My Top Ten Tips

For Perfect High School Senior Portraits

A guide for Seniors

about my High School Senior Portraits

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Seniors are beautiful people with special energy. I work closely with each to bring out the facets of their personalities in the form of visual art. Just as each human being is an individual, each photoshoot is also individual. I want to capture who you are and what you love and bring that out on camera. Your portraits should be a positive reflection of who you are.
My style is natural and relaxed. I like to enhance what’s naturally there rather than trying to create something that isn’t you. I work directly with my Seniors to choose a meaningful and photogenic location. I also offer a studio set up for a more traditional look.

Below are my top 10 secrets to helping you take the best senior portraits ever!

1. Clothing

I recommend bringing two outfits to your session that you are comfortable in. Make sure the outfits you choose is one you love wearing and feel amazing in. It will make a world of difference in the images. If you get a new outfit or two for your photos, it’s super important to try them on (and possibly wear them for a full day) well in advance to ensure the fit is perfect and comfortable for you. Keep outfits simple from loud designs, logos etc. I want to keep the focus on you.

2. Hair and makeup

If you don't normally wear makeup, keep it simple. A little mascara will give your eyes a little pop in the images. It is important, however, to avoid trying new makeup techniques the day of. Practice a few days ahead and see how it feels. It is also important to watch for makeup lines and blend lines, especially down the neckline.

If you can, hire a professional for your hair and makeup. A professional will make you look and feel your very best, and you will be more confident during the session. These images we’re taking will last a lifetime and become a family treasure throughout the decades!

3. Good night's rest and hydration

It is important to ensure your family gets lots of rest the night before the session. We want everyone's eyes to be bright and everyone to feel themselves. It is also important to stay well hydrated. Drinking lots of water the day before will get your skin full and hydrated, looking beautiful and glowing.

4. Forget the blemishes

There’s no need to stress! If you wake up the morning of the shoot and your skin isn’t looking 100% like you want it to, not to worry - I’ve got you covered (literally!). It’s my job to make your skin look it's very best in the final edits of your images.

5. Looking your best

If you have any concerns, please let me know beforehand so I can do my best to accommodate them during the session and post edits. A client told me they prefer one side of the face. Knowing this ahead of time helped me greatly in composing the family together! Another had a missing tooth and was afraid to smile for fear it would show. Knowing this helped me change my angle to keep it out of frame.

6. Manicuress & brows: something to think about

There will be some poses with your hands and many close-up facial shots. You may consider having your nails and brows done a day before your session. Choosing a fun nail color can add a pop of color to your images, so think of getting a mani as an extension of your outfits!

6. Don't stress about braces

Knowing what not to stress about is as important as knowing what is! For starters, don’t worry about those one bit if you're wearing braces. The point of a senior portrait is to capture the most authentic version of the real you at this exceptional point in time. If you’re wearing braces, that’s 100% okay! You’ll revisit these images many years later and treasure these youthful details.

8. Tan lines

Ladies, this is HUGE! If you have tan lines from enjoying those days in the sun, choose outfits that strategically cover them up. Nothing ruins a beautiful photo more than a glaring tan line on your arms or back. If you have a tan line or two, hit me up the week before your session to strategize on outfits and poses together.

9. Wear clear (or no) deodorant

On the day of the shoot, wear clear or no deodorant. Don't worry, I won't judge! We’ll be playing with many different poses, and having your underarms look clean and beautiful is a must. There may be poses with your arms over your head!

10. Guys, please don't forget to shave

Guys, trust me. You don’t want a 5 o’clock shadow ruining your face close-ups. Unless that's your thing!! Please shave the morning before the session!