Clothing

Now is the time to be YOU so wear what you love and feel most comfortable in. Pick outfits that reflect your personality. Aim for about 2-3 outfits total. (Keep in mind the more outfit changes the less shooting time available...so change quickly!) The goal is to capture you in a varitey of different looks!

GIRLS- One dressy option like a flowy dress, a casual outfit like jeans and a cute top, and maybe something that reflects a current sport or passion. I also LOVE it when girls bring a Statement dress- something they might not normally wear but it really stands out in their photos and adds that extra pop!

GUYS- Keep it clean and classic! One casual outfit like jeans and clean t-shirt (or button up shirt -left untucked- or unbuttoned with a t-shirt underneath), or khaki shorts with a polo works well. Also, one formal look. (I promise you won't regret it!) A SUIT would be amazing, or khaki's with a button up shirt tucked in with dress shoes, also a sweater with dress pants and dress shoes works well. PLEASE make sure all shoes are clean and unblemished. Finally, your sports uniform. You could do this a couple different ways...either full on sports gear or something simpler like your jersey top with jeans.

Be sure to try on your outfits before the photo shoot. It's important that everything fits well and you feel comfortable and confident. You don't want to waste time figuring things out on location and waste valuable shooting time.

Iron any clothes that need to be pressed and be sure to hang these items up so they don't get wrinkly before your shoot. I do not photoshop wrinkles out. I will provide a pop up changing tent to hang your clothes and change outfits.

GIRLS- Make sure you have the proper undergarments. We don't want to have bra straps or see patterned bras showing through your top. The best bra for photos is neutral, well fitting, and strapless.

Colors and patterns are great but can sometimes be tricky...the camera doesn't like thin stripes or tiny prints because they can often look pixelated in the final images. For colors, either bright (no neon) or earth and jewel tones photograph well. Starting with neutrals (blues, greens, or grays) and building from there also works. If choosing a pattern for one outfit, I recommend choosing a solid color piece for the other. Please avoid overly branded clothing with big graphics and neon colors.

Accessories & Props

Accessories are a great way to add a little pop to your photos. Bold necklaces, a fashionable hat or cowboy hat, a well-loved pair of boots, your favorite heels or cute pair of Converse shoes, a childhood stuffed animal, a bouquet of spring flowers, the list is endless!

If you have a special interest, feel free to bring an item that represents that side of you. A favorite book or hobby, instrument, sport, an award, your pet, even your car...We will have fun finding creative ways to incorporate it into your shoot.

Hair: If you are planning on doing your own hair, it's best to stick to a hairstyle that you've worn often enough to know you like it. You want people to recognize you, so don't make the mistake of getting a brand new color or cut shortly before your session. Also, don't apply too many styling products--we want hair to move freely and naturally.

GUYS- Wear your hair exactly how you normally would, though I do recommend getting a haircut about a week before your session. Make sure you are freshly shaved (or trimmed) and be sure to apply moisturizer to your face to help combat any dryness as well as lip balm to avoid chapped, dry lips.

GIRLS- Makeup: If you are not able to utilize a professional makeup artist and are doing your own, 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 tone.
Pick matte makeup and avoid ANY makeup with shimmer. It'll bounce light back to the camera and might not be flattering.
Consider using natural looking false eyelashes. They photograph beautifully and will really make your eyes POP in your photos.
Do a "practice" makeup application a few days before your shoot so you know exactly what to do.
And don't worry if you notice a blemish or two pop up the day of your shoot (they always do) I can easily remove them in photoshop.

Nails: Be sure to have manicured nails. Some poses will include your hands near your face and you don't want to have dirty nails (guys) or chipped polish which will take away from the photo and be a distraction. White/light nails or a french manicure will photograph best.

To Tan or Not to Tan: Definitely NOT to tan. Suntanning can cause tan lines and using self tanner might cause an uneven, brown, blotchy look. Neither look great in 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 viewfinder. Your NATURAL skin tone is best. If you do want a little bit of color, consider using a small amount of bronzer.

And most importantly, be sure to get plenty of sleep so you are well rested, fresh, and ready to go for your photo session!