Tips for Epic Senior Portraits

 

Being well prepared for you senior photo session can make the difference between average and fabulous photos. Follow these easy tips and you’ll be well on your way to looking your absolute best. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us.

Mindset

Have fun! We’re going to make you look great and you’ll have a great time. Relax. We like to think we’re somewhat cool and easy to get along with. Plus, we help you with posing, so there’s no pressure on you.

Arrival

Arrive 10 minutes early to your appointment. Showing up late means you lose camera time, and we don’t want that. If you’re coming from out of town, give yourself plenty of time to find your way around.

Style

You’re unique and beautiful. Follow our guidelines but be yourself in how you dress. Be fashionable. Wear clothing that’s stylish and timeless and put a lot of thought into your choices. This is a unique opportunity and we want you to look amazing!

Clothing

We can accommodate up to 3 outfit changes during your session. Wear your least favorite of the outfits you bring first. Why? Because it takes about 20 minutes to warm up to the camera so you’ll want to save your favorite outfits for when you’re all warmed up and rocking the session! Bring A LOT of options, since more outfits we have to choose from, the better. This will give us flexibility in matching your clothing to backgrounds and the surroundings. Group your outfits together on hangers. Make sure items are ironed and ready to go. Plan on changing outfits quickly. The faster you change, the more time we have to photograph and the more photo choices you’ll have later. Make sure you’re comfortable in your clothing and that it flatters you. This will ensure that you like how you look when viewing your photos. If you’re self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or cap-sleeve shirts and tank tops, as they tend to make arms look fuller. Avoid stripes, patterns and plaid, these tend to date the photographs. Solid colors photograph much better than busy patterns. Bring a variety of colors and mix the level of styles. Some should be dressy, some dressy-casual, and some casual. If you’re comfortable in dresses, bring them! They photograph really well and offer a nice variety from your other casual clothing choices. We can mix dressy and casual dresses for some great looks. Most importantly dress to look like YOU!

Shoes

We cannot say it loudly enough. Wear heels! Whether pumps or boots, dressy or casual, plain or sassy, heels really make you stand out and look glamorous. Flats can also work well if you mix them with the right outfit. Please do not wear flip-flops. Yes, they’re comfy and we all love them, but they don’t photograph well.

Hair

Although we try to help with hair, it is hard to know what your hair “is supposed to look like.” Make sure you like the look or let us know your preferences. Better yet, bring your best friend with you for the session and he or she can help. Hair style is ultimately YOUR responsibility. Any hair changes during the session should be quick and simple so you have as much camera time as possible. Bring hair spray, clips, pins, and whatever else is needed to keep your hair out of your eyes if it’s windy. Also bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch-ups. Do not make drastic changes to your hairstyle right before your photo session. This could add unneeded drama to your life.

Makeup

Makeup that is well done is one of the best preparations you can make for your session. It will even out skin tones and help give your photos that extra pop for a model-like look. Even if you don’t normally wear makeup or wear very little, take the time to do it well and your photos will look their best. Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal. Mascara should be clean and not clumpy. Avoid makeup with an SPF because it tends to create a shine. Summer shine can be controlled by using translucent powder that knocks out shine without adding additional color.

Jewelry

Keep it simple. Big, shiny jewelry can distract from the important subject, you. If you have different jewelry for different outfits, you might put each set of jewelry in a plastic baggie and hang it on the hanger with that outfit. Proper jewelry can really complement your outfit. It’s nice to have a variety to choose from and it doesn’t hurt to bring numerous options with you.

Props

Props are welcome and really help to show who you are. Some popular choices are:

• Sports equipment (soccer ball, basketball, softball bat, etc.)
• Sports uniforms
• Musical instruments
• Activity related items (dance, art, school clubs, etc.)

*Please make sure your chosen venue allows props prior to your session. We don’t want any surprises, it’s a real bummer to get there and not be able to use them.

Glasses

Most lenses have a glare. The safest option is to check with your eye doctor and ask if they’ll loan you a similar pair without lenses.

Tanning

Tan lines are a distraction and take away from your photos. We suggest you use a tanning bed and varied swimsuit tops to minimize any existing tan lines. If you choose to tan outside or in a tanning bed, don’t overdo it. We don’t want you looking orange and leathery.

Complexion

Makeup helps a lot here, but we do edit the images so please don’t be concerned about minor breakouts. We have you covered! If your acne is more severe, you’re still okay. We had bad acne is high school and understand! We’re happy to help you out with some extra retouching.

Friends & Parents

Friends or parents are welcome and often can be a help. However, if they distract you, it may be best to meet them when the session is over. You’re welcome to have a couple of shots with a boyfriend, best friend, sibling, or parent at no extra charge.

Weather

Don’t worry about clouds because they actually even out the light and make for ideal shooting conditions. But falling rain is an issue and we will have to reschedule. We will try to contact you first, but please contact us at [email protected] if you have any doubts or concerns.

Undergarments

Please make sure the colors of your undergarment coordinate well with your outfits and don’t show through your clothing. If you need a strapless, please bring one to your session. Tucking or moving straps will not always work or give the most pleasing look.  Check ahead of time to ensure that undergarments don’t leave unpleasing lines underneath your clothing.

Finger & Toe Nails

If you paint your nails, make sure they’re done well for your session. Chipped nail paint will show and distract from you. Avoid bright colors that will distract from you and may not work with all your outfits. Instead, opt for basic or natural tones.

Posing & Expressions….  I know it sounds silly, but practice DOES make perfect. Practice different expressions and poses in the mirror before your session. Here are a couple of things to try:  Look in the mirror and form a smile with your mouth. Now try it again, this time thinking about whatever makes you happy, and try to let that smile reach your eyes. By this, I mean, do you see how when you naturally smile, the lines form around your eyes and they light up? THIS is what we’re aiming for – not a “deer in the headlights” look.

Try some different expressions, such as the dreaded “serious face” or smiling with no teeth showing. See what you like and what you don’t.  

Girls’ hands should be open with the fingers slightly bent; guys should use a loose fist.  Arms and legs – if it bends, bend it! No locked limbs.

Don’t worry – we will talk you through all of this during your session. But practice helps!

 

Just like everyday you want to choose clothing for your maternity session that you feel most comfortable and beautiful wearing. Here are a few tips and ideas on how to choose the right maternity session outfit to get beautiful photos and the results you love.

1. The Maxi Dress and the Maternity Gown

Long or mid knee length maxi dresses with a chunky necklaces photograph well. A maxi dress highlights that beautiful baby bump and covers up any areas you feel are “problem” areas. Custom Maternity Gowns are also beautiful and open in the front to allow your bump to be seen. Etsy is a fantastic place to get these gowns. They are custom made, so please order early to assure it arrives prior to your session. Accessorize with a flower crown or halo for a finishing touch! *We recommend purchasing the optional under skirt in the same color to avoid showing "too much" during bare bump shots. Several clients have also recommended Sew Trendy Accessories and their website is http://www.sewtrendyaccessories.com/collections/all

 2. Wear Solids.

Solid colors photograph best however if you have a pattern you love and you want to include your significant other in the photos you want to be sure that you aren’t overly pattern happy and are wearing clashing patterns. Keep in mind that patterns can be very distracting, you what the focus of your images to be that beautiful baby belly not the pattern of your husbands favorite shirt.

3. Look at the colors in your home.

If your home color palette is composed of neutral colors – if your walls are beige and brown think about what colors would be complimentary. Colors such as a deep turquoise or burgundy pair well with neutral colors. If you have a more bold color palette with accent walls with pops of colors you may want to match some of your color choices with your accent color. When you get your large canvas print up on the wall you don’t want the colors to clash with your wall color.

4. Choose your color palette.

There are lots of factors to consider when you are planning your colors but first and foremost choose a palette you like. Keep in mind the location of the shoot and the colors of the background. Colors such as deep blues, sea foam and mint photograph well on the beach but may not look as natural in a park setting. The time of year that you are having your photographs taken may also influence the colors you choose. Other questions to ask yourself: Do you want to use the photos for any particular reason? Are you alright with wearing orange because it’s fall and then have that canvas on your wall year round?

There are lots of great ways to get color palette inspiration. You can search on Pinterest for color palette boards or just photos that contain a color scheme that is appealing to you.

 

Here is a basic what to wear color guide to get you started

 

5. Don't get too "matchy"

If your “significant other” is going to be joining you in a few shots, think about wearing complimentary colors or colors in the same color palette. Choose the color palette you love and then start raiding your closet to look for items you already have that fit in that color scheme. Another tip: If you have a favorite piece of clothing that you know you want to build your outfit around go to Design Seeds and search color palettes using that color as the base color – for example: you have a beautiful coral maxi dress you know you want to wear but you are not sure what other colors to use to accessorize. Set coral as your search color on design seeds and see what palettes come up. You may not have thought that a dark blue would go well and your husband has a dark blue shirt, you add a dark blue scarf and bam! you are coordinated and look amazing.

6. Avoid the jeans and black/white shirt look.

While a white shirt is classic you can sometimes end up seeing more than you intended in your photos. White can also wash you out and make you look pale.

7. Choose a timeless look.

You’ve invested quite a bit of money for your maternity photos that will become treasured family heirlooms (imagine your son/daughter looking at your maternity photos when they are adults – the worth of these images is invaluable.) You want to choose clothes that have a somewhat classic and timeless look. Another reason to avoid patterns – think back to your Mom’s 1970’s living room curtains!

8. Choose clothing with texture.

It’s great to choose articles of clothing with different textures to add interest to the photo. Pair cotton with jeans, throw in some tweed. Lace and crochet looks amazing in maternity portraits too. Be creative. More great ideas here! https://www.pinterest.com/carocreative/maternity-inspiration/

9. Accessories are awesome…. so are layers.

Start with your base layer of clothing – your solid colored dress, a solid colored top and jeans and then add layers of texture and accessories. Add a textured short jacket or blazer, add a floral scarf, add a chunky necklace and bracelets , even a headband or flower in your hair. Don’t forget to pay attention to your feet. A cute pair of shoes can make the outfit but it may be appropriate to go barefoot for some shots depending on your location.

10. Lay it out.

There are tons of great tools out there online including thousands of Pinterest boards dedicated to ideas on what to wear for portraits. Once you’ve pulled some options out of your closet just keep it simple and lay your clothing choice out on a solid neutral colored surface (beige carpet works great).

Hard to believe that we've never posted a blog about how to prep for your engagement session! Lately we've been asked quite a few of questions from clients like; What should they wear? Will we be posing them? Can they bring props?  Things like that.. So we decided to write this post to provide couples with a few tips and a bit of info they'll need to be 100% prepared for their engagement photos.

Now, while this probably isn't your first photo shoot, it more than likely is your first engagement session. Most important thing we are going to tell you is to remember that this is supposed to be FUN! This is the shoot with no pressure. On your wedding day we'll be crunched for time, your dress won't be able to get dirty, and there won't be any time for us to chat and get to know one another. This session is your chance to get to know us, get comfortable with how we work and have FUN in front of the camera. Now don't worry, your wedding day will be a BLAST, but it's so helpful to have a great engagement session before the big day so you know what to expect. Most couples that do have an engagement shoot, are PROS by the wedding day and it really shows in their photos.

So, the first thing you'll need to decide on is when you would like your engagement session to be done. Some couples prefer to have their portraits done in the season opposite of the season their wedding is in, while others prefer to have it just a short time from their wedding date. Whatever you decide you'll need to take our schedule availability into consideration. We usually book sessions about 2 months in advance.  Typically we shoot engagement sessions in the evenings, because harsh, bright, mid-day light makes for no-so-great photos. Plus, we all love those romantic sunset shots!!

Now, as promised, here are some steps to take to make sure you are 100% prepared for your engagement session;

1. Outfits: Most couples have two outfits, one casual and one that is dressier. The BEST advice we can give about outfit selection would be to try to COORDINATE instead of matching. Try to stay away from really tiny prints or patterns, they won't show up in your images. But, neutral colors, bold jewelry, and colored shoes photograph really well! Most importantly, make sure you look like YOU and feel comfortable!

                            

2. Preparing your Groom: This is the part that all of you brides really need to pay attention to! You know your groom better than anyone else and only you can help prepare him for this shoot. If your fiance' is completely unaware of this style of photography, he is going to think it's really strange when we tell you two to "Nuzzle" or get "Nose to nose".  He's most likely expecting a few pictures smiling at the camera, showing off the ring, and that's it! So it's your job to explain to him that this is an intimate style of photography and to help him know what he should expect so he won't be awkward about getting close and affectionate in front of the camera. A great idea is to sit down together and browse Pinterest for engagement session poses, to give him an idea of what he is about to experience!

3. Relax & Trust Us: As you are preparing for your session, remember that we don't expect you to be pros at this. We work with normal, everyday couples ALL the time and have never even been in the same room as a professional model. We can tell you that it takes a good 20 minutes to warm up at the beginning of your shoot. So relax and don't be nervous, you're both going to be great at this! Just trust us and allow us to be creative and you'll have an amazing shoot!

4. Be on Time: This is really important. What most people don't realize is that natural light photographers are 100% dependent on the sun and if their couples show up late, they will lose that amount during their session due to the lack of light. Now while we realize that things happen beyond our control like massive amounts of traffic, etc... Please be on time so we don't lose any of your shooting time and pretty sunlight.

5. Location and Time: The best time to shoot any portraits is normally 2 hours after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. This rule of thumb can be applied to any time of year. When it comes to picking the location for your session, we love shooting at locations that are special to our clients. We understand that this isn't always possible, but like to throw it out there just in case. Be aware that many locations including State and City parks require a permit to shoot there.  These are sometimes costly and take weeks for you to obtain. We are always happy to offer fee free location suggestions if you are having trouble finding one. It's a good idea to have a second location choice just in case we arrive at your first choice and find a reason we can't use it. (Like an event going on that we weren't aware of, etc.) *Props are welcome. Please let us know what prop(s) you will be bringing, and discuss your vision for the props prior to your session.

6. Hair, Makeup & Ring Cleaner: Some brides opt to have their makeup trial done right before their engagement session so they can see what their makeup will look like in pictures before their wedding day. We highly recommend this! Plus, it's always fun to get your hair and makeup done before a photo shoot! (In case you needed a reason.. wink! wink!) If you want to do your own makeup, make sure you apply your eye makeup a little heavier than normal for your session. Last, but certainly not least, we will be taking a ring shot! So if your diamond could use a little cleaning, go ahead and polish it up, so it will really make it POP!

Hopefully these tips help! Remember to relax, let your personality show, and smile with your eyes when you look at the lens. Don't be afraid to give input or request specific spots or poses during your shoot. Most importantly, just have fun and you will have amazing pictures!