Tips and Tricks to Get Your Absolute Best Senior Portraits

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Getting those perfect senior pictures can be stressful, but understanding some of the simple truths about how you and your photographer can work together will make your day and your photos the best that they can possibly be! Here are some tips to make your senior photo process easier.

Clothing - Keep it simple, but have some variety. 

• The studio you choose will tell you exactly how many changes of clothing to bring – usually it will be three or four – but include different styles, such as casual, semi-formal, formal or outdoors, so you can take several pictures and get your best shots.

• Remember to bring accessories for all outfits, from footwear to jewelry and hair accents. Since several full-body shots are also taken, check shoes to be sure they are clean and that both socks match – that full-body shot could end up being your favorite pose. But remember to avoid wearing attention-grabbing jewelry. Again, the photograph should accentuate your face, eyes and personality, not draw unwarranted attention to your jewelry.

• Keep your clothing visually simple. Don’t bring outfits with words or designs, stripes or pictures, except possibly your school logo. You want your face, eyes and expression to command attention, not the words on your shirt.

• Check your clothing ahead of time to make sure it isn’t spotted or faded, and transport your outfits (you can wear one when you arrive) on hangers to prevent wrinkles.

• Give consideration to color. Solid colors are recommended for most or all outfits. Colors that go well with a medium or dark background for close-ups include medium or dark tones of green, brown, rust, wine or blue. Darker shades tend to make people look slimmer. Try not to wear flesh-tone or neutral colors such as white, beige, tan, pale peach or pink, or gray, as these can dominate the picture and make you look washed out. I recommend spring and summer colors of sky blue, pale green, watermelon and dark peach to complement the outdoor setting. For fall, consider wearing red, gold, deep orange, emerald green and dark green.

• Use clothing to accentuate your best features. Girls may want to forego short sleeves or spaghetti straps if their arms are heavy, since these styles will only accentuate that feature. Turtleneck tops look best on people with long necks. Round and square faces look good in a square-neck top, while thin faces or pointed chins are attractive with rounded-neck tops.

Makeup - Be as natural as possible. Less is more.

• Apply makeup normally. It’s tempting to get very “glam” when having pictures taken, but this could very well make you look like a stranger in your senior portrait. Apply your makeup as you normally look on a day-to-day basis.

• Bring your makeup with you and let the photographer know you have it. If the photographer feels you need a touch more blush or eye-shadow, he or she will let you know.

• Avoid glitter or sparkly anything (powder, eye shadow, blush) – it tends to reflect the flash and leaves white spots.

• Also avoid too much lip gloss. It can also leave white spots from the flash or make you look like you’re drooling.

Hair – Go with what you have.

• Don’t get a new hair-do the day of your session, go with what works. If you want to get your hair cut, get a haircut at least a week in advance to give your hair a chance to adjust and look natural. Girls having their hair styled for a formal picture can, of course, wait until the photo session day to get their hair done, but they should practice with their hair stylist beforehand so there are no surprises on picture day.

• Go with practiced hair styles. Getting senior portraits done is not the time to leave your hair uncombed for that “natural” look. Also, avoid experimental hairstyles.

• Work with your desired hairstyles a few days before the photo shoot to get the look you want in advance.

• Guys need a fresh shave. A fresh shave for guys is recommended, and moustaches or beards should be neatly trimmed.

On the Surface - Don't over-do it. Just relax.

• Don’t worry about a blemish or bruise. Everyone has them, and we can fix them! Ask your photographer about retouching options to get the most attractive portrait possible. Keep in mind that digital retouching can be expensive, however, depending on your photographer.

• Stay away from tans. Don’t overdo the tanned look. For one thing, it looks unnatural. For another, your pictures could reveal peeling skin or a cherry-red nose.

• Help your glasses avoid glare. Either buy or borrow a pair of suitable frames without lenses to prevent glare and reflections from the glass. Or you can ask your optician to remove the lenses from your frames for the photo session. Most will do this for you at no charge, but give them plenty of notice so there is no rush.

• Make sure your hands are presentable. Hands are important. Like shoes, hands can show up in some of your favorite poses, so be sure to take the time to make them presentable – guys should trim their nails, and girls might need to touch up their manicure.

Time – Get the undivided attention you deserve during your senior session.

• Only take the photo if you’re feeling your best. When the big day comes, if you’re not feeling your best due to a bad cold or too little sleep, call and cancel your photo appointment. The photographer will surely understand how important it is to look your best and will simply set up a follow-up time.

• Try on several outfits at home before deciding which ones to take. Don't leave it until the last minute! As you become more familiar with the photographer, studio, and shooting plans, you can relax and enjoy the session.

Posing – Knowing how to make posing look natural is truly a secret art. Be prepared, but take directions from your photographer.

• Practice your facial expressions. Before you go to the photo shoot, practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror at home. You can try various smiles, serious but relaxed looks, and animated expressions for action shots (with sports gear, for example). Learn what the most natural smile feels like, so you can do it without the mirror at your session.

• Work on your poses. Although the photographer will arrange your standing and sitting positions for a variety of shots, you can try out different stances and positions at home, in front of a mirror, or by asking for feedback from a friend or family member. Look at pictures to know what you really want ahead of time. This will help you and your photographer out a lot to know what you want. The overall goal is to appear natural. (Popular poses include a seated shot that highlights your face.) Full body pictures are taken, as well, showing a person standing, sitting, or crouching in a relaxed manner. Outdoor shots typically make use of background fences, trees, and attractive or interesting doorways.

• Personalize your photos with props. Many photographers will invite you to bring favorite props to the shoot, such as sports equipment if you are a team player or fan, musical instruments, or hobby items. You can even bring a favorite portable piece of furniture, such as a lightweight chair or stool. Usually you can even bring your pet to appear in some of the shots with you.

• Bring someone with you. Most photographers welcome you to bring a friend if that person can help make you relax and take a natural picture. That person can also help with clothing changes and “double check” you while you’re being photographed to make sure your clothing hasn’t taken a turn for the worse or that your hair hasn’t come all undone. Just make sure to let your photographer know ahead of time to expect your friend at the session.

Details – Trust us to take care of all the little details so nothing distracts.

• We know how to highlight your best features. Trust us!

Questions – Get all your questions answered beforehand.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for advice. Your photographer is prepared for them and wants to get to know you. Become comfortable with your photographer by having conversations with them, and get even better photos!

Now relax, listen to your photographer, and go out and enjoy getting your senior photos done!