How to prepare for your Senior Session
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Don't forget to get your Free Senior Session checklist
What to expect
I totally expect that most high schoolers have never taken photos with a professional photographer. I laugh when they say that "I don't know how to pose", that they "feel uncomfortable in front of the camera" and that's when I joke and ask "let me see your insta or snap, I bet there's at least 100 selfies there". That usually loosens everyone up and we get going. I too feel a little nervous and awkward in front of the camera, so I understand how they feel. It's my job to help your senior feel at ease.
I do require that a parent come with their senior to the photo session. It's for the safety of your senior and mine. I may ask you, as the parent to assist me in making them laugh and use you as a looking queue.
My goal is to capture your senior's essence, style and personality. I always arrive at our agreed upon location early, look around to find spots with great lighting and the scenery you asked for. As the professional senior photographer, it is my job to show your senior where to stand, how to stand, sit, or lean and I'll guide them on what to do with their hands. We will move quickly, have fun and I recommend bringing an outfit for a change or two.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
One to two months before the session
The sooner you decide what time of year you'd like to take your portraits, I recommend setting up your appointment. Spring and summer dates tend to fill up the fastest because of our great weather. Also start thinking about the location or the scenery you would love to have of your photos. Start a Pinterest board of props, outfits, and locations. Browse my gallery of senior portraits and cruise through my previous senior blog posts for ideas.
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One month before the session
You know your hairstylist and makeup artist, but I highly suggest as soon as you have the session date established, I would schedule your senior's hair and makeup appointment. Make sure to allow plenty of time for your stylist to run late, sometimes delays are unavoidable and you don't want your senior to be late for their portrait session.
Start planning your outfits! Now that your session is booked, your location is picked, it's time to pick your outfits. I recommend muted colors, light colors, tans, greys, with a pop of color. Ultimately it's up to you, what does your child like? Do they love more vivid colors? Are they an art major with a love for a certain color pallet? Then have then wear that. It's important that your senior is comfortable, it will come through the camera.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
One week before the session
Have all your senior's outfits laid out, decided if you'd like them to do a cap and gown photo. Clean any props your senior may want to use, example: soccer uniform and ball, football uniform, cheer uniform, trumpet, guitar, etc. I would also recommend that gentlemen get their haircut, just in case it's a little shorter or not as expected. You still have time. Keep your senior hydrated, water keeps the skin looking its best!
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Day before the session
Have your senior get their manis and pedis! Depending on the weather your senior might want to wear open toed shoes and I know that their hands will be seen. Make sure they either iron or steam their clothes, there’s nothing worse than wrinkles. After going through the trouble of unwrinkling their clothes, make sure to hang all the clothes. Make sure they clean their shoes or pick shoes that are clean. And set your alarm!
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https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Day of the session
Have your senior go for a walk, relax, it's going to be a great day! Let them enjoy their your favorite food. Rock out to their favorite jams and get ready for a wonderful session!