How To Prepare for your senior portrait session

We are very passionate about senior photography, and it is something that we have absolutely LOVED since day one of our business. Part of our job as the photographer is to relieve as much stress as possible before the day the session arrives so that our client can fully enjoy their senior portraits with no worries! However, there are still a lot of ways that you can prep before your senior session in order to make it the BEST possible experience!

All that said, the following are some tips and tricks to guide you while choosing outfits as well as tips for hair, makeup, and more!

Senior photo of young woman in sunflower field in new hampshire

What clothes should I wear for my senior portraits?

Be Comfortable

If you do not like fitted clothing (super tight dresses or pieces that fit awkwardly) then leave them at home! So, if there are pieces in your closet that make you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, don't include them in your senior portrait wardrobe! Additionally, we will most likely be sitting on the ground, laying down, walking and doing other things that could be difficult if your clothing is uncomfortable!

Fresh Fit

Ensure the clothes you pick out aren't easily wrinkled and are looking their best. No stray threads, sweater pulls, stains, or wrinkles! Fabrics that wrinkle easily might crease as we work through different poses.

Play with Texture

Sometimes textures like sequins, furs and sparkles can be considered "daring" or "over the top" but, in portraits, they are the BEST! Adding texture to your outfit makes the biggest difference, and it prevents the images from looking dull! Combining textures that you may not normally use together like sequins & cable knit sweaters or leather & fur make GREAT pairs!

Accessorize

During a senior session, or any photo shoot, the more the merrier! When planning your outfits, don't forget to plan accessories! Stacks of bangles, long necklaces, statement pieces, scarves, hats, bright shoes and other add-ons can make or break an outfit! Don't be afraid to over-accessorize either...it's always better to have more than not enough!

Consider Color

On camera, solid black & white can make skin tones look very washed out and unflattering. So, when choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair & skin colors! Primary colors like red, royal blue and yellow photograph beautifully as well as emerald green, bright purples, pinks, oranges and any other colors that really POP! Sometimes, color combos that may seem odd in-person end up photographing BEAUTIFULLY on camera!

Dress in Layers

In the cold months (fall & winter), adding layers to your outfits always looks STUNNING in portraits! A sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest and statement necklace or scarf adds so much dimension to your images and makes for super fun posing options! Even in the warmer months (spring & summer) you can add these layers and dimension by wearing a tank top with a cute sheet cardigan or by throwing a denim vest over a dress!

What about hair and makeup?

A Heavy Hand

Do your makeup a little heavier than usual. Makeup shows up lighter on the camera, so use slightly bolder and deeper colors than you normally would. Don't be afraid to use a pop of color on your lips and fake lashes to add length and volumn! Those little changes will make a big difference in your photos.

Don't Neglect the Nails

In all of the chaos of senior session prep...don't forget to pamper your nails! During your shoot, a lot of the poses we do will have your hands close to your face and in the frame, so make sure that your nails look just how you want! Try to avoid any chipped polish or crazy patterns. French manicures, light/natural colors and even nails with no color at all photograph best!

Consider Hiring a Professional

This is another HUGE part of a senior session that can completely alter the overall outcome of your images! I HIGHLY recommend professional hair and makeup to ALL of my clients for SO many reasons. I promise I'm not just saying it to get you to spend more money! It really does make HUGE differences.

Why a Professional Hair Stylist or Makeup Artist is Worth the Investment

They are TRAINED professionals:

When you are investing in a professional photographer, you want to make sure that the images look their absolute best. Professional hair & makeup artists are TRAINED to do hair & makeup so that they photograph well. While your makeup may look AMAZING in person, it will look completely different on-camera, and these professionals are trained to know the difference! They will conceal spots you don't like, contour your face so it looks the best in every light, use colors that compliment your skin to make it look flawless, make your eyes POP with false lashes & shadows, manicure your eyebrows to perfection and more! Some may think that there isn't a difference...but I PROMISE you, the difference is HUGE!

Less STRESS:

Preparing for a senior portrait session is stressful in and of itself. Trying to do your hair & makeup by yourself can make things ever harder. Professional camera equipment is designed to pick up every little detail in an image (even details that the eye can't see) so hiring a professional makeup artist is the best way to go.

Who doesn't like being PAMPERED?

I don't ever want my seniors to feel like their portrait session is just simply "taking pictures", I want it to be an EXPERIENCE. So, if my seniors arrive after an hour of being pampered & beautified, the entire experience has already started on a good note! If a senior arrives frustrated or stressed, it can affect the entire experience, including the way you look in the photographs!

**If professional hair & makeup is simply not in your budget, that is a-okay too! I just recommend doing your makeup slightly heavier than normal, making sure to add a pop of color on your lips & using fake lashes if possible! Those little details will make the biggest difference! **