Now that you are booked for your senior session and things are officially official - let’s talk through the entire senior experience, step-by-step!
The Week Before
As we get closer to the day of your shoot, you can expect to hear from me with our meeting time, location and final check-in! I photograph senior portraits at “golden hour” - either 2 hours before sunset or the 1 hours after sunrise. We have likely already decided which time of day we will shoot! These times of day have the most amazing, glowy light, cooler temperatures and less crowds at popular locations. Because of this, I like to wait until we are 1-2 weeks from your shoot date to lock in an exact meeting time based on the time of the sunset.
Changing Outfits + Locations
I frequently get asked where my seniors will change outfits on their shoot day, most likely in your car unless there is a local bathroom. If you’d prefer to have a bathroom to change, just let me know ahead of time and I will be sure to select locations that have this option.
I will send a list of locations to give you ideas for your senior session. Sometimes if you want two different locations we may need to schedule 2 days.
Who to Bring with You
A parent or guardian and it is totally up to you if you want them to wait in car or be your hype squad behind the camera.
If you want to have your significant other, parents, pet or anyone else join in your photos…they are more than welcome! I just request that they wait to meet us until the last 25-30 minutes of your shoot. This way, we can make YOU the focus for the majority of the session with minimal distractions…and still capture photos with your favorite people as the grand finale!
Posing
The most important thing about your shoot day is I am going to tell you want to do the entire time! You do not need to have any posing or modeling experience. I will make you feel your absolute best and we will have fun!
After we look through your outfits together, we will start shooting! We typically spend 20-30 minutes photographing each outfit before changing and moving to the next spot. I take into consideration where I may want to use each outfit within a location.
WHAT TO WEAR
Be Comfortable
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Consider Color
Use this shoot as an opportunity to have a little bit of fun with your outfits + colors! On camera, solid black + white can make skin tones look washed out and unflattering. When choosing outfits for your senior session, try to choose colors that POP and that compliment your hair + skin tones!
Play with Textures
Sometimes textures like feathers, furs and 3D florals can be considered too extra…but, in portraits, they are the BEST!
Add Accessories + Props
T’m a huge fan of statement earrings, a bright lip color, a super fun shoe, colorful bags, floppy sun hats…ALL of these things give us so much more variety with posing + create such beautiful pictures!
Also feel free to incorporate your favorite sports, car, or letterman jacket!
Variety in Outfits
When planning your outfits, make sure that you have a VARIETY of looks! I tell
all of my seniors to choose from these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school- related, sports-related, preppy or edgy. I always recommend choosing 3-4 of those categories and finding outfits accordingly.
Hair and Makeup
If it is in your budget, hiring a professional for your hair and makeup will make a huge difference in the quality of your photos and senior portrait experience. If not I recommend putting on a heavier amount of blush, lipstick, and makeup so you do not look washed out in pictures. Don't forget to pamper your nails and be careful of spray tans and having streaks on your arms/legs.
Things to Avoid
- Sheer outfits
- Outfits too fitted and uncomfortable around the waist
- The wrong undergarments (hide all bra straps/panty lines)
- Wrinkles! Please iron the clothes beforehand.
- Shoe choices like crocs or beach shoes.
Boutiques to Shop
Alter'd State
Aritzia
Apricot Lane
Palm Tree Boutique
Girli Girl Boutique
Online Shops
Revolve
Abercrombie
Red Dress Boutique
VICI Collection
Pink Lily Boutique
See baley's senior session wardrobe below
See Nicholas's senior session wardrobe below
See Layla's senior session wardrobe below
