* Sleep - Try to get a lot of REST the night before your shoot. Don’t stress over it; trust me - we’re going to have a great time together! If you are getting early AM shots, I suggest applying cold compresses to your eye area for a few minutes before applying your makeup to reduce puffiness. Make sure you EAT before your session so you’re not miserably hungry. If you are bringing family or friends to your session, feed them, too! And be sure they’re aware we’ll be photographing for a couple of hours.
* Skin – AVOID SUNBURN! Not only is it bad for you, but it is bad for your appointment, because we will probably have to reschedule. Red or peeling skin is not a good accessory!
* Acne - Don't worry about having a few blemishes! These will be removed during retouching.
* Hair - Don't try a new hairstyle the morning of your session. Play around in the weeks beforehand to see what works and what doesn't. You might even want to have a professional do this for you. Go for a “timeless” hairstyle.
* Makeup - Wear what you usually wear, but slightly darker than normal. Please use care while applying eye makeup (eye liner, mascara), as your eyes will be the focal point of many of your photos.
* Nails - Your hands will be showing in many of your photos. Be sure that if your nails are painted, the polish is not chipped. Please choose a neutral color. Same applies to toenails if you are wearing open-toed shoes. We might do some bare-feet shots also, so make sure your feet look their best! GUYS – this goes for you, too!!!
* Shaving - I know it may seem obvious, but don’t forget to shave your legs and underarms if you don't want that look, as they may be seen in photos.
* Braces – Braces will not be removed from proofs, but can be removed from your portrait order at a charge of $10 per image.
* Scars/Birth marks/severe acne - Scars/birth marks will be removed only at your request. Please tell me at the time of your session what your preference is.
CLOTHING….
* A standard senior portrait session includes outfits changes– the one you wear when you show up, and two changes. I recommend accessories like jackets, scarves, etc. that can be added/removed for a different look.
* You'll want to wear what you normally wear, but "kicked up a notch". Add some funky jewelry, a hat, leggings, a scarf, a belt, or some other accessory. Just be sure that the accessory is not so loud that it distracts from you. Mix up your clothing from dressy to casual – Fun stuff you’d wear to hang out with friends (jeans!), and something sophisticated that will work well for sending a photo in with your college applications. Vary the style – for girls, perhaps a long-sleeved shirt for studio shots, jeans and a cute top, and a nice sundress. For guys, maybe a plain tee and jeans, a button down shirt to put over this, unbuttoned, for an alternate look, and a nice button-down shirt or sweater for studio shots.
* Hats are great for a few shots, but please don’t wear one to your session and get “hat head.”
* Be sure to bring along shoes to match each outfit. (Note, you do not need shoes for beach photos.)
* Try your clothing on in advance to be sure it fits comfortably and is flattering. Bend over, sit down, etc. and make sure that you don’t have skin showing where it shouldn’t be in certain positions and that you’re able to do such movements.
* Make sure each piece of clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.
* Wear a solid color or something with a splash of color to it for a nice contrast in your photos. Bring a variety of colors – not 3 blue outfits.
* Avoid horizontal stripes, loud patterns, and shirts with writing or big logos on the front. Solid colors work best; especially for portraits. We want the clothes to accent you; not the other way around.
* If you intend to wear a “strappy” dress or light-colored clothing, be sure to wear or bring the appropriate undergarments that will not show in your photos. Bra strap removal will be done at an additional cost.
* Do not wear baggy clothing that may give the appearance that you are larger than you really are and avoid tight clothing that you are uncomfortable in, as you may not be able to do certain poses this way. A very short skirt can also really limit the variety of poses that you will be able to do.
What to BRING.…
* Props -
They can add so much to a photo and give it more of a story. Ten or twenty years from now, you’ll enjoy looking back at these photos and remembering what you were like back then. Feel free to bring sports equipment (football, football helmet, ball & glove, batting helmet, bat, mitt, soccer ball, volleyball, hockey stick, pom pons, baton, etc.), sports uniforms, trophies/medals, musical instruments (Can’t bring drums? Bring the sticks!), tap or ballet shoes, sunglasses, iPod, books, motorcycle or snowmobile helmet, etc. If you are a volunteer firefighter, bring your uniform and helmet. Going into the Army or Marines? Bring along something to represent that major change in your life. Bring your CLASS RING if you have one.
* Vehicles are welcome at outdoor sessions (be sure they're clean, inside and out!). I can also take photos of you with your snowmobile, quad, dirt bike, etc. Pets can be included in outdoor shots as well. Please try to let me know in advance if you will be bringing props so that I can come up with some really creative ideas on how to showcase you with them!
* People - Parents are strongly encouraged to be present during the entire session. You are welcome to bring a friend or two as well.
* Your wardrobe changes, of course! Go through EVERYTHING one more time before leaving the house to make sure you’ve got it all. Make sure you bring shoes for every outfit!
* Touch-up stuff – lip balm, lipstick, powder, hairspray, etc.
