wait until you come in wearing patterned undergarments and to realize it is going to be an issue when you put on your white shorts or pants! Plan appropriately for the outfits you have chosen. If you have a thin shirt, bring the correct undergarment. Flesh colored undergarments work best. Also, if you have a strapless top, don’t plan on tucking your straps in; bring a strapless bra. If you try to tuck them in, it will show up in your images.

MAKEUP

Makeup should be just slightly heavier than normal. Be sure to blend your foundation and use it on your neck. Be wary of using foundation that will appear orange. Replace mascara that is old and clumpy. Avoid makeup containing “sparkles” because it creates little white spots in photos. Also avoid any makeup with SPF because it makes skin appear shiny.

BREAKOUTS

Don’t worry if you have a breakout. We offer basic retouching for free.

HAIR

Most importantly, do not change your hairstyle or color right before your session. Plan out quick and easy changes to your hairstyle. Bring any products and hair tools you may need. If you need to show up in curlers, go ahead.

TANNING

Avoid tan lines and sunburn. Neither will look good in your portraits. Tanning is fine, just don’t go overboard.

FINGER & TOE NAILS

Nail polish will show. Keep it clean with a natural tone and avoid bright colors. Make sure they are tidy and not chipping.

TATTOOS & SCARS

Let us know if you want your tattoos to show or not. Scars can be included in the basic touch up, but you must inform the us.

GLASS

Glasses glare! Ask your optometrist if you can borrow frames without lenses to avoid this. We cannot guarantee results with glasses.

PROPS

Your pictures are about you. Props help to bring out your personality. Suggestions: sports equipment, trophies, uniforms, instruments, you name it! If you have seen an outdoor location or specific prop in our gallery that you wish to have in your senior portraits, you must inform us when you book your session. Also inform us if you wish to have a larger prop, such as a car. We require this because some places have to be shot at a specific time of day to get the desired effect and larger props may require more time than your session allows.

PETS

If you would like to have your pet photographed, you must inform us when booking your session. Pets must be housebroken and it is a good idea to have someone available to take them home after photographing them. You may bring a carrier if that is not possible. Treats can be helpful when trying to get a dog’s attention.

FRIENDS & PARENTS

Your friends and parents are welcome to come. However, if friends will be a distraction, it is best to have them sit in the waiting room. With most sessions, friends and parents can be included at no extra charge.

WEATHER

Weather is unpredictable! Clouds are not an issue, but rain is. If your session includes indoor and outdoor, we will keep the scheduled appointment and shoot your indoor portraits and reschedule the outdoor portion if necessary. If it is an outdoor only session scheduled for the morning, we will take your phone number home with us and contact you if we need to reschedule. If your session is scheduled for the afternoon and the weather is questionable, just call us at (260) 623-3792!