Simple Guide on How To Prepare for Your Senior Portrait

Our Photographers want you to have the best experience available and once you have your senior portrait session reserved, it's time to start thinking about what to wear on picture day. As senior portrait photographers, we care and take pride in making everyone look their best as we capture the memory that will be shared for years to come.

First, you should know that we will provide you with: Your drape or tuxedo for the school yearbook and formal portrait, and your cap and gown made exclusively for portraits. Your cap and gown will be in your school colors, be sure to indicate it when you schedule so we can be ready.

           Hot Tip: While some tanning can give your portrait a nice glow, it is not necessary. Most importantly, be yourself and don't worry about it. Our retouching is amazing! However, you should avoid getting burned which shows discoloration of your skin and brings out unnatural red skin tone. Repairing peeling or sun burned skin by retouching can be done, but does require extra charges.

Next decide on a look for your portraits; casual (jeans, khakis), formal (dresses, black pants, suits) or/and personalized (fun, sports jerseys). You should dress accordingly depending on which look(s) you choose. You should dress in colors and styles that compliment each other.

A few suggestions:

Choose colors that will not overpower or distract from your face. Avoid busy patterns, such as stripes and plaids, and colors, such as bright oranges, yellows and lime greens, as they can also alter skin tones. Darker clothing such as dark blue, dark green, maroon and black, not only photograph well, but make subjects appear more slimming and look more flattering on the body. Solid white only photographs well  when  you are photographed on our high key studio (white). Photographers will always try to photograph ladies here, men will be photographed on it depending on attire and style. (best not to use white attire for all portraits, just high key).

           Hot Tip: White attire on  our white high key looks GREAT in black and white! Be sure to ask the photographer to set you up for a cool black and white renaissance portrait. 

The length of garments also affects the portrait. Short sleeves, spaghetti straps and above knee-length skirts/dresses generally do not look flattering for your casual portraits. Remember, your school will most likely have you wear our drape for your formal yearbook portrait. Longer sleeves that cover the elbow, knee to floor length skirts, shawls and ironed clothing is recommended.

Avoid extremely large/baggy or skimpy/revealing clothing. Generally, these do not photograph well and makes the subjects body look distorted and unflattering. 

Unless otherwise discussed, senior portraits will consist of a variety of head and shoulders,  close up, and 3/4 length photos. Please look closely at your session appointment letter for the type of attire required for your yearbook pose. Some schools want tuxedo and/or drape, others want a suit jacket and tie and females in a dress or blouse. If your school does choose "your own formal attire" (jacket and tie)... we will still have our tuxedo and drapes available as needed for those whom do not have them. If prefer only to be taken for the yearbook only (without cap & gown or casual poses), then you can have that at no charge. * No proofs will be sent and this service is only available when taken at school sessions only.

Personalize your senior portrait and bring a prop or garments that represent your own style. Sports team jerseys, hats, meaningful items, uniforms, or matching vests & hats make portraits more about YOU.

Haircuts on both men and women are not recommended to be done right before the portraits are taken. Hair cuts or styles should be done at least one week prior to picture taking, in case of mishap, bad style, too short, etc. 

Men should try to shave or trim the day before or morning of the day their senior portraits are scheduled, to minimize breakouts and give time for mishaps to recover. 

Women should keep make up looking natural. More does not necessarily mean better in this case. If needed, a little more blush and lipstick generally do the trick if desired to be seen in the photograph.

             Hot Tip: Get some sleep the night before, tired eyes and bags under eyes are not flattering!

Allow time for any preparations needed BEFORE your scheduled portrait session time. Changes of clothes, putting on make up, tying ties and restroom breaks can easily make time go quickly. Arriving 20 minutes before your scheduled time is recommended if extra prep time is needed before your session. 

Any additional information or ideas, such as a quick change of clothes or particular photographs desired should be addressed with the photographer before the first photograph is taken, so the photographer can plan accordingly. 

We look forward to making your senior portrait experience an uncomplicated and memorable one!

            Hot Tip: Did you know that our photographers will go to your location? Would you like to be photographed with your car, horse, dog, or a private outdoor setting? Well it's possible! Just give us a call for your exclusive time. (extra charge)

Remember, It's All About You!