Planning the Perfect Senior Portraits
Chelsey was a dream to photograph. She had several great wardrobe choices and hair and makeup was totally on point.
Planning the Perfect Senior Portraits Does Not Need to Be Hard!
We had fun photographing Aidan in the Park–he brought his truck for a few!
Senior Portraits are a really fun way to kick off your Senior Year. You get to dress up and take some cool photos while having a good time. But how do you make sure you get great results in your photos?
In my years as a Senior Portrait Photographer, I have always believed in the value of a consultation before the session. This helps us get all of our ducks in a row. A little planning goes a long way with any Portrait Session, even more so with Senior Pictures.
Besides hiring a Professional Photographer (of course, LOL), the following things are vital in Planning the Perfect Senior Portraits:
Wardrobe for Planning the Perfect Senior Portraits:
How fun is this Senior Portrait? Prom dress on a train–love it.
Clothes are so important! I recommend you bring several things to choose from. Many of my clients need the traditional “drape” shot for the yearbook–we often do that first. No worries about that because we have everything here. We then move on to something more fun. In our consultation, we will talk with you in depth about what to bring. I recommend bringing something a little dressy as well as something casual. Make sure everything fits properly. I have even done FaceTime calls where people try things on at home and we decide beforehand what works! Also, Pro Tip–make sure everything is clean, pressed and you bring the appropriate undergarments and accessories to the Senior Portrait Session. We have done everything from jeans and T-shirts to Prom dresses, so don’t be shy. If you have something you love, we will photograph it. I also have a few select items on hand here to enhance your look.
I happened to have this hat, and some accessories that we used with the fabulous jumpsuit.
This image was actually featured on Senior Year Magazine’s national account last spring.
The colors in this image work really well together.
Derek is a Grateful Dead fan, so of course he brought this T Shirt.
Camera Ready–Makeup for Senior Portraits:
The goal of any Senior Portrait Session is always to present the very best version of yourself–am I right? With that in mind, at least some makeup is a good idea. I do highly recommend a professional hair and makeup appointment when planning for the perfect Senior Portrait session. All of the stylists I recommend understand how different products photograph and are expert with application and techniques to make the look last the entire session. But if you don’t want to go that route, here are some things to think about. Don’t go overboard with a heavy “pancakey” look–just even out the skin tones and have a natural looking glow. Try to avoid anything with SPF or a shimmer–it does not photograph well. Likewise be careful with contouring techniques–too much looks bad. Be sure to set the foundation with a translucent powder–shine is awful to try to fix in post production. Even if you don’t normally wear lipstick, wear one in a shade a little darker than your natural lip tone.
Loved Olivia’s beautiful hair, so of course we played it up in this image.
Hair:
Again, a stylist can be your very best friend here. They understand different hair types need different styling products to help the look last. Make sure you don’t try a “new” style cut or color for your Senior Session–you might not love it. Cut your hair a week before the session so it has a chance to grow in. If you color your hair, make sure the roots have been touched up.
Never underestimate the importance of you hair.
One of my personal favorites from last year–the Big Top.
Concept Shoots:
I absolutely love, love, love doing something completely out of the box, so please don’t be shy to share something you want to try. Seriously. Planning the perfect senior portraits often requires thinking outside the box. I have photographed dancers, athletes, even a welder. Clothing, accessories, props–let’s discuss what we can create for your Senior Photos that is totally “you.”
The outfit was perfect for this series of Senior Portraits–it does not compete with the sunflowers.
Locations for the Perfect Senior Portraits:
They say that location is everything–I totally agree. Sometimes we discuss this before the session, but sometimes we spontaneously find a great spot. Because we allow ample time for a Senior Session, we are able to do some really unique location photos. Some of my favorite spots are all within a half hour of my studio.
A little out of the way place on the side of the road, but it looks so great.
Varsity jacket, cool car and the High School–Iconic Senior Portrait.
We shot this Senior Portrait in the Winter as a fun add on to get snow images.
Do you need a little more inspiration for your Senior Portraits? You might enjoy this post on Planning Your Senior Portraits.
Be sure to also read our FAQs for Senior Portrait Photography for more info on planning the perfect Senior Portraits.